This may surprise you, but I get a lot of questions about a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS…which affects up to 10 percent of women of childbearing age.
PCOS is, in fact, THE most common hormonal endocrine disorder in women. As you might imagine, it’s very frustrating for anyone who is affected. As prevalent as PCOS can be, it’s also quite misunderstood, so for today’s post I’m going to discuss some common myths about the condition, how it affects the health of women who have it, and how Beauty Detox principles (along with the right foods and remedies) can help manage this condition.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS causes a disruption in a woman’s normal hormone cycles. Hormone production by the ovaries becomes out of balance, producing higher than normal amounts of androgens (the male sex hormone). This can cause acne, weight gain, and excess body and facial hair- but thinning hair on the head. [1]
That said, physical changes are not the only concern with PCOS. Unbalanced hormones can make it more difficult to have children because ovulation may stop (but more on this below). Underdeveloped eggs in the ovaries lead to the formation of cysts. Women who do get pregnant may have in increased risk of miscarriage. [2]
Left untreated, PCOS can increase the chances of developing heart disease by 4 to 7 times. It can also increase the chances of becoming diabetic by 3 to 6 times according to UC Davis. [3]
In most cases, the first symptoms of PCOS are the physical ones – and I truly empathize because affected women can feel less beautiful due to the shifts in her weight and overall appearance. Other unpleasant symptoms can include heavy periods or no periods at all, pelvic pain, and a decrease in breast size. Depression may also become a problem in women with PCOS.
As you can see, it’s a very serious problem — with nearly 7 million afflicted with it in the US alone each year.
The Root Cause of PCOS
Bear with me, I’m going to quickly review the science, which is important to understand — but will get a tad technical. Then, we’ll jump into what exactly you can do about it, including incorporating Beauty Detox and select foods.
Medical experts are unsure of the cause of PCOS, but it is believed to be hereditary. If someone in your mother’s or father’s family has PCOS, you have an increased chance of getting it, too. Some experts think excess insulin production and insulin resistance may be a factor in getting PCOS because it may increase androgen production in the ovaries. Inflammation may also be a factor in PCOS because inflammation triggers the ovaries to produce androgens. [4]
There is also evidence that exposure to BPA, the dangerous chemical found in many plastics, food containers and packaging, can be a factor. In fact, research has found women with PCOS have higher concentrations of BPA’s in their blood. Of course, I’ve been sounding the alarm about BPA’s for many years now, and this is one more reason to avoid these plastic-based toxins! (At Glow Bio, we use non-leachable, BPA-free PET #1 bottles, which are the easiest to recycle, and have a lower carbon footprint for recycling and shipping than glass bottles).
Some Common Myths About PCOS
The first myth about PCOS is that it’s a rare or unusual condition, but the truth is that is affects between 5-10% of women between ages 18-44! [5] That makes it an unfortunately fairly common condition. It’s something I’ve encountered personally, as several of my friends have this condition. It is also commonly thought that surgery is the only option to treat PCOS. But while some women do need surgery, it isn’t always the most optimum way to treat PCOS.
It is also a myth that PCOS only affects women in their 30s or older. In fact, women of any age can be affected by PCOS, even teenagers. Another misconception is that women with PCOS cannot have children. Some women may have fertility problems, but since PCOS is believed to be hereditary, obviously women with PCOS can have children or it couldn’t be passed on.
You might also be surprised to learn that cysts do not have to be present for a diagnosis of PCOS. Another misconception is that all women with PCOS are overweight. Though weight gain is a common symptom of this condition, it does not hold true across the board. And while the belief that there is no cure for PCOS isn’t really a myth, the fact is, there are many treatments and lifestyle changes that you can make that will make a dramatic difference in quality of life.
Options for Treating This Condition, Naturally
Conventional treatments for PCOS basically treat the symptoms without really addressing the root cause. This is because the root cause is still uncertain. It isn’t unusual for doctors to prescribe birth control pills, medications to lower insulin levels and even medications to help you ovulate. In some cases, even surgery is recommended.
I’ve even heard of doctors recommending eating meat to help the condition, though there really is no evidence to support this, and not something I would personally advocate.
Aside from all those medical interventions, I want to instead focus on some lifestyle changes you can make that may improve your symptoms — without the possibility of side effects from medications. For example, eliminating alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and sugar will help reduce inflammation. Eliminating animal fats, processed foods, and dairy products may help as well.
