Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS, is a hormonal syndrome where abnormal levels of hormones, specifically androgens, or male hormones, can cause cysts to form in the ovaries.
Photo by Cleo Greene
WFAA News Anchor Cleo Greene visited StoneIWC and during her visit, Greene was told that she may have cysts. Greene made an appointment with her OBGYN where she learned that there were dermoids in her body. Thankfully, Greene was able to undergo surgery to remove the dermoids before they could grow until they ruptured.
Common symptoms of PCOS can include:
Lots of unwanted hair
Irregular or lack of period
Cysts in the ovaries
Weight gain
Infertility
Male pattern baldness/balding/losing hair
Acne
Skin tags under the neck, armpits, and breasts
Dark or thick patches of skin under the neck, armpits, and breasts
While PCOS is not life-threatening, it is associated with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and the development of cancers. Direct causes of PCOS is unknown but there are high correlations to genetics, gestational period activities, and general lifestyle factors. Women who are more likely or are more insulin resistant are more likely to develop PCOS as insulin is tied with abnormal hormonal levels. Obesity can also be a factor in developing PCOS but proper examination is highly advised to correctly identify PCOS among other diseases and ailments.
The use of ultrasound is commonly used to find ovarian cysts and or other abnormalities in the ovaries. General physical exams and blood tests can be used to identify the other symptoms and abnormal hormonal levels.
Treatments are possible to control and manage symptoms, but one should always consult with their primary physician as some treatments such as birth control medication to manage hormonal levels may not be advised for those interested in becoming pregnant.
Most treatments revolve around managing hormonal levels which can come in forms of medications, exercise and diet. Other treatments work to reduce symptoms such as skin imperfection removals, detoxes to reduce cyst development and acne, and weight management.
StoneIWC recommends eating slimy foods like okra, aloe vera, and cactus, as it helps flush out unwanted toxins that could develop into cysts and such foods may also help keep the body more satiated which helps reduce weight gain. The “slime” not only sticks to the toxins which allows the body to more easily dispose of it, but also lines the body, preventing and protecting the body from unwanted toxins.
https://wholisticmatters.com/okra-the-secrets-in-the-slime/
Norman, R. J., Dewailly, D., Legro, R. S., & Hickey, T. E. 2007. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Lancet, 370(9588) 685-697, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61345-2