PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome also known as PCOS, is becoming increasingly common in North America – mostly because it is being recognized and diagnosed. However, research shows that it can take years or sometimes decades for women to receive a formal diagnosis.

Symptoms of PCOS might include:

• Irregular menstrual periods

• Acne (jawline, cyclical, etc.)

• Increased facial hair growth or body hair growth (e.g. removing hair frequently)

• Hair thinning

• Difficulties conceiving

• Difficulties losing weight or easily gaining weight, particularly in abdomen

• Dark patches on skin folds

• Mood changes – anxiety & depression

• Symptoms typically begin at puberty and might worsen over time

Criteria to diagnose PCOS:

• 2 out of 3 of the following are present in PCOS:

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • High-androgen related symptoms (acne, increased facial or body hair growth)

  • Cysts found on ovaries, increased ovarian volume, etc.

• Imaging & lab work are used to help diagnose

• Best confirmed & supported with OBGYN and/or Endocrinologist

Naturopathic Support for PCOS might include:

• Blood sugar & insulin support through individualized supplementation, nutrition & lifestyle recommendations

• Hormone support to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgens (hair growth & acne

• Fertility support – improving egg quality and helping to establish an environment to make conceiving easier. Supporting In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures

• Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Stress Management

• Nervous System regulation

• And more!

PCOS & Metabolic Health:

PCOS is a metabolic condition. Insulin Resistance (IR) has been shown to be associated with PCOS. IR is a metabolic concept where glucose (basic molecule of sugar) is not taken up by cells and instead overtime, accumulates in the blood. This often leads to increased insulin production, to help decrease the increased amounts of glucose in the blood. Insulin is a fat-storing hormone and so, high amounts of insulin may eventually result in insulin resistance (where cells stop responding to insulin) and difficulties losing or easily gaining weight. This weight increases, often around the abdomen, overtime and is a result of fat accumulating around internal organs (aka visceral fat). This for example, is one potential reason behind non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (now referred to as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease – MASH). Blood sugar & cholesterol management are incredibly important as over time these issues could potentially lead to Type 2 Diabetes & High Cholesterol levels.

Hormone & Metabolic health support are common reasons that patients might see Dr. Mawji, ND – her passion for chronic disease and her further certifications have allowed her to help patient navigate these health-related symptoms. To learn more, be sure to book in for a Meet & Greet appointment to find out if naturopathic medicine might support your health interests.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor  

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance