PCOS, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, is the most common hormonal problem in women between the ages of 18 and 44 worldwide. This makes it one of the leading causes of female impaired fertility.

As many as 5-10% of women in that age group suffer from PCOS. It is often familial; thus, it is likely to be transmissible. The gene responsible for it has not yet been found. The syndrome occurs in identical twins and sometimes in men.

Known symptoms of PCOS include absence of menstruation or a highly irregular cycle, acne, male pattern baldness, excessive hairiness and cysts on the ovaries.

A big factor for PCOS: stress

A major risk factor for PCOS is stress. Chronic stress eventually throws the hypothalamus, the captain of your brain, out of balance. This brain nucleus controls all hormonal processes, including sex hormones. Restoration of the hypothalamus provides hormonal balance, thus promoting fertility. 

Restoring hypothalamic function is done by practicing intermittent living, which means seeking out the primal stimuli that your body is still genetically made to adapt to. Think, for example, of stimuli such as cold, heat, hunger and thirst. Something more concrete perhaps: intermittent fasting and bulk drinking (being mildly thirsty and then drinking several glasses of water and then not drinking again for a few hours), cold showering and sitting in the sauna.

How do I get PCOS?

Genetics and lifestyle play a role in PCOS. For example, being overweight exacerbates the syndrome. A misconception is that only overweight ladies have PCOS; it occurs in all phenotypes.

It is especially important to keep blood sugar levels stable because when they are too high, the hormone insulin negatively affects PCOS. If you make sure you get enough protein and healthy fats through the diet, blood sugar levels rise less and therefore you need less insulin. Fast carbs and sugars actually worsen the ailment. As a nice addition to your diet, consider our pea protein powder and omega 3 oil.