Instead, eat lots of healthy fruits and vegetables. As I mentioned, some experts feel that lean animal proteins are important in treating PCOS, however, a 2008 study concluded that vegetable sources of protein, instead of animal sources, can reduce the chances of infertility from PCOS by more than 50 percent. [6] So don’t be fooled if you or someone you know is told to eat meat because of the condition, because there is some research that seems to suggest the opposite.
Regular exercise can also help to improve PCOS symptoms as well, because it not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps to lower insulin production after meals. Weight lifting, or body weight lifting as you do in yoga, can help balance blood glucose and insulin levels.
Where Beauty Detox Fits In
This goes without saying, but anyone with PCOS should be extra conscious of what is eaten on a daily basis. The Beauty Foods diet, which is comprised of whole plant foods: greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, some whole gluten-free grains and legumes is actually the perfect diet for PCOS — especially given it’s impact on inflammation.
Simply by following the Beauty Detox lifestyle, you will better manage your symptoms because as you reduces inflammation in the body, it can help other symptoms subside. Your body will also balance its blood sugar levels, allowing you to maintain a healthy weight, and giving you more energy so you can stay active. So many benefits from just simple changes to how you eat! Food is truly powerful, and truly empowering because YOU can choose what to nourish your body with.
The Best Foods for PCOS
Choosing the right foods can help you control PCOS. While an over-all healthy diet is always vital, certain foods may be especially beneficial.
Fiber-rich Beauty Vegetables can help keep your blood sugar and weight and hormones under control. These include broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and more — the cruciferous family is especially good for managing estrogen — along with celery, cucumber, lettuce, spinach, and radishes. More concentrated sources of plant-based protein are also important (though all plant foods have protein)…so you should include nuts and seeds, sprouts, spirulina, chlorella, as well as some legumes and beans.
Calcium-rich Beauty Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli not only help with proper follicle development in the ovaries, but calcium also helps the body produce insulin. Sesame seeds/tahini is also a fantastic source of calcium! These vegetables and seeds, along with avocados — as you’ll find in my Dharma’s Kale Salad — also give the body needed potassium. Potassium help the body produce FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone.
Don’t forget to include Beauty Fruits like cherries, raspberries, strawberries, grapefruit, apples, peaches, pears, and plums. These fruits help give you needed energy, reduce toxins in our body, help ensure you’re getting enough healthy carbs in your diet without overdoing protein or fat.
When Diet Alone Is Not Enough
All this said, diet alone may not get you all the way to where you feel great. In cases where symptoms persist even when a healthy diet is being followed, other remedies may be helpful.
There have been numerous studies showing the benefit of acupuncture for treating PCOS. In the 2321 cases of PCOS studied, it has been found that acupuncture is just as effective as Western medicine in managing PCOS symptoms. In a meta-analysis on acupuncture for PCOS, it was found that acupuncture, as well as acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicines, are helpful in in reducing serum luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin resistance, testosterone, and body mass index. [7]
Women who are considering medication to induce ovulation might want to consider alternative treatments as well. One study showed that Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa extract) can be used in place of clomiphene citrate, a common fertility drug, to induce ovulation in women with PCOS. [8] This is because Black Cohosh is a phyto-estrogen. It may help the body produce estrogen from the first dose. Incredible!
Wood betony (Stachys lavandulifolia) has been shown to help with abnormal menstrual cycles in women with PCOS. It may be used as an alternative to Medroxyprogesterone acetate (also known as Depo-Provera) to prevent abnormal uterine bleeding. [9]
If you choose to use herbs to treat your PCOS, be sure to consult with an experienced herbalist and keep in mind that some herbs may interact with medications. But if your goal is to avoid pharmaceuticals, it is comforting to know that you may be able to help treat PCOS naturally. (Be sure to always check with your doctor or keep your doctor abreast of your overall program.)
Don’t Forget Meditation and Mindfulness
Until PCOS is better understood, a cure is unlikely to be found. But that doesn’t mean you should give up hope! Studies are ongoing and the more information that scientists discover, the better your treatment options will become. Already we’ve see so much promise and progress with natural dietary and herbal treatments, and that research is only just beginning.
Until then, don’t feel powerless. There is so much you can do to help yourself. Staying active, a healthy Beauty Detox-centereed diet and possibly even alternative medicine – all of these things can help you keep your PCOS under control so you can live a happier life.
