Many of us understand, at least on a conceptual level, that adopting healthier eating habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing self-care are vital for leading a long and happy life. However, the demands of modern life often get in the way of these aspirations. Balancing work and family life leaves little room for focusing on our wellbeing. And of course, convenience frequently takes precedence as we’re all so busy!
While this isn't necessarily incorrect, it's essential to recognize that neglecting proper nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness gradually leads to deteriorating health – particularly when accompanied by a diagnosis of PCOS.
In the past, nutritional therapy was sometimes dismissed as "alternative medicine." However, the tide is turning, and the scientific significance of proper nutrition is now gaining the acknowledgment it deserves. A select group of esteemed medical professionals, including Dr Tim Spector, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, and Dr. Michael Mosley, are actively endorsing the integration of nutrition science.
Nutritional therapists are at the forefront of this movement, applying the latest advancements in nutritional and health research to tailor a diet, lifestyle, and, when appropriate, supplement plan to address individual needs. We also offer coaching to facilitate the practical implementation of these strategies and to overcome any obstacles from the past. This can be particularly helpful in PCOS, when managing the stressors that accompany the condition.
Nutritional therapy is highly personalised. Practitioners often refer to individuals as "biochemically unique," highlighting that a one-size-fits-all dietary approach is inadequate. Plus, everyone’s health experiences, lifestyles, likes and dislikes, time constraints and time are completely different. Consequently, a Nutritional Therapist takes into account your genes, medical history, existing symptoms, preferences, and personal circumstances to craft a tailored plan.
Such a personalised approach demands both time and expertise. While generic internet resources are available, they pale in comparison to the insights and support a nutrition practitioner offers. Furthermore, a practitioner may recommend targeted supplements based on your specific condition or health objective. However, navigating the world of supplements can be risky and costly without expert guidance.
It is unfortunate that many people underestimate the transformative potential of a personalised nutrition and lifestyle programme in helping to alleviate their symptoms and enhance their overall wellbeing. Media headlines often discuss the latest food trends, but they fail to connect the dots comprehensively, making it challenging to envision the possibilities for yourself.
A Nutritional Therapist can help you to probe deeper to understand the root causes before putting together a plan specifically for you.
Your initial consultation will span approximately 90 minutes. Prior to your visit, you'll complete a nutritional therapy questionnaire, and a diet and lifestyle diary to give us an idea of how you live your life.
During the session, we'll delve into your medical history, health goals, challenges, eating habits, preferences, and lifestyle factors. The process is entirely confidential and non-judgmental.
Our programmes then involve a series of sessions spread over twelve weeks dependent on the level of support you need. This structure makes sure that you receive ongoing support, helping you to implement the programme gradually and tackle any hurdles that arise.
While you will probably have some information about what constitutes a healthy diet, realising sustainable progress toward better health involves more than just information. Sustaining motivation often proves to be the most challenging aspect of any health plan! A supportive partner or coach plays a pivotal role in keeping you on track and providing guidance when you veer off course. This accountability and guidance, often provided through health coaching, safeguard the progress you make from going to waste.
If you are suffering with PCOS and would like to know more about our personalised nutrition programmes, why not book in a free health review today? Just click here and pick a time that works for you.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a multifaceted hormonal disorder which affects a significant number of women globally. It comes with a whole host of symptoms which can hugely impact a woman's wellbeing, such as irregular periods, mood fluctuations, unwanted hair growth, acne, weight changes, and fertility challenges.
However, the use Functional Medicine (FM) can help. Rather than focussing on solving individual symptoms, FM works on trying to find the underlying root causes and interconnectedness of various factors.
Central to the FM philosophy is understanding that every person is unique, with different genetic makeup, lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and stress levels. A skilled FM practitioner begins by taking a thorough medical history and may conduct specialised tests to gain insights into a client's hormone levels, nutrient status, and potential inflammatory markers.
