Here we briefly discuss the difference between PCOS and polycystic ovaries because they are often thought to be one and the same thing.
Polycystic Ovaries
When you have more ovarian cysts than normal, you are said to have polycystic ovaries.
Ovaries of normal women can be polycystic when they do not ovulate. This can be found up to 25% of the time on ultrasound. On being retested a few months later, their ovaries may be normal.
This is why experts agree that ultrasound alone cannot be used to diagnose the condition of the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
What then is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?
When you have PCOS you not only have cysts on the ovaries like in polycystic ovaries but you also have other underlying hormonal problems which cause other symptoms like:
- abnormal blood glucose control (insulin-resistance)
- a tendency to produce too much male hormone (androgens)
- irregular menstruation
- irregular ovulation
- acne and obesity
Because of this, only having polycystic ovaries is not enough to diagnose PCOS. This is because it also involves complex metabolic, hypothalamic, pituitary, ovarian, and adrenal interactions as underlying issues.
At Your Wellness Centre, your PCOS naturopath may recommend that you have a hormone saliva test to establish the level of your hormones as well.
Your naturopath will also provide you with effective PCOS treatment, to help all the hormonal symptoms you are suffering from. This includes prescribing special herbs and supplements to help irregular or absent periods as well as other symptoms.
You will also be encouraged to follow a PCOS diet of low carbohydrate, low sugar foods, low glycaemic load foods, and good quality protein to help regulate insulin levels. Studies have shown that diet and lifestyle factors, which are included in the natural medicine treatment are extremely effective in the prevention and management of PCOS.
For more information and to help with PCOS treatment naturally, you are invited to make an appointment with the PCOS naturopath at Your Wellness Centre.
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