Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that can cause irregular or no periods, difficulty in getting pregnant and changes in appearance (such as acne, obesity and hair growth) mainly due to hormone changes. PCOS affects up to 10% of women during their reproductive years and is particularly common among women with ovulation problems. In the general population, around 25% of women will have polycystic ovaries (PCO) seen on an ultrasound examination, but most have none of the other symptoms associated with PCOS. A diagnosis of PCOS can be confirmed through clinical assessment, blood tests and an ultrasound scan. PCOS causes not just physical symptoms but can also have psychological and social effects. Therefore, treatment has to be tailored according to the main symptoms and the desired outcome. Treatment options vary from medical approaches that provide contraception, to fertility drugs or surgery to induce regular ovulation, and non-surgical cosmetic therapies such as topical creams or laser hair removal to reduce facial hair. MANCHESTER • LONDON • CHESHIRE
Transcript
Polycystic OvarySyndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that cancause irregular or no periods, difficulty in getting pregnantand changes in appearance (such as acne, obesity and hairgrowth) mainly due to hormone changes.
PCOS affects up to 10% of women during their reproductiveyears and is particularly common among women with ovulation problems. In the general population, around 25% of women will have polycystic ovaries (PCO) seen on anultrasound examination, but most have none of the othersymptoms associated with PCOS.
A diagnosis of PCOS can be confirmed through clinicalassessment, blood tests and an ultrasound scan.
PCOS causes not just physical symptoms but can also have psychological and social effects. Therefore, treatmenthas to be tailored according to the main symptoms and thedesired outcome. Treatment options vary from medicalapproaches that provide contraception, to fertility drugs orsurgery to induce regular ovulation, and non-surgical cosmetic therapies such as topical creams or laser hairremoval to reduce facial hair.
M A N C H E S T E R • L O N D O N • C H E S H I R E
GyneHealth offer our patients a unique, integrated approach thatcombines conventional medicine with complementary care suchas nutritional advice, acupuncture, reflexology and counselling.We aim to provide the highest quality of care and our dedicatedteam of specialist practitioners work together to provide individually tailored treatments for every step of your journey.
Nutritional Therapy Current research shows a link between dietary intake and thesymptoms of PCOS. Ensuring the right balance of essential fattyacids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements could play a largerole in management of the condition.
Insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control are also important factors in the development of PCOS and can be modified through dietary and lifestyle factors. Nutritional therapycan identify potential nutritional imbalances and help support ahealthy blood sugar and hormone balance.
Weight loss is often the starting point, as it helps to reduce theinsulin levels and improve the overall hormone imbalance.Symptoms will improve significantly and may even disappearwith weight loss. In some cases this may be the only treatmentneeded to restore ovulation and regular periods.
Nutritional therapists are trained in the assessment of food andlifestyle practices and how they impact on both short, and long-term, weight changes.
AcupunctureAcupuncture has been shown to reduce the number of ovariancysts, stimulate ovulation and regulate the menstrual cycle. It may also be helpful in counteracting the effects of PCOS byregulating fertility hormones, which stress and other lifestyle factors can disrupt. Acupuncture can affect hormone levels bypromoting the release of beta-endorphin in the brain, whichaffects the release of GnRH, FSH and oestrogen.
Stress can causes constriction of ovarian arteries, and researchhas shown that acupuncture increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, thus improving blood flow to the ovariesand enhancing the environment in which ovarian follicles develop. It also increases blood flow to the uterus, improving thethickness of the endometrial lining and increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
CounsellingCounselling provides a safe and supportive professional environment where personal issues, concerns and difficulties canbe explored in a non-judgmental, empathic relationship. It provides confidential and dedicated time to discuss your choicesand concerns about treatment with the intention of gaining betterself-awareness and understanding.
For more information on how the GyneHealth team canhelp you, please contact us on the details below:
