★★★★☆
This is a remedy that I have researched and am only just beginning to try. As we all know, PCOS is a syndrome that presents itself in different forms in every woman. For instance, according to my doctors, although I have cysts on my ovaries and have weight issues, my periods are very regular, progesterone is fine, I ovulate each month, BUT I do have elevated testosterone (which causes the hormonal body hair, and in some women, baldness, and acne).
I looked into the elevated testosterone levels, and found that not only does excess body fat EXACERBATE testosterone levels (best solution - reduce body fat), but the KEY to reducing testosterone could be in ELEVATING your SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) levels.
For those of you who have had a thorough blood test for your hormones, you will note that Doctors mainly talk about your Oestrogen, Progesterone and your Testosterone Levels. But I suggest you look at your test and note the levels of your SHBG. SHBG is a glycoprotein in your blood that BINDS the FREE ANDROGENS in your blood stream. Free Androgens are the Male Hormones that are floating in your bloodstream that cause the male pattern baldness, hormonal hair, acne and other androgenous conditions. If your Testosterone is high, more than likely your SHBG is in the lower levels. Basically, there is not enough of the SHBG protein to catch these little fellows that cause all this damage.
I researched how to elevate SHBG naturally, and it seems that GREEN TEA is the best solution. BUT since we all can't drink countless cups of Green Tea to elevate these levels, it would be a wonderful idea to take a natural supplement of GREEN TEA EXTRACT. Check with your health food store or pharmacy, you should be able to get it in capsule or tablet form.
Along with increasing your SHBG levels, Green Tea Extract may also serve to speed up your metabolism, and also burn body fat. If you have PCOS and are experiencing baldness or thinning of your hair, this may be the best long term "INTERNAL" solution to the problem.
My other suggestion is to stay away from hormonal contraceptions at all costs. They do more damage than good to your already sensitive hormone levels. Synthetic hormones are not easily assimilated in our bodies, and therefore, our body reacts adversely. The pill may be the cause of greater infertility than you realise.
The final note for women with PCOS is to remember that PCOS is linked to DIABETES, SYNDROME X/INSULIN RESISTANCE. The majority of women with PCOS have been found to have a history of Diabetes in their families, or come from a culture where diabetes is prevalent. The key for all of us therefore, is to reduce our consumption of simple sugars and any food that elevates our blood sugar levels too quickly (high GI foods). Higher protein, lower PROCESSED carb diets work well for us. Increase your raw vegetable and fruit consumption. Also increase your essential fatty acid intake (i.e. good oils - extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil etc).
These changes will go a very long way to ensuring greater fertility, better balance in your hormones, and long term prevention of heart disease and diabetes.
Good luck everyone. If you wish to email me with questions, you are more than welcome to.
