PCOS Protocol

Description: PCOS is a defect in ovarian follicle maturation and the development of a cyst instead of release of an egg. It often comes along with insulin resistance and there is a lean type PCOS (likely stress-induced) and heavy type PCOS. Relevant science: The hypothalamus (a part of the brain just above the brain stem) secretes ganodatropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which then activates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH). FSH causes the ovarian follicle to mature/ripen and LH causes it to release an egg. In PCOS, the follicle does not mature correctly so FSH is followed by the LH surge, there is no release and instead a cyst can form. This also causes estrogen and testosterone levels to rise (insulin and LH increase ovarian testosterone release) and a lower or absent progesterone level (since no copus luteum is created). This further disrupts the cycle creating a negative hormonal feedback effect. PCOS varies from woman to woman and can result in a spectrum of menstrual disorders making it difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. The thyroid is often involved as well, and catecholamine resistance can also occur. Protocol: Diet: Heavy type: A low carb diet is a must for heavy type PCOS, along with insulinsensitizing nutrients. An ME sugar burner diet is preferred, less than 75g carb daily. Lean type: An ME mixed burner plan works best with special attention to the carbohydrate tipping point. Hypothalamic-pituitary sensitizing aids and stress hormonereducing agents are important. Supplements: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Metabolic Complex: 3 caps twice daily with meals (especially heavy type) Krill Oil: 1-3g daily Vitex (standardized to .5% agnusides): 200mg-400mg daily Rhodiola: 200-400mg daily (especially lean type) DIM: 200mg daily Saw Palmetto (400mg daily), pygeum (200mg), nettles (200mg) (especially if hirsutism). See Prostate Supreme from Designs For Health

7) Possible progesterone therapy (speak to an integrative physician) 8) Detox estrogen: avoid plastics, pesticides, OCPs, hormone-laden animal products (i.e dairy) Exercise: - Avoid excessive cardiovascular exercise. Limit to 1 or 2 long moderateintensity/aerobic zone workouts per week - Leisure walking 30 to 60 minutes daily (Tai Chi OR yoga (only restorative can replace)) - Weight training: 3 times per week, full body: 5 sets of 10 with 10RM (Leg Press, Chest Press, Back Row, Shoulder Press) - Interval training or mixed metabolic conditioning 1-2 times per week (20 to 30 minutes max)