If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you may already know that you have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But did you know that if you have PCOS, your immediate family is also at increased risk? A recent study showed that 40% of mothers and 52% of fathers of PCOS women had some degree of glucose intolerance, which is a precursor to diabetes. Sisters of PCOS women also have increased risk.
Many women with PCOS suffer from a number of skin conditions, like acne, cystic acne, pimples and oily skin
Other common conditions include skin tags (thick lumps of skin), as well as darkening and thickening of the skin around the neck, groin, underarms or skin folds, excess facial hair as well as chronic ingrown hairs on legs and arms.
Insulin Resistance is a major factor in PCOS, and an underlying cause of these skin conditions
PCOS and Insulin Resistance can be reversed!
Chronic inflammation plays an under-recognized but very important role in the progression of polycystic ovary syndrome, especially the symptom of weight gain. Fat cells are not inert. They are metabolically active and produce a variety of inflammatory biological factors that lead to a condition called "leptin resistance" (which is similar in some respects to insulin resistance). Related to inflammation, women with PCOS exhibit a high incidence of acne like skin problems on the face, chest and back due to the imbalance of hormones, as opposed to the female population without the syndrome. Remember that fat cells exist in the "sub-cutaneous" layer of the skin and effect the activity of the epidermis and the dermis layers, and vice-versa. A specialist knowledgeable in hormone issues and the skin should be able to advise you as to effective yet gentle skin care products (our choice is now online by clicking here and it's certified organic!) anti-inflammatory supplements and professional facials to control the complexion breakouts until the PCOS is under control.
It's easy for others to overlook how you feel about having the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, the unhappiness that accompanies this condition is present nonetheless. The seriousness of the emotional aspect of PCOS was borne out by a study just released from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. Some symptoms of PCOS were found to be emotionally distressing while others were not. Health care practitioners and family members need to be more sensitive to the emotional aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Women with PCOS typically do not have an isolated problem of dysfunctional ovaries. Dysfunction of the insulin system and thyroid are also commonly involved. A recent study shows that treatment of any one of these disorders helps with the other two disorders. A more comprehensive treatment approach to PCOS is recommended. The prescription drug Metformin proved no better than placebo in improving weight loss or menstrual frequency in obese patients with PCOS, according to a new study. However, weight loss alone through lifestyle changes improves menstrual frequency. Total reliance on drugs such as metformin is an incomplete approach to solving the problems of PCOS.
Many PCOS women have discovered it's hard to stay away from food, especially if overweight. In spite of tremendous willpower, they are driven to eat. There are several reasons for this, including a hormone called Ghrelin. It was discovered in 1999 and is commonly out of balance in women with PCOS.
Nutritional Supplements? Many of you wonder what brand or type of supplements you should take. The type of supplements you need will vary according to your specific health issues. But in general, most PCOS women will benefit from carefully selected supplementation. Choose an expert in your area for nutritional evaluation and product suggestions - it will save you much money and time rather than experimenting on your own in this matter. A naturopathic doctor or qualified nutritionist should be knowledgeable in this issue. You may contact Joy-Marie Peterson, text5033104649 or em epidermexperts@yahoo.com
Over the past 30 years, numerous studies have established a role for calcium in egg maturation and normal follicular development. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation) due to excess androgens (masculinizing hormones), ovarian theca cell overgrowth, and arrested follicular development.
Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and regulation. A study conducted at Columbia University investigated whether vitamin D3 and calcium dysregulation contribute to the development of follicular arrest in women with PCOS, resulting in reproductive and menstrual dysfunction. They studied 13 women who had chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism and vitamin D3 insufficiency. Nine had abnormal pelvic sonograms with multiple ovarian follicular cysts. All were hirsute, two had hair loss, and five had acanthosis nigricans. Vitamin D3 combined with calcium supplementation resulted in normalized menstrual cycles within 2 months for seven women. Two became pregnant and the others maintained normal menstrual cycles. These data suggest that abnormalities in calcium balance may be responsible, in part, for the arrested follicular development in women with PCOS and may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) may also have varying degrees of insulin resistance and an increased incidence of diabetes.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study just released has indicated that low-dose contraceptives may add to this risk.
Depression and PCOS
Depression is a prominent characteristic of women who have polycystic ovary syndrome. Part of the depression stems from the emotional difficulty of being infertile, overweight, too hairy, or having acne, hair loss or some other disturbing symptom. However, the primary cause of depression in PCOS appears to be hormonal in nature. A number of studies have shown a connection between a negative mood and elevated androgens, which are male hormones such as testosterone. In one interesting study, there was a correlation between the most intense depression and testosterone levels slightly above normal, but not when testosterone was low or extremely high.
Of course, depression is not limited to elevated testosterone. Depression has also been associated with insulin resistance and depressed thyroid function. Disturbed LH (luteinizing hormone) levels and rhythms have been found in depressed women compared to women who are not depressed. Disturbed LH is a primary reason why you don't ovulate. Abnormal estrogen and cortisol are additional hormonal factors connected to depression.
Studies show that Vitamin D3 from sunlight on bare skin or supplementation is very effective in treating depression in any case, not just PCOS.
