Polycystic Ovary Syndrome


 Dear Dr Passero I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and am 35 years old. I wish to know which of the Vitabase products are best for my condition? Should I take the Blood Sugar and PMS products? My general overall health is okay but could be better and I definitely have a problem balancing my blood sugars and hormones. Your advice would be most appreciated.

 

Most women with PCOS have difficulty with blood sugar issues.  High blood sugar is one of the main characteristics of PCOS and it is very important to get this under control.

Modifying your diet to reduce the intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates is an important first step.  Your diet should be totally focused on good quality protein (eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, beans, nuts and game meats), good quality fats (avocadoes, almonds, walnuts, salmon) and whole grains (brown rice, quinoa).  Breads, pasta’s, baked goods and processed cereals should all be reduced or eliminated, even if they are whole grain.  These foods can cause sharp elevations in blood sugar worsening the situation in your body.  At your meals, focus on combining good protein with vegetables.  Chicken and steamed broccoli, salad with salmon or a hard boiled egg and an apple as a breakfast idea are just some examples to start with.  This will help to keep blood sugar levels stable.  If you are going to eat something high in sugar (bread, pasta, junk food, candy, sugar or fruits) make sure you combine it with a protein.  You would probably benefit from also adding a supplement to support optimal blood sugar levels. 

In PCOS there are often many imbalances in hormones.  Testosterone is commonly elevated and can cause unwanted effects like facial hair growth and acne.  Saw palmetto and nettle leaf are two herbs that work together to reduce testosterone levels.  Adding zinc will further improve your body’s ability to normalize testosterone levels. 

Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels is also crucially important when working with PCOS.  Chaste tree (Vitex) is one of the best herbs for naturally improving hormonal balance in women.  Vitex is best taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.  

I also advise that women use an herbal supplement that supports liver detoxification.  This aids the body in eliminating old hormones that can get backed up and further contribute to imbalances.  Liver supportive herbs include milk thistle, burdock root, oregon grape root and goldenseal root.

Evening Primrose Oil is also exceptionally good at balancing female hormones.   

Changing your diet and getting started on some of these recommendations should be a good beginning for you.  PCOS is a complex condition and I highly advise that you work directly with a qualified health professional that is knowledgeable about the condition.



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Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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