One of the key areas explored within FM is the impact of diet and lifestyle on hormonal balance. Recommendations for diet changes may include adopting a nutrient-dense, whole-foods-based approach while reducing the consumption of inflammatory substances like refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
Physical activity, exercise, and stress management techniques are also integral parts of a comprehensive plan, aiming to improve insulin sensitivity and overall hormone balance.
Additionally, stress can have huge effects on hormonal regulation, making relaxation techniques and sufficient restorative sleep essential parts of a woman’s journey towards better health.
The use of supplements may be considered, as they can complement the approach to hormonal balance. However, the hallmark of FM – and what we practice here at PCOS Clinics - lies in a personalised touch – each plan is thoughtfully tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of the individual.
It is essential to acknowledge that the healing journey in FM is not instantaneous; rather, it is a collaborative process that is based on commitment, patience, and trust. The ultimate goal is to empower you with knowledge and understanding of your health, enabling you to make informed choices and sustainably improve your overall wellbeing beyond managing PCOS symptoms.
If this resonates with you, why don’t you get in touch for a free call? We’d love to chat to you about what’s going on for you right now, what you’ve tried so far, and we can give you some simple tips to get you feeling better. Click here to book a call.
What connects celebrities Daisy Ridley, Victoria Beckham, Jools Oliver, and Emma Thompson? They have all publicly shared their battles with the hormonal disorder Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS affects one in five women in the UK and the number is rising. Its impact on a woman's self-esteem and quality of life can be utterly profound. On top of this, many cases go undiagnosed, potentially because young women with painful or irregular periods are often put on the pill which can mask the symptoms. And sometimes, it's only if challenges with fertility or recurrent miscarriages occur that the underlying condition is finally discovered.
And other symptoms include fatigue, low mood, anxiety, appetite and sleep issues.
Within your body, an excess of luteinizing hormone (LH) causes your ovaries to overproduce testosterone, a male hormone. High levels of testosterone can hinder proper follicle development, potentially leading to disrupted ovulation (which affects fertility). The surplus of testosterone might cause facial or body hair growth, hair thinning or loss on the scalp (akin to 'male pattern baldness').
Additionally, your body may struggle with insulin, the hormone regulating blood sugar and fat storage. Over time, cellular insulin receptors lose sensitivity, leading to higher insulin production to shuttle sugar from your bloodstream into cells for energy. Unfortunately, high insulin levels can also lead to increased testosterone production by the ovaries and hinder the liver's secretion of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a molecule that helps control excess testosterone. Not to mention that excessive insulin leads to elevated blood sugar levels, ultimately contributing to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
While we still don’t know the main cause, there may be a genetic component to the condition. Research indicates that PCOS may be influenced by genes, exposure to androgens (male hormones), and environmental toxins in the womb. However, a genetic predisposition to PCOS doesn't mean you're resigned to enduring its symptoms – diet and lifestyle changes can help alleviate them.
If you think you might have PCOS, it's best to get in touch with your GP for testing. Indicators your GP might look for include irregular or absent periods, enlarged ovaries containing fluid-filled sacs (which, despite the name, are not actual cysts), and above range androgen levels. An ultrasound scan and a blood test are typically the ideal methods for diagnosis. While insulin resistance and high luteinizing hormone levels are common, they are not mandatory for a diagnosis.
Given insulin's pivotal role, embarking on a low glycaemic load (GL) diet is a great starting point. The GL of foods gauges how swiftly blood glucose levels rise after consuming carbohydrates. Opting for low GL foods can enhance and balance insulin levels.
If you've been diagnosed with PCOS, we would love to invite you to schedule a free hormone health discussion with us. During our conversation, you can share your experiences and diagnosis, and together, we can chart the most suitable path forward for you. Click here to book a call.
PCOS Clinics is part of the Green Leaf Company (London) Ltd, a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 10990293
Disclaimer: ‘Please note that nutritional therapy is not medical advice - this should always be sought from your doctor or other medical provider. We aim to work alongside your doctor or GP to provide nutritional and lifestyle advice to support any underlying imbalances.'
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