One last tip: both meditation and the practice of mindfulness have been shown to reduce depression, stress and anxiety and it has positive effects on the nervous systems. Mindfulness and meditation also boost the immune system, and reduces blood pressure, glucose, and inflammation. All of which will help alleviate your symptoms, and make the best possible health decisions going forward. Your reproductive organs lie in the realm of your second chakra or Svadhastana chakra, which is the energy center that governs creativity, healthy self expression and self worth, and feeling liberated to pursue your life goals. As I believe what is going on with you emotionally, mentally and spiritually has an impact on your physical body (which I go into much more detail in, in The Beauty Detox Power), it’s a good idea to look at these areas of your life and see if there are any blocks- and work to remove them.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I have so much empathy for anyone who has to deal with this condition — and even more for those who are not given the truth about getting better. If you know anyone who might benefit from what I’ve written here today, do not hesitate to share.
You may end up totally changing someone’s life — and that’s something they’ll never forget!
I hope you have an awesome week! Wishing you all the very best, and see you back here soon.
With love and gratitude,
Kimberly
Research:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/causes/con-20028841 [2] https://americanpregnancy.org/womens-health/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/ [3] https://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/internalmedicine/endocrinology/pcos.html [4] https://pcos.about.com/od/relatedconditions/f/The-Relationship-Between-Pcos-And-Inflammation.htm [5] https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/PCOS/conditioninfo/Pages/risk.aspx [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3066040/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20230329 [8] https://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/479/041352-479.html?ts=1421032876&signature=3d8c7fc2b05ef4fdf40f2a81b83fad40 [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23307315
Thank you so much for posting this article!! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate PCOS being explained from your point of view, and how to naturally treat it. My doctor wanted me to go on birth control, but it was not something I needed. I wanted to get to the root of the problem, and not just fix the symptoms! Thanks again! :)
Try all natural supplement called glucorein hop
Hi Kimberly,
After reading this, I have to ask. Do you have any info on Endometriosis? Foods to eat or avoid?
Thanks!
Vicki
Kimberly – Thank you so much for this post! As someone who suffers from PCOS, and who also trusts your advice on all things health and beauty, your views on the subject are so helpful and enlightening. I’ve been following you for years and appreciate your approach to all aspects of health – you have a gift of taking even the most scientific subjects and making them approachable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the knowledge and power to be truly healthy. xo.
Kimberly, thank you so much for posting this article. I have struggled to find a way to deal with PCOS and this article came at such a timely moment. After numerous drugs, tests and pokes from Western doctors, I attempted accupuncture and herbs. Unfortunately, I don’t think I found the right fit for me with this practitioner, so I stopped. After feeling helpless and giving up on all of my healthy lifestyle choices (I was inspired to go vegan after reading your book), I recently got back into plant-based eating, yoga and meditation. While I am not sure that I will ever be able to get rid of PCOS, I feel so much more vibrant and alive. Just knowing that I am being mindful of my eating habits and practicing yoga and meditation has helped me tremendously. Thank you for always being on the forefront of alternative solutions to ailments. I love your philosophy and how you relay your message to your readers. Can’t wait for the new book! It’s in my Amazon cue just waiting to be shipped when you’re done with it :).
Thank you so much for sharing this vital information on PCOS. We believe that our 18 year old has this condition. We see her doctor to get confirmation if her condition is PCOS tomorrow. We’ll be taking the natural and healthy route you shared in this article first. Again, Thank You, this information came right on time.
Dear Kimberly,
This article was really great and filled with plenty of information. Thank you for taking the time to address your readers with your research and what your know about foods, alternative medicine and excersices. I have certainly shared your information with other women– and men, I know. Whenever I read your posts, my faith is restored in myself because you provide helpful information that everyone should know and take importance in. I get more empowered to continue along the path of living healthy inside and out. Thanks to these post and your books, I have learned that Mother Nature is truly amazing and how we can all improve our lifestyles if we take advantage of what She has to offer.
Kimberly I want to thank you for writing this because for over 20 years I have dealt with terrible periods and a lot of what you have discussed in your blog and after going to see many Dr.s and dealing with fertility issues for over 7 years with no answers or cures I can finally say you have opened my eyes to PCOS and I am going to follow your recommendations and see if this will help with my situation. Thank you
I have been dealing with PCOS and Endometriosis since I was 15. Throughout the years, it has been difficult to find a doctor that would suggest a natural treatment. I’ve had to spend years piecing together information in order to find what works for me which is definitely eliminating gluten and dairy from my diet. I’ve also found that a high quality Evening Primrose Oil helps ease the pain at difficult times. I have considered acupuncture but I’ve never tried it so I think I may need to see if that helps. Thank you for putting together such a great list of tips! If only I had this years ago!
