Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Your Skin

What IS PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 5-10 percent of reproductive-aged women. PCOS is caused by an excess of androgen hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, resulting in enlarged ovaries that contain many very small cysts. These cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and do not require surgical removal. The outer wall of the ovaries thicken, giving the polycystic appearance. Symptoms begin during teenage years around the start of menstruation and can be mild or severe depending on the level of hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of PCOS –

• Infertility issues – PCOS can impair a woman’s fertility by causing lack of ovulation (eggs rarely released).
• Androgenetic alopecia – baldness or thinning of the hair from hormonal imbalances.
• Hirsutism- excessive body and facial hair growth also from hormonal imbalances.
• Acne vulgaris – hormonal acne and breakouts normally presenting in the cheeks, chin and jawline. Cystic acne is also typical in PCOS and breakouts can occur on areas of the body including the chest and back.
• Increased androgen levels- the pituitary gland produces an excess of male hormones causing the imbalance of hormones needed to satisfy female reproductive function.
• Elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin levels – PCOS patients will often have high blood pressure, cholesterol and type II diabetes as a result of their hormonal imbalances.
• Acanthosis nigricans – the darkening of skin on the back of neck, underarms and groin area resulting from androgen hormone levels.
• Irregular or excessive menstrual cycles – hormonal imbalances of androgen and estrogen can affect menstrual cycles by causing them to be irregular and lasting longer with heavy bleeding.
• Weight gain – most often accumulating around the mid-section and difficult to lose.

PCOS and Your Skin –

As the body’s largest organ, your skin can be the first indicator that abnormalities are occurring within the systems of the body. (See also: https://theholisticskin.com/why-am-i-breaking-out-chinese-face-mapping/) PCOS can affect the skin in the following ways –

• dry skin and dandruff
• hormonal acne
• skin tags
• excessive facial and body hair growth
• darkening of the skin
• irregular oil production

Natural Remedies for PCOS and Symptoms –

While there is no current cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed and its effects minimized by lifestyle changes and dietary supplements. Insulin resistance and hormone regulation are key to managing and minimizing your PCOS. Your skincare, food and environment need to be as natural and free of toxic chemicals as possible. (See: https://theholisticskin.com/top-10-deadliest-skincare-ingredients/ for a list of known endrocrine disruptors commonly found in commercial products.)

• Increase iron intake to offset anemia from heavy bleeding in cycles. Iron-rich foods include spinach, eggs and broccoli.
• Removing hormones and preservatives from your diet allows the endocrine system to better regulate insulin production and stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Incorporate healthy, lean proteins into your diet from plant-based sources. Nuts, legumes and whole grains are excellent sources of protein.
• Increase magnesium levels with almonds, spinach, cashews and bananas. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, and is important for blood sugar regulation and heart health. Women with a magnesium deficiency are 19 times more likely to develop PCOS.
• Stay away from processed food and foods heavy in preservatives, as these will cause inflammation and insulin resistance. Following a clean, whole food diet will keep your body free from artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives known to further disrupt the hormonal system.
• Stay active! Exercise is extremely important in the treatment of PCOS. Maintaining a healthy weight will minimize the effects of PCOS, but there must be a balance, as over-exercising can also disrupt your hormone levels. Yoga can be a great low-impact workout to keep your active, while the dopamine and serotonin released will dramatically impact your sense of well-being.
• Regulate your sleep patterns. While you are sleeping, your body is rebooting, regulating systems and producing much needed hormones. Having a regulate sleep schedule with at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep can be extremely beneficial to regulating hormones and producing insulin.

Best Herbs and Supplements for PCOS –

• Cinnamon – has a positive effect on insulin resistance,
• Turmeric – anti-inflammatory properties
• Zinc – boosts fertility and immune system. Improves symptoms of alopecia and excessive hair growth.
• Evening Primrose Oil – aids in alleviating menstrual pain, regulating cycles, improves cholesterol levels and oxidative stress linked to PCOS.
• Cod Liver Oil – source of vitamins A & D, omega-3 fatty acids, improves regular menstruation and aids in ridding stubborn fat from the waistline.
• Probiotics – balances and maintains gut health, skin health and can also reduce inflammation and regulate hormone levels.
• Ashwagandha – helps balance cortisol levels from oxidative stress associated with PCOS.

Sources :

• http://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/natural-treatment-pcos
• http://youngwomenshealth.org/clinicians/pcos-nurse/
• http://www.american-nurse.com/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-a-threat-to-appearance-menstruation-and-fertility/
• http://www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-magnesium-4145000

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