Understanding PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and hormonal disorder that affects nearly 10 million women in the United States. The exact cause of PCOS is actually unknown, but we do know there is a strong genetic and environmental component. Let's take a look into this chronic illness, exploring the signs and symptoms, and seeing how lifestyle enhancements around nutrition and physical therapy can be beneficial for management.
PCOS is characterized by high levels of androgens from the ovary and is associated with insulin resistance. Insulin is the main growth hormone in the body produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets. It is released from the pancreas to assist the cell in absorbing glucose for energy.
In those with PCOS, the cells are less receptive to insulin, causing the pancreas to excrete more into the bloodstream. The excess amount of insulin production leads to an increase of androgens in the body. Androgen is a natural steroid hormone that regulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics.
When the body produces an excessive amount of androgens, the following may occur: acne and skin concerns, amenorrhea, excessive hair growth on the body, or hair loss from the head.
Signs & Symptoms
More than 50% of individuals with PCOS go undiagnosed. A diagnosis of PCOS may be given when two of the three signs are present: irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries. Other signs and symptoms that are commonly seen in those with PCOS may include:
Family history of PCOS
Intensive carbohydrate cravings
Weight fluctuation
Hypoglycemia
Extreme fatigue
Mood changes and irritability
Depression
Infertility
Acne
Darkening of skin
Excessive hair growth
Hair loss from the head
Pelvic pain
Sleep problems
To explore if you have signs and symptoms that may be related to PCOS, take the complimentary quiz. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Eden, will follow up with the results and recommendations.
Navigating Nutrition
Lifestyle enhancements such as medical nutrition therapy can help alleviate and eliminate symptoms related to PCOS. Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can be empowering, as numerous research studies have shown the importance of nutrition enhancement throughout PCOS treatment.
Through a Health at Every Size (HAES) and weight-inclusive approach, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and co-owner of Pearl Wellness Practice, Eden Davis, enjoys working with clients on understanding their condition, creating meal and snack ideas to support PCOS management, finding balance with nutrients, hormones, blood sugar regulation, gut health, and more.
She finds importance in meeting the individual where they are at and crafting lifestyle enhacements that are realistic and sustainable for their unique needs, whether it's for fertility treatment or chronic pain management with PCOS.
Exploring Physical Therapy
Working with a multidisciplinary team can be extremely beneficial. In addition to working with a Primary Care Physician, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and OBGYN, a Physical Therapist can play an essential role in developing personalized exercise programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to the specific needs of an individual.
Due to PCOS being a hormonal disorder, it can impact bone health and increase the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. Many experience musculoskeletal health concerns such as joint pain or muscle stiffness as a result of hormonal imbalances. Physical therapists can create an exercise program to improve bone density, strengthen muscles, and alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms.
If you or a loved one suffer from PCOS, you may have experienced chronic pain at times. It is common for individuals with this illness to experience pelvic floor pain or discomfort, impacting their quality of life.
Dr. Addy is a physical therapist and co-owner of Rooted Physio & Performance. She specializes in pelvic floor work and is passionate about helping individuals work through this discomfort and understand that although the pain can be common, it can absolutely be managed and alleviated!
"A common myth around PCOS and pain management is that people think they should just stop ______ due to the chronic condition. - Wrong! There are so many ways to return to fitness even if you are dealing with a condition like PCOS. Having a coach to lead you along the way is exactly where we step in." - Dr. Addy, PT, DPT, E-RYT 200, PCES
For those in need of physical therapy for pain and stress management, improving muscular strength, or mobility, Dr. Addy can be reached HERE for a consultation.
Lifestyle Enhancing PCOS Course
Navigating an endocrine and hormonal disorder such as PCOS can be difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of this diagnosis, manage your health through nutrition and movement, or support your fertility journey, we encourage you to check out the PCOS course in addition to working with a team.
This course was created by Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Eden Davis, who specializes in providing medical nutrition therapy for individuals dealing with PCOS. Recognizing the overwhelming and frustrating nature of this diagnosis, Eden is dedicated to simplifying nutrition through an evidence-based and realistic approach.
Her mission is to empower clients to live their best lives by offering practical and achievable strategies for managing PCOS through personalized and compassionate nutritional guidance. If you're looking to dig deep into healing your relationship with PCOS, this course is for you!
"This course was monumental as I navigate the diagnosis of PCOS. As someone who has been undergoing fertility treatment for some time now, I have gotten a lot of advice about nutrition with PCOS and guidelines around this but it always felt so daunting and difficult to incorporate. As someone who already tries to eat in a balanced way and actively engages in movement, it was confusing to me in understanding what needed to be changed and how I could do it in a sustainable way. This course finally gave me what I needed. The course is highly informational, but in a digestible manner, but the best part is that you will walk away with specific tools that you can use.
I find myself thinking about this course throughout my day as I plan my meals and as my energy shifts and changes. This is the very first time I have learned about PCOS in a way that feels like I can implement changes into my life in a manageable and sustainable way. After incorporating Eden’s suggestion and education, I have noticed many positive effects on my mind and body such as more sustained energy throughout the day, changes to my skin, less bloating, amongst other things. I feel very lucky to have been able to take this course and highly recommend it to anyone managing PCOS." -N.S
You can learn more about the course HERE or schedule a complimentary consultation call with Eden to address any questions or concerns you may have.
If you or a loved one are experiencing PCOS, we encourage you to reach out for professional support. Navigating a chronic illness is challenging, but you don't have to do it alone! Rooted Physio & Performance and Pearl Wellness Practice wish you the best on your health and wellness journey.
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