Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a complex disorder that involves the endocrine system and reproductive system. PCOS is a very common reason for infertility in women as it results in anovulation and inadequate egg maturation.

In allopathic medicine it is thought to be a condition that occurs for no particular reason but there are certain risk factors that might indicate its onset.

The three main indicators are:

1. Hyperandrogenism 

2. Irregular periods, oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea 

3. Polycystic ovary morphology in ultrasound

About 15%-20% of women experience PCOS and is a major cause of infertility. Insulin resistance is usually part of the picture in PCOS suggesting that is more a metabolic disorder than a reproductive one. Many theories exists as of why some women experience PCOS. But the thing is, it is a set of symptoms and in allopathic medicine the treatment is symptomatic rather than addressing the root cause.

Functional medicine, however, looks at a wider spectrum of contributors to the disease:

1. Gut health. Gut dysbiosis is prevalent in most PCOS cases suggesting that the root cause might rely on systemic inflammation caused by leaky gut.

2. Mitochondrial dysfunction. Certain genetic factors affect the way the mitochondria in our cells function. Gene mutation can result. Oxidative stress is also linked to that.

3. Systemic inflammation drives PCOS. Women with PCOS have been observed to have increased serum inflammatory markers.

4. Endocrine disrupting chemical such as BPA disturb metabolic processes contributing to PCOS onset.

What to do about it:

1. If you have higher BMI losing weight can resolve PCOS symptoms.

2. Improving insulin sensitivity improves ovulation and reduces excessive hair growth.

3. Work with a nutritional therapist to improve your gut health and reduce inflammation.

4. Support detoxification pathways with the help of a nutritional therapist.

Nutrients:

1. Myo-inositol helps to improve insulin sensitivity, assist in weight-loss and reduce testosterone.

2. Berberine improves insulin resistance and lipid metabolism and reduces inflammation in the body.

3. Specific probiotics have been shown to improve hormonal. clinical and inflammatory biomarkers in PCOS patients.

4. Methylfolate, vitE, selenium, catechin, coQ10 can significantly improve hormonal balance and improve lipid peroxidation while reducing free-radicals.

• Spearmint tea and liquorice have been shown to improve androgen levels and reduce excessive hair growth.

• Yoga can improve PCOS symptoms and complement other therapies.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy can assist in losing weight and managing stress related to PCOS.

• Completely quitting alcohol and smoking improves symptoms.