Tag Archives: PCOS infertility

Acupuncture for PCOS – Points to Ponder

Posted on October 5, 2012

By Beth Heller, MS

At Pulling Down the Moon, when we come across a tough problem we often turn to our acupuncturists and ask “isn’t there a needle for that?” It seems like every day we read another study where researchers find that acupuncture is beneficial for something…especially fertility. Recently the focus was on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Researchers in Sweden announced that electro-acupuncture improves hormonal profiles and menstrual cycle regularity in patients with PCOS when compared to physical exercise and control groups.

Evidence is piling up that acupuncture is an effective treatment for PCOS. This latest study spotlighted one potential mode of action for acupuncture. The women from the both the acupuncture group and the exercise group actually showed a decrease in the activity of their sympathetic nervous system. In addition, women in the acupuncture group showed a decrease in unhealthy belly fat (abdominal adiposity) when compared to the exercise and the control groups. This finding is exciting because abdominal fat is associated with many of the negative health consequences associated with PCOS, including diabetes and heart disease and potentially infertility as studies show that “apple shaped” women may be more prone to infertility than “pear shaped” gals.

We know that the stress hormone cortisol promotes fat storage in the belly as opposed to peripheral storage depots (a.k.a. tush and hips). Stress also aggravates blood sugar regulation and can negatively impact reproductive function. It is possible that these findings suggest a new direction for healing for PCOS that emphasizes stress reduction. If so, in addition to diet and exercise, the new prescription for PCOS should emphasize meditation and relaxation as well as exercise and diet for optimal efficacy.

Click here to schedule an appointment with a Pulling Down the Moon fertility acupuncture specialist in Chicago or Rockville today!

Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Aug;297(2):R387-95. Epub 2009 Jun 3

This entry was posted in Fertility Acupuncture, Fertility Diet, Holistic Fertility, Infertility, PCOS and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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PCOS and Thyroid Disease: Is there a link?

Posted on September 28, 2010

By Breea Johnson, MS RD

In a previous blog posting, I recommended that women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) get screened for autoimmune thyroid disease as research has shown that women with PCOS are three times as likely to also have an autoimmune thyroid disease.  The autoimmune thyroid diseases are Graves Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. In both cases, immune system antibodies attack the cells of the thyroid gland which can lead to the gland’s eventual destruction – producing symptoms which can include weight gain or loss, depression, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and in some cases infertility. While most Reproductive Endocrinologists routinely test for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which can determine an over-active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), autoimmune thyroid disease needs to be tested by determining levels of antibodies that the immune system is producing such as anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) or anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG)antibodies.

In addition to the higher incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease in women with PCOS, a recent study showed that infertile women suffering from PCOS with anti-TPO values that exceeded the upper level of normal were significantly more likely to be resistant to Clomid compared to Clomid responders and Metformin responders. They went on to conclude that elevated anti-TPO levels (an indicator of autoimmune thyroid disease) are associated with poor treatment response in infertile women who suffer from PCOS.

So, why is it so common to see PCOS and Thyroid Disease together?  There is no definitive answer, but there are connections.  Both the thyroid gland and the ovaries are part of the endocrine system.  Insulin resistance, which is very common in women with PCOS, is also associated with thyroid function as studies have found that increased levels of TSH correlate with an increase in insulin resistance (read more about the insulin resistance and PCOS connection in a previous blog). There also may be specific nutritional deficiencies that PCOS and thyroid disease have in common.

While the research is still limited in the area of infertility, thyroid disease and PCOS, there is a link between all of them and getting tested and screened for both PCOS and thyroid disease may be beneficial in your fertility journey. Nutrition also plays a large role in the treatment of PCOS and thyroid disease including helping to lessen insulin resistance. To book a nutrition consultation at Pulling Down the Moon, call (312) 321-0004 or visit www.pullingdownthemoon.com.

