There are many female hormonal conditions, including amenorrhea, PMS, perimenopause, and PCOS. Regardless of the condition, treatment for hormone imbalances starts with the same approach: instead of treating the disease, the focus is on treating the individual and their symptoms. In some cases, a hormone test may be useful, I often will use the DUTCH test.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, stands as the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It affects 8–13% of reproductive age women and up to 22% of Indigenous women (2). This intricate condition impacts an individual’s reproductive, endocrine, metabolic, and psychological well-being. Women with PCOS face an elevated risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and body image concerns. Importantly, insulin resistance plays a significant role in PCOS for many women.
For diagnoses, ultrasound may be used to check for polycystic ovaries. Blood tests include androgen levels, thyroid function, prolactin, FSH, and glycaemic status. There is no specific test for polycystic ovaries, as they are a group of symptoms related to lack of ovulation and high levels of androgens (testosterone, DHEAs).
Symptoms
- irregular periods, late periods or too many days of bleeding
- hirsutism (excessive facial and/or body hair)
- acne
- hair loss
- weight gain
- infertility
Risk factors
- endocrine disrupting chemicals, e.g. pesticides, BPA, plastics
- genes can put you at risk for PCOS. Genes determine how easily you can ovulate. The expression of genes depends on your environment. The good news about PCOS genes is that you may become more fertile as you get older.
- post-OCP
Treatment
When creating a health plan, it’s essential to consider your specific situation. Are you insulin-resistant, or do you have irregular periods? Do you experience inflammation or high androgens, or were you on the pill? Your symptoms will affect how the condition is managed. Some important nutrients are magnesium, inositol, zinc, NAC, fish oils, curcumin, vitex, peony, and licorice. For those dealing with insulin issues, cutting back on sugar is essential. Exercise is beneficial for all types of PCOS. It’s important to remember that if you’re experiencing symptoms of PCOS, it doesn’t mean you always will. With the right plan, it’s possible to have regular periods and to improve or even completely alleviate the symptoms.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects 1 in 7 women (1). It is a condition where uterine lining tissue grows in places other than the uterus, including the bladder and bowel, forming lesions. Its main symptom is severe and long-lasting pain, which significantly impacts a person’s quality of life, often leading to missed days at work and an inability to carry out daily activities.
Symptoms
- bloating
- diarrhoea and/or constipation
- bladder problems
- headaches
- bleeding between periods
- infertility
- miscarriage
There is no known cause. It appears to be associated with immune dysfunction. There is also a strong genetic component to it.
Hormones play a role in endometriosis, although it is an inflammatory disease. Estrogen stimulates the growth of lesions.
Treatment
Currently, this condition has no cure, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms. Surgery is a common approach, but it is not a permanent solution as the lesions often grow back, requiring repeated surgeries.
Reducing inflammation is crucial to managing the symptoms. Cow dairy, gluten, and eggs should be avoided. Some nutrients I may suggest include turmeric, zinc, NAC, selenium, alkaline minerals, vitamin D, and fish oils. Additionally, it may be beneficial to check for histamine intolerance.
Menopause
The transition to menopause can be challenging, but menopause itself can be symptom-free. Lower levels of estrogen and progesterone are experienced during menopause.
Symptoms
- Hot flushes: Magnesium and taurine may help manage this symptom.
- Vaginal dryness and reduced libido: Seabuckthorn oil may be prescribed to address these symptoms.
- Weight gain: If you gain weight around your midsection, it is likely due to insulin resistance caused by a drop in estrogen. Therefore, treatment will focus on addressing insulin resistance.
Associated risk
- osteoporosis: you can lose up to 10% of your bone density during the first five years of menopause. Therefore, consider a resistance training program and seek advice on bone health. Further risk factors for osteoporosis include smoking, alcohol, SSRIs, PPIs, and deficiencies in D, zinc, magnesium and vitamin K2.
Get support. Take control of your hormonal health.
Tailoring your approach to managing hormonal conditions to your unique profile is key. If you’re interested in exploring the potential of nutritional medicine, feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment or download your FREE hormone balancing guide. This guide offers valuable insights into your main hormones and practical steps to help you regain balance and rediscover your best self.
