By Mahalia Freed ND
This article highlights a common women’s health concern seen in my practice. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, affects not only reproductive health and fertility, but also cardiovascular health.
Definition and Clinical Consequences
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a label referring to a complex and broad health picture. PCOS is diagnosed by presence of two of the following three things: (i) irregular ovulation or absence of ovulation, (ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of high testosterone, and/or (iii) polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound. While presentation varies, the most common clinical manifestations are infertility, male pattern hair growth, obesity, and absent or infrequent menses. However, these concerns represent only the tip of the iceberg with respect to the PCOS picture. Less obvious consequence of PCOS lie below the surface. Women and transgendered men who have PCOS are at risk for hypertension, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type II diabetes, and abnormalities in blood lipids such as elevated triglycerides and oxidized cholesterol. Additional complications include increased risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, an altered (increased) stress response, and difficulty maintaining or attaining desired body weight compared to people who do not have PCOS. Finally, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Trying to conceive? Higher concentrations of Vitamin D in follicular fluid are an independent predictor of the success of IVF treatment. Vitamin D is hypothesized to support ovarian/uterine hormone production.
Pregnant? Women given adequate supplemental Vitamin D during pregnancy are less likely to develop high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Their babies are less likely to develop type I diabetes. Vitamin D helps support healthy immunity, and prevents autoimmune conditions like type I diabetes from developing.
How much do I take? Current Canadian guidelines vary between organizations, and what you need to take will depend on (i) your blood levels; (ii) the amount of sun exposure without sunscreen you get; (iii) your skin colour; and, (iv) the season. Please consult your ND for an individual prescription.
Babies: 400 IU per day, with more (800 – 1200 IU per day) in winter months, and after 1 year (as weight increases, so does necessary dose).
Breast Feeding: Current study recommendations are for supplementing as high as 6400 IU, though common prescriptions are for 2000-4000 IU per day.
Adults, non-pregnant: Recommendations range, as do individual needs. *Get your blood levels checked first. Common supplemental doses range from 2000- 5000 IU per day, although some people do not require supplementation.
(Study References Available Upon Request)
Lifecycles Drs Mahalia Freed ND and Tanya Smith TCM and present on using Naturopathic Medicine and Chinese Medicine to resolve PCOS. We will cover a range of concerns, from restoring fertility and maintaining or attaining a healthy weight, to decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Learn what you can do to improve your health.
Please Register via http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/toronto/index.php or call Whole Foods at 416-944-0500.