This entry was posted in Fertility, Fertility Diet, Holistic Fertility, Infertility, PCOS and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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PCOS and Miscarriage Rates

Posted on September 16, 2010

By Breea Johnson, MS RD

Women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) may endure a lot to get pregnant – from utilizing medications to induce ovulation to undergoing IVF – all while experiencing the typical PCOS symptoms. But, does PCOS also impact miscarriage rates? Pregnancy loss rates amongst women with PCOS have been reported to be as high as 30% to 50%, but some research has shown that information to be conflicting. In a recent study, women with PCOS were found to have a 2-fold increase of miscarriage loss after undergoing ART (IVF or IUI) (Chason et al, 2010).  While not the 30-50%  reported previously, the rate found by Chason et al.  is pretty substantial considering the general reproductive population has about an 11% miscarriage rate.  PCOS has also been found in approximately 40% to 80% of women with recurrent miscarriages (Palomba et al, 2009).

Insulin levels also seem to play a factor in miscarriage, as studies have shown that Metformin has positive effects on reducing miscarriage rates in women with PCOS.  In a study comparing three groups of women with PCOS on Metformin, all rates of miscarriage decreased while on Metformin but the groups that stopped at 8 weeks and 12 weeks had a statistically significant drop in miscarriage rates while the group that stopped immediately after a positive pregnancy diagnosis did not have a statistically significant drop (from roughly 20-40% down to 4-8%). However, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that preconception intake of Metformin did not have a beneficial effect on reducing miscarriage rates in women with PCOS (Palomba et al, 2009). The research is still very limited in this area.

Factors in women with PCOS that may be contributing to increased miscarriage rates include higher Lutenizing Hormone (LH) levels which can be increased by elevated insulin. Elevated testosterone levels, obesity, insulin levels and infertility treatments are also factors that may be involved (Palomba et al, 2009). Many of these altered hormone levels seen frequently with PCOS are greatly affected by diet and lifestyle and may be improved through working with a nutritionist.  Acupuncture has also been used to minimize the chance of miscarriage.  Please call Pulling Down the Moon at (312) 321-0004 or visit our website at www.pullingdownthemoon.com for more information.

Chason et al. A Diagnosis of Polycsytic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy loss with Assisted Reproduction.  October 2010.

Palomba et al. Effect of preconceptional metformin on abortion risk in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Fertility Sterility. 2009.

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The Role of Inflammation in PCOS

Posted on September 14, 2010

Margaret Wertheim M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

By Margaret Wertheim M.S., R.D. , L.D.N.

When most people hear the word “inflammation,” they think of a swollen ankle, red and irritated eyes, or the pain of an injury. This is called acute inflammation which occurs over a short period of time and is a helpful process in the body in response to any sort of trauma or injury. This type of inflammation helps to promote healing and prevent infection. On the other hand, prolonged or chronic inflammation in the body is harmful and is associated with many health conditions including PCOS, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

As Breea discussed in her earlier post entitled The Many Faces of PCOS, women with PCOS have differing characteristics. PCOS is present not only in overweight women, but also in normal weight women. According to a 2009 study in the journal Metabolism, levels of inflammatory markers in the blood are increased not only in overweight or obese women with PCOS but also in normal weight women with PCOS compared to women who do not have PCOS. For certain markers of inflammation, having PCOS and being obese increased inflammatory marker levels even more. This increase in chronic inflammation in PCOS is concerning, because chronic inflammation is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease as well as problems with fertility.

Another study from the journal Mediators of Inflammation notes that pathways in the body involved in blood sugar regulation overlap with pathways involved in inflammation which may explain a relationship between blood sugar regulation and inflammation in PCOS. Insulin resistance exists in obese and normal weight women with PCOS, but obesity worsens the insulin resistance much the same as obesity worsens the inflammation in PCOS. These results make a strong case for the beneficial role of weight loss if needed in PCOS. The importance of decreasing this chronic inflammation cannot be overemphasized, because not only may it be helpful for managing PCOS and improving fertility, but also in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

While the cause and best treatment for PCOS has yet to determined, the research indicates that insulin resistance, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and hormone levels appear to be linked. The nutritionists here at Pulling Down the Moon can help you to implement changes to your diet and/or recommend supplements which can help you to lose weight if needed, better regulate your blood sugar, and decrease the inflammation associated with PCOS which may help to improve your chances of conception and decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease.

References:

1. González F, Rote NS, Minium J, Kirwan JP. Evidence of Proatherogenic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Metabolism; 2009 July; 58(7):954-962.

2. Sathyapalan T, Atkin SL. Mediators of Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Relation to Adiposity. Mediators of Inflammation

; 2010.

