Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Largely just my notes of anabology's writing on this with the woo-woo hippy stuff removed. will have more coming eventually

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Diagnosis Requirements:

• At least two of the following (all three in teens)
• Irregular or Absent Periods
• Clinical or Lab Findings of Hyperandrogenism:
  • Acne: often Cystic
  • Hirsutism: excessive hair growth particularly chin, chest, around nipples and/or areas associated with testosterone.
  • Polycystic Ovaries: More than 12 follicles 2-9 mm or Ovarian Volume greater than 10 ml
• NOTE: not all women who have polycystic ovaries have this Syndrome. Around 22% of normal ovulating women have polycystic ovaries.

Lab markers:

• Total Testosterone > 3nmol/L
• Free Androgen Index = 100 x
• Estrogen is normal or high
• LH is elevated
• LH/FSH ratio is 3:1
• DHEA over 200
• Insulin Resistance
  • High Fasting Blood Sugar
  • High Fasting Insulin
• High LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides
• Low Progesterone, especially luteal

Root Causes to investigate:

• Low thyroid function
• Insulin Resistance
• Chronic Stress / Over-Exercising
• Gut Dysbiosis and Infections: yeast, h. pylori, mold
• Poor Liver Detoxification:
  • Environmental Toxin Exposures
  • PCOS is associated with elevated levels of phthalates and heavy metals like iron overload, copper toxicity or mercury.
• Estrogen Dominance

Nutrition & Lifestyle

• Consume the majority of calories in the morning: may reduce insulin and testosterone by approx. 50%
• Insulin balancing tips:
  • Savory breakfast is preferable to sweet breakfast
  • Include protein in every meal or snack
  • Incorporate vinegar-based side dishes like sauerkraut when consuming starches
  • Take a 10-minute walk after meals
  • Limit blue light exposure, which increases insulin resistance: use incandescent bulbs, candles, or f.lux app
• Include carbs from seasonal fruit and honey, and enjoy starches like rice/potatoes during daylight hours
• Minimize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), processed foods, and estrogenic foods: wheat grains, soy, corn
• Optimize exposure to natural light and nature: sunlight, grounding
• Exercise:
  • Moderate intensity and moderate weights are ideal
  • Daily walks (8-10K steps)
  • Avoid high-intensity exercise

Supplemental Support

• Inositol
• Correct Nutritional Deficiencies:
  • Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Chromium, Vitamins C & E
• Testosterone Inhibitors:
  • Reishi, Stinging Nettle, Saw Palmetto, Spearmint
  • Commonly found in prostate health supplements
• Blood Sugar Regulators:
  • Cinnamon, Rosemary, Ginger, Antioxidants, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
  • Root cause approaches: Berberine, Oregano, Noni, Lactoferrin, Saccharomyces boulardii
• Support for Ovulation/Hormones:
  • Vitamin C & E, L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), CoQ10
  • Vitamin B6
  • Dry Freeze-Dried Organs: liver, kidney, uterus, fallopian tubes
  • Oral or Topical Progesterone
  • Thyroid support, Pregnenolone
• Support for Stress:
  • Electrolytes
  • Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K2
  • Dry freeze-dried Adrenal Tissue
  • L-Theanine, GABA
  • Rhodiola, Schisandra, Holy Basil