Author: Valerie McKenbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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With each menstrual cycle, follicles grow on the ovaries. These follicles contain the eggs from which a foetus develops if the egg is fertilised. A mature egg is then released into the fallopian tube (ovulation) and the remaining eggs disintegrate. In PCOS, the ovaries are larger than normal due to a number of undeveloped follicles. In some cases, women who have PCOS may not even know they have it because it does not cause any symptoms. However, if there is a hormonal imbalance, this is where problems can arise.
In more extreme cases of PCOS, a person maybe overweight, suffer with mood swings, heavy, scant or no periods, acne and prone to growing excess bodily hair (hirsutism). PCOS can also affect fertility and there is a stronger risk of developing type-two diabetes.
*A common finding in women with PCOS because their body cells are resistant to the sugar-control hormone insulin. This insulin resistance prevents cells using sugar in the blood normally and the sugar is stored as fat. Dr David Cahill, consultant senior lecturer on obstetrics and gynaecology.
The reason for the growth of the follicles is due to an imbalance of Lutetinizing Hormone (LH), which controls the eggs development and eventual release from the ovary plus an excess of the male hormone, testosterone. LH is released by the pituitary gland in the brain.
The cause of PCOS is not definitive, but it has been suggested that it may be due to the ovarys inability to produce hormones in the right quantity. There might also be problems with the livers ability to bind excess hormones, meaning that the amount of hormones (i.e. estrogen and testosterone) circulating in the blood is not being properly regulated.
The most popular conventional treatment for PCOS or other hormone related problems tends to be the low dose contraceptive pill. The pill helps regulate the monthly cycle but the only drawback is, when you stop taking it the problems re-occur. Thus, the pill will only ever be a temporary solution. Additionally, the side effects from taking the pill are extremely unpleasant and for this reason, the pill is best avoided.
The best way to improve the symptoms of PCOS is the natural way. Before embarking on conventional treatment, always look to nature first to try and resolve health conditions. Preferably, it is best to do this well before problems occur. Dietary improvements (fresh organic fruit, vegetables, fresh juices and whole grains) are always the first step to take as this alone can improve symptoms within weeks if not days. Other changes that can help are lifestyle changes, i.e. physical activity, herbs, vitamin and mineral supplements and a liver detox (also know as liver cleanse). A liver detox may help to remove blockages such as gallbladder stones thus improving its ability to detoxify and remove excess hormones from the body.
Always consult a health practitioner before embarking on the liver cleanse. Also, seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before taking herbs and/ or supplements to avoid contraindications with medication.
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pThis article was written by Valerie McKen – The Nutrition Angel. For tips, health news, reviews, recipes and ideas for living your most healthiest life, visit my blog a target=_new href=http://thenutritionangel.blogspot.com rel=nofollowhttp://thenutritionangel.blogspot.com/a or online store a target=_new href=http://naturallyraw.health.officelive.com/default.aspx rel=nofollowhttp://naturallyraw.health.officelive.com/default.aspx/a/pbr
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Tags: health conditions, hormonal problems, menstrual cycle, overweight, PCOS