This entry was posted in Fertility, Fertility Diet, Infertility, Nutrition for Fertility, PCOS, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

One Response to The Role of Inflammation in PCOS

  1. cardio says:
    March 16, 2011 at 3:44 pm

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Supplements for PCOS: Myo-inositol vs D-Chiro-Inositol

Posted on September 10, 2010

By Breea Johnson, MS RD

In the world of PCOS, most people are familiar with the common recommended medications such as Metformin and the birth control pill to help regulate the cycle and sensitize the body’s tissues to insulin (helping to lessen insulin resistance). While research shows benefits of these medications there are still many side effects that some women do not want to risk.

At Pulling Down the Moon, we recommend FlowPro (if you visit this page, click on the research tab for a summary of the studies that have been done) for PCOS, as the nutritional supplement contains myo-inositol and magnesium that when taken daily have been shown to restore ovulation and menstruation in some women. Myo-inositol can be synthesized by the body from other nutrients but when deficient can impact the ability of the body to be sensitive to insulin. Supplementation with myo-inositol in women has been clinically shown to lower levels of circulating insulin and testosterone, promote ovulation, improve egg quality, improve hirsutism and acne, and lower the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation during an IVF cycle. Some research has found it to be equally effective as Metformin in restoring ovulation.

Another closely-related and popular supplement for PCOS is D-Chiro Inositol (DCI). There are actually nine different forms of inositol (part of the B-vitamin complex), with DCI and Myo-inositol being the two most heavily researched in conjunction with PCOS and insulin sensitivity. There has been no research comparing the effects of both supplements for PCOS, however, both have been found to be beneficial in helping insulin sensitivity.

Do you have PCOS? Have you tried Myo-inositol or D-Chiro Inositol to help manage symptoms? Please feel free to post your stories here. Thanks!

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Insulin Resistance: A Role in PCOS

Posted on September 7, 2010

By Breea Johnson, MS RD

When most people hear the term “insulin” they immediately think of someone with diabetes- not knowing why or how they use insulin but knowing that something with their levels just isn’t right. Most diabetics in this country have Type II diabetes which is developed later in life and usually attributed to “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance is also common in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), as a large percentage, but not all, of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance.

To understand insulin resistance it is first important to understand how glucose and insulin work together to provide energy for our body. Glucose is derived from the food we eat. Carbohydrates break down most efficiently into glucose.  Protein and fat eventually can eventually convert to glucose but take a longer time to do so.

Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas that enables the liver to utilize and/or store glucose.  Insulin is absolutely necessary to life.  Without it, glucose circulates at high levels in the blood but cannot penetrate into cells and provide energy for our bodies.  Normally, a person would eat a meal containing carbohydrates, their blood sugar (glucose) would rise and insulin would signal cells to allow glucose to enter and be used for energy or stored for later use.  When insulin is present but cells don’t respond to its signals the condition is termed “insulin resistance” because insulin and glucose are both being produced but are unable to communicate.  This communication breakdown causes glucose levels to be very high (outside the cells) but very low (inside the cells) resulting in increased hunger. Because insulin is our “store and save” hormone, higher levels of this hormone in the bloodstream discourage our body from burning the existing stores of energy in our fat reserves.   Taken together these conditions can make it very difficult for a person with insulin resistance to lose weight.

So, what causes insulin resistance? The largest contributor is excess body weight, as an increase in adipose (fat) tissue can interfere with the communication between glucose and insulin. Weight gain in the central stomach area is most detrimental to insulin resistance.  Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with insulin resistance (so be sure to get your Vitamin D levels checked). Chronic inflammation is also a leading cause of insulin resistance and can be improved by a change in diet and lifestyle.  A lifelong diet of highly processed carbohydrates (cakes, cookies, sodas, candy, desserts, etc.) and poor nutritional intake may also be a key cause in the development of insulin resistance. While the causal connection of insulin resistance and PCOS has yet to be established, it is something of concern as the associated conditions of insulin resistance – overweight/obesity, increased risk of developing gestational and Type 2 diabetes, increased cognitive aging, increased risk of some cancers – are very serious conditions.

Luckily, insulin resistance is something that can be modified through diet and exercise.  There are many nutritional strategies to help with insulin resistance and PCOS.  If you are interested in learning more about our nutrition program to help with PCOS, please call (312) 321-0004 or visit www.pullingdownthemoon.com for more info.

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