Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to multiple cysts on the ovaries and a host of other problems that go along with them, including
* Anovulation (lack of ovulation) and
* Menstrual abnormalities,
* Hirsutism (increased facial hair),
* Male pattern baldness,
* Acne, and
* Obesity.
Such women may also have varying degrees of insulin resistance and an increased incidence of Type II diabetes, unfavorable lipid patterns (usually high triglycerides), and a low bone density. Laboratory tests often show higher than normal circulating androgens, especially testosterone.
In this study researchers examined a small group of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and found that they were low in vitamin D levels.
Normalization of vitamin D levels normalized menstrual cycles in over half the women in two months. Two patients became pregnant and four others maintained normal menstrual cycles.
Steroids June 1999 64(6):430-5
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DR. MERCOLA’S COMMENT:
There are a number of treatments available for this syndrome.
Insulin resistance is a central issue so one will certainly want to restrict sugars and grains.
This study provides yet another benefit of normalizing vitamin D levels. This is the time of the year where we can actually get enough vitamin D from the sun in the US, so we don’t need to rely on cod liver oil in the summer.
If you have this problem it would be very wise to maximize your vitamin D levels precisely with the use of blood tests. The article below describes the process.
Additionally, natural progesterone seems to help normalize the hormone disturbances. However, while progesterone is clearly useful here, it would be wise to only use it until one is able to normalize the underlying causes of syndrome and discontinue it once the vitamin D and insulin disturbances are normalized.
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