Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a disorder in which the ovaries are enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs called cysts. The syndrome, which often begins during the teenage years, usually leads to irregular periods, and occasionally cessation of menstruation, called amenorrhea. Women with PCOS may also have trouble getting pregnant. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS. At least 30 percent of all women have experienced some symptoms of PCOS at some point.
The Symptoms of PCOS
During the normal maturation process of a woman’s ovum, an egg develops within a cyst inside the ovary. The rupture of the follicle and release of the mature egg or ovum is called ovulation. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen, progesterone and androgens. The multiple small cysts seen in a polycystic ovary are the result of eggs that only partially develop within the ovary. It is thought that a slight elevation of male hormones, characteristic of women with PCOS, may inhibit the eggs’ development. An egg’s failure to mature leads to a lack of ovulation in women with PCOS.
The syndrome also causes the pituitary gland to secrete large amounts of luteinizing hormone, which leads to male-type characteristics.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
The primary symptoms of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, increased body and facial hair, acne, weight gain and infertility. Additional symptoms include lack of ovulation, gynecological cancers and changes in blood lipid levels (such as cholesterol), which increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but they do not address the root of the problem. By addressing the underlying reproductive hormonal imbalance with natural medicine therapies, PCOS can be alleviated permanently.
At Sunridge Medical, our highly-trained physicians are experts in providing an integrated approach to the treatment of cancer and chronic disease. Our treatment plans are individualized, and involve both traditional and alternative medicines.
The physicians at Sunridge Medical have found that symptoms frequently can be improved and even reversed with our natural treatments. We take a holistic approach to patient care and strive not only treat the disease, but also alleviate symptoms, increase quality of life and, most importantly, address the underlying cause of disease.
References on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Amini, L., Tehranian, N., Movahedin, M., Ramezani Tehrani, F., & Ziaee, S. (2015). Antioxidants and management of polycystic ovary syndrome in Iran: A systematic review of clinical trials. Iranian journal of reproductive medicine, 13(1), 1–8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306978
Background: Recently there is a focus on the antioxidants as adjuvant treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most endocrinopathy in reproductive age women.
Objective: The aim of this review is answer to the question whether antioxidants are effective for managing of hormonal and metabolic problems in women with PCOS based on first degree evidences from Iran.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review of clinical trials was done in Persian and international databases including PubMed, Scientific Information Database, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, and Magiran up to 2013. Keywords were including polycystic ovary syndrome, Iran, vitamin, antioxidant. From 440 potential studies found electronically, 11 studies; including 444 women in intervention and 390 women in control groups. Intervention in three studies was Calcium-vitamin D or calcitriol; in three studies was ω-3 fatty acids; in two studies was N-acetyl cysteine; in one study was folic acid; in one study was Zinc; and in one study was Soy.
Results: Finally, 11 studies that were relevant and met the inclusion criteria reviewed. There were 7 studies in English and 4 studies in Persian. We couldn’t include all studies because all full texts were not accessible.
Conclusion: The results showed that antioxidants and vitamins have positive effects on management of PCOS women. Although it seems more studies is necessary in this field.
Shojaei-Zarghani S, Molani-Gol R, Rafraf M. Curcumin and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Systematic Review. Reprod Sci. 2022 Feb 14. doi: 10.1007/s43032-021-00826-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35157259. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35157259/
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a gynecological endocrine disorder and the leading cause of anovulatory female infertility. This study aimed to systematically review the effects of curcumin or turmeric on PCOS-related parameters. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Knowledge databases and Google Scholar were searched up to August 2021 using relevant keywords. All original articles evaluating the effects of turmeric/curcumin on PCOS were eligible. Out of 107 documents, eight animal studies and five randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of curcumin on PCOS met our inclusion criteria.
The reviewed animal studies indicated the beneficial effects of curcumin on the management of hormonal and metabolic disturbances in the PCOS condition. These effects also were confirmed in some, but not all, included RCTs. Therefore, despite promising animal results, the present literature is limited to conclude the beneficial effects of curcumin on the clinical management of PSCO symptoms. The impact of bioavailability-improved formulations of curcumin on PCOS should be assessed in further well-designed RCTs with longer duration and higher doses of curcumin. Besides, mechanistic investigations on the effects of curcumin on PCOS are also recommended.
For answers and to make an appointment, call toll-free 800-923-7878 to speak with our Patient Care Team.
Recover your vitality, reclaim your energy and rediscover your health.
