How to Balance Your Hormones and Live Well with PCOS

 Hormone imbalance and PCOS are closely related. PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a common hormonal disorder that affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) during their reproductive years. PCOS can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, mood swings, and more. PCOS can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

PCOS is caused by an imbalance of several hormones that regulate the reproductive system and other body functions. These hormones include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This hormone stimulates the growth and maturation of follicles (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries that contain eggs. In PCOS, FSH levels are usually normal or below average.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): This hormone triggers ovulation (the release of an egg from a follicle) and the production of progesterone (a hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy). In PCOS, LH levels are usually high or normal, which can cause multiple follicles to grow but not ovulate. This leads to the formation of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries and low progesterone levels.
• Androgens: These are male sex hormones, such as testosterone, that are normally present in small amounts in women and AFAB people. In PCOS, androgen levels are usually high or normal, which can cause symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, male-pattern baldness, and increased muscle mass.
• Estrogen: This is a female sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and other body functions. In PCOS, estrogen levels are usually high or normal, which can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, breast tenderness, and increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).
• Insulin: This is a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. In PCOS, insulin levels are usually high or normal, which can cause insulin resistance (a condition where the body does not respond well to insulin). Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar levels, weight gain, increased appetite, and increased risk of diabetes.

The exact causes of hormone imbalance and PCOS are not fully understood. However, some factors that may contribute to it include genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, inflammation, and stress.

The treatment of hormone imbalance and PCOS depends on the individual’s symptoms, goals, and preferences. Some common treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes: These include eating a healthy diet that is low in refined carbohydrates and processed foods, high in fiber and protein, and rich in anti-inflammatory foods; exercising regularly; managing stress; getting enough sleep; quitting smoking; and limiting alcohol intake.
• Medications: These include hormonal birth control pills or patches that can regulate periods, reduce androgen levels, and lower the risk of endometrial cancer; anti-androgen drugs that can reduce excess hair growth and acne; metformin that can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels; clomiphene citrate or letrozole that can stimulate ovulation and increase fertility; gonadotropins that can induce ovulation with injections; spironolactone that can lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention; statins that can lower cholesterol levels; and anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs that can improve mood and mental health.
• Surgery: This includes laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) that can destroy some of the tissue that produces excess androgens in the ovaries with a laser or electric current; ovarian wedge resection that can remove part of the ovary that produces excess androgens; or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) that can eliminate periods and lower hormone levels.

Hormone imbalance and PCOS are complex conditions that require a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. If you have symptoms of hormone imbalance or PCOS, you should consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan. You should also seek support from other sources, such as online communities, support groups, counselors, or coaches who can help you cope with the emotional and physical challenges of living with hormone imbalance and PCOS.