The Case:
- Jen is 34 with the hopes of getting pregnant but her menstrual cycle was very irregular
- She was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- The doctors and gynecologists recommended birth control pills but they left her feeling moody and depressed. Plus, it wasn’t going to help her get pregnant!
- We had to find a way to regulate her period, optimize her fertility and the first clue was in understanding the cause of her PCOS.
The Investigation
Birth control pills are a common solution for irregular periods caused by PCOS but they are not the only solution. And, they are certainly not the right choice for someone who suffers bad side effects or who is wanting to improve fertility.
According to the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, PCOS affects up to 15% of women and is the leading cause of infertility. Which is why it’s often a catchall diagnosis.
I knew I had to dig a little deeper into Jen’s case if we were going to overcome her PCOS symptoms, improve menstrual cycle regularity, and increase fertility.
I connected with clinical nutritionist, personal trainer and creator of The Sugarpurge, Aynsley Kirshenbaum. That may seem like an interesting place to start digging but as you’ll discover in this episode everything is connected. Plus, Aynsley is speaking from personal experience.
We discuss how important it is to look at everything that is going on in the body to assist the body in resetting. That includes looking at diagnostic criteria that is beyond the typical tests done for PCOS.
The most important is the hormone panel, which we discuss at length in this episode.
Our Endocrine System and Hormone System Work in Concert
Aynsley and I discuss just how intricately the bodies systems work together. If one thing is out of whack, it can affect all of the other things. And, conversely, if you can control one system or create change in just one area, then that will affect other systems too.
Sugar is Everything
Aynsley and I also discussed why it’s so important to test the Hemoglobin A1c to determine insulin sensitivity levels. This was one of the key clues in Jen’s case. As was a shift in her overall diet.
What does a PCOS diet look like? We break it down and look at some possible connections between gluten and PCOS (although more research is needed).
Don’t Ignore Stress
And finally, we dive into the role that stress can play in PCOS as well as the presentation of symptoms of PCOS.
All of these changes are not an overnight magic bullet. The resetting of systems (not to mention them having an affect on other systems) takes time. Expect for it to take at least 3 – 6 months.
When it comes to missing periods caused by PCOS, birth control is not the only answer.
In the case of Jen. Within a year, her cycle was back to normal and she was able to conceive a child. All without having to take medication that made her unhappy and feeling unlike herself. She now has a beautiful baby and continues to be in control of her PCOS symptoms.
Mystery Solved
For Jen, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could diet, blood sugar, stress reduction, and hormone balancing be the missing clues for you or someone in your life dealing with irregular periods, PCOS, or infertility?
Share this information and demand answers. Your health does not need to remain a mystery.
Resources:
Thanks to my guest Aynsley Kirshenbaum. You can connect with her on Facebook or Instagram on through her website.
If you’re interested in the Sugar Purge 12-Day Challenge she spoke about, click here to learn more.
Product Links
I mentioned some products that helped Jen reach her goals. Here they are for your reference.
Sensitol OmegAvail Ultra Metabolic SynergyPodcast listeners enjoy 10% off the above mentioned products. Use coupon code: DFH10 at checkout.
Thanks for Listening
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PLEASE NOTE
All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