Women with mixed anxiety-depression disorder have high levels of homocysteine in the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and they have higher blood homocysteine levels as compared to healthy women. Women with PCOS commonly have elevated homocysteine, which is a byproduct of metabolic activity. Normally, homocysteine is broken down and made harmless. However, a poor diet that is deficient in calcium and B vitamins, as well as drugs like Metformin (Glucophage) help to elevate homocysteine.
All of the above factors for depression are common in PCOS women. There are additional factors that we won't go into here. But you can see that if you have PCOS and depression, you have a complex situation on your hands, a situation that does not have a simple solution.
The good news is that you can favorably alter your hormones and thus lift your depression at least to some extent with a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, selected nutritional supplements, and possibly medications. The diet would include plenty of whole, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit in moderation (a high source of sugar, Fructose, that will mess with your blood sugar and liver), fish, poultry, some other meats, nuts and seeds in moderation, greatly reduced consumption of grain products (again, the sugar thing!), and possible reduction of some legumes. As for nutritional supplements, a high quality multi-vitamin/mineral would be a good place to start. If you live in a sunlight deprived region or season, Vitamin D3 has an excellent track record in helping with general good health and specifically with depression. Otherwise, get some natural sunlight on your arms or legs before the sun gets too high in the skin (noon) a few minutes a day. New studies indicate the best place to get Vitamin D is to expose the abdomen to the sun for 15 minutes! Do Not Expose Your Face without sunscreen! Natural sunscreen - not a long list of chemicals.
Chin Acne
The cause: Hormonal imbalance
There's a reason many women have breakouts on their chin right before their period: That part of the face is particularly sensitive to rises in progesterone and testosterone. Many women simply experience mild acne, but if your breakouts tend to be more severe or painful and are no match for OTC treatments, it's time to see your ob-gyn or an endocrinologist.
"Deep, cystic acne on the chin or along the jaw line can be a sign of underlying polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and other types of hormonal abnormalities," says Chapas. Left untreated, the condition can increase your risk for diabetes and infertility.
Get healthy: For certain patients, going on birth control pills is an effective way to balance hormone levels and clear up skin. (The pill is also very effective for treating symptoms of PCOS in many women). If you prefer a nonhormonal option, see an ND (naturopathic doctor) or an acupuncurist as these practitioners usually stock their own pharmacy of natural remedies. If you have a dermatologist, ask about Spironolactone, a prescription medication that blocks testosterone receptors, thus preventing the skin's oil glands from going into overdrive in some patients. Skipping dessert can help a great deal, too, since extra insulin stimulates the hormone production linked to breakouts. "Some studies show that eliminating processed sugars, fruits, grains (these can cause a myrid of problems in women senstive to sugar and insolin disrupting grains). By sticking to proteins and vegetables you may also mitigate the hormonal stimuli that can lead to acne".
"Red blotches that come and go on the face and neck can be stress-related; they can be triggered by fluctuations in stress hormones", says Dr. Hirsch, MD., "Rosacea, clusters of tiny pimple-like red bumps, can be a sign of digestive ailments."
"The skin and gastrointestinal tract are both designed to protect the body by keeping things out. That may be why digestive problems can show up on the skin," explains Chapas. When rosacea sufferers took antibiotics to clear high levels of bacteria in their small bowels, their skin improved, according to a 2008 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Most serious is a malar rash, a symmetrical butterfly-shaped red rash that usually covers the top and middle of both cheeks. "It's a classic symptom of lupus, a disease that attacks the immune system," explains Hirsch. If you feel more tired than usual, are bruising easily, and are losing or gaining weight, see your doctor pronto.
Get healthy: Stay away from the sun and spicy foods--both can exacerbate redness. Engaging in stress-relieving activities (like yoga or meditation) may help. Also, try to up your intake of probiotics, the healthy bacteria that helps regulate digestion and calm inflammation. Yogurt with live cultures, kefir (a yogurt-like drink - just don't use the fruity flavors), KimChiand Miso are all good sources. I recommend following the Body Ecology principles of probiotic, cultured foods you can easily make at home. See their website, www.bodyecologydiet.com. Joy-Marie
Sources:
Dr. Nancy Dunne, our choice for the newest information on this subject and the site we refer our patients to! Nancy Dunne, N.D. is a licensed naturopathic physician in Missoula, Montana. She treats PCOS, infertility and other women’s health concerns. She graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and has a Master’s Degree from Bastyr University in Seattle.
*Androgens and mood dysfunction in women: comparison of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to healthy controls, Psychosom Med. 2004 May-Jun;66(3):356-62Karina Giglio, Women's Health - November 7, 2011
Anne Chapas, M.D, New York City Dermatologist, 2011 November.
Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a Boston dermatologist and past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery
Donna Gates, founder, The Body Ecology Diet
Ayurvedic Medicine - In this article we will look more deeply into one of the most common causes of menstrual irregularity, hormonal imbalances and infertility, a grouping of symptoms known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. We will see how ayurveda brings added depth to the understanding of this poorly understood condition and can offer treatment options that are more than merely symptomatic.
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