Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

What does PCOS stand for?

• PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

What is PCOS?

• PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries produce an excess amount of hormones. If you have PCOS your ovaries produce high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your hormones to become imbalanced. 

• Irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredicted ovulation, small follicle cysts on your ovaries (due to lack of ovulation), excess facial hair, acne, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

What is insulin resistance?

• Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels. After eating, your blood glucose levels rise and your pancreas releases the insulin hormone, telling your body to convert sugar into energy. When there is insulin resistance in the body, these cells do not react, leading to excess sugar in the blood.

What age does PCOS start?

• PCOS typically occurs anytime after puberty. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s-30s when they are trying to get pregnant. If you have a family history of PCOS or obesity, you may have a higher chance of developing PCOS. 

How is PCOS diagnosed?

• Typically, healthcare providers diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of the three symptoms:

1. Irregular or missed periods.
2. Signs of excess androgens such as excessive hair growth or acne. This can be confirmed through blood work.
3. Enlarged ovaries or polycystic ovaries. This can be confirmed on an ultrasound. However, it is important to note that many people do not develop cysts. 

Can I have PCOS without knowing?

• It is possible to have PCOS, where the symptoms aren’t severe enough for you to notice. Many people do not realize that they have PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant or are gaining weight for unknown reasons. 

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

• Yes, you can still get pregnant if you have PCOS. PCOS can make it hard to conceive if you do not know when you are ovulating, however many people with PCOS get pregnant on their own. 

• Having PCOS may increase your risk of certain pregnancy complications, although most women with PCOS are able to carry a pregnancy successfully. These complications may include:

1. Gestational diabetes
2. Preeclampsia 
3. Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
4. A C-section delivery

• There is no proven way to prevent PCOS, however, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms. Exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining healthy body weight, may help with keeping your PCOS symptoms at bay. 

• Sol Nutritions Ovulation Support works exceptionally well for women who do not ovulate. Ovulation Support helps improve ovulation and hormonal balance while reducing insulin and regulating the menstrual cycle. In addition to Ovulation Support, Sol Nutritions Luteal Love herbal supplement pairs well with women who suffer from PCOS. Luteal Love supports ovarian function and naturally encourages the production of progesterone while supporting a healthy hormone balance. For women who have severe PCOS and high levels of insulin resistance, we recommend pairing Healthy Liver into your regimen. Healthy Liver is recommended if you have cycles that are 35 days or longer. This herbal supplement improves the production of liver enzymes which help to detoxify your liver. A strong liver promotes healthy metabolism and improves weight management. 

• PCOS can be treated through a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) approach. With TCM, we treat the root cause of the problems. In severe cases of PCOS women do not have a menstrual cycle. By treating the issue at the root, we are able to regulate the menstrual cycle and carry healthy babies to term.