Thank you Kimberly for your love and support. I was diagnosed with having PCOS around 20yrs old (I am now 32). I was determined not to take medication and instead focused on having the right food, exercise and positive attitude. Personally, I have found a healthy lifestyle and daily exercise has ensured I’ve never put on large amounts of weight, my periods are regular and not heavy and I have also had a baby :) However I did go through a phase of feeling ‘yuk’ (depressed, hair issues, etc) so to all the other women suffering from this condition, you’re not alone and there are ways to beat the symptoms :) Thank you again Kimberly for shedding light on this topic :)
I suffer from PCOS. Thank you so much for addressing this. I have tried Chinese herbs and acupuncture and it has worked, but unfortunately it hasn’t been a permanent fix, which is what I was hoping for.
Thanks again!
What I love most about Kim is that she backs her statements up with references. True, honest to goodness scientific references. Thank you so much for your thoughtful articles!
Kimberly,
Thank you so much for including an article about PCOS on your blog. It is important to get the message out there–and you did it beautifully. I have been following the beauty detox plan for about 4 years, and essentially follow a whole foods/plant based/gluten free vegan diet.
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was trying (and struggling) to have my first child. The hormonal changes following his birth balanced my system and I was able to have two more children. That said, after nursing my third child, my cycle returned to what was ‘normal’ for me (no cycle at all). When I started on your plan, one of the first choices I made was to limit and ideally eliminate wheat from my diet. I noticed an immediate hormonal change upon giving it up. Shortly after dropping wheat from my diet, my monthly cycles (which were non-existent) became regular/28 day cycles. The impact goes beyond infertility/cycles. In my own research, I have learned that wheat and dairy has a tremendous impact (as you know) on inflammation and hormones–and on PCOS symptoms. I can attest that removing inflammatory foods from my diet has made all the difference in balancing my hormones. Thanks for your wonderful article!!
Also- thanks for your incredible books and program!!
Karen
I suffer with PCOS and despite having a fairly healthy diet for years, little processed food, mainly white meat or fish, no milk, little dairy and reduced gluten products I am still putting weight on. I have started reading The Beauty Detox Solution but this article mentions The Beauty Detox Power, is there much difference between the books? Will the one I’ve got be suitable?
The Beauty Detox Solution will be a great start on your journey. Read this book first. You will love The Beauty Detox Power too, It will be easier to understand having the base of reading BDS first. :)
Hello my name is Sarita. Thank you all for your inspiration and sharing on this subject. I was diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago. My biggest issue has been my hair. I lost about 50 percent of my hair before I was diagnosed. I had no idea why my hair was so dry and shedding. To top it off it was not only the hair on my head it was over my entire body. My hair was so dry and my hairline even started to recede. The crazy thing is I did not experience missed periods or weight gain however I was always extremely cold to the point I could not warm up unless I took hot showers. I went to my doctor and was tested and the results came back that I had PCOS. I was placed on thyroid meds and birth control. Do you think birth control is needed for PCOS if you are not missing your cycle? Does your hair ever fully recover?
Hi sarita…thank you so much for sharing your background when it comes to PCOS. Since everyone reacts to medication and birth control differently, it’s always best to listen to your Health Care Practitioner to ensure you are receiving what your body needs. If you find you are not seeing results after at least 6 months (it takes awhile to see results when it comes to hair, giving it more time than usual), you should readdress this with your practitioner. Wishing you a happy full head of hair – let me know how you’re doing down the road! ;)
Nice post….
Thanks so much Anna! ;)
Wow, great blog. Thanks to sharing this useful information.
Thanks so much Sumita! ;)
Thanks so much Rakshita! ;)
Great blog. Thank you for sharing this informational blog.
Thanks so much David. Lots of love! ;)
Informative and unique content you have shared. Very useful information for patients who are suffering from this problem and to get solution and treatments.Thanks for sharing .
Thank you so much linta, appreciate your feedback and happy to hear the content is useful. Lots of love! Xo
Thanks for sharing about this. I used to do different things to get relief.
Lots of love to you Mandhana! Xo
Very Informative article. You have explained each and every point in this article. I liked it very much. Do post such informative article.
Thanks so much for your support. Sending you lots of love! Xo
is very good article. so many people suffering this problem. it is use full
Thank you Best Gynaecology in Kasaragod! Sending you lots of love! Xo
Good information. So many people suffering PCOS. Thanks for sharing this information.
Lots of love! Xo