Interview with Alternative practitioner Iris Lemke
The Polycystic ovarian syndromePCO or PCOS for short, is the most common type of hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age. Due to a predominance of male sex hormones such as testosterone, the symptoms are expressed in the absence of menstrual bleeding or very long menstrual cycles, fertility problems, weight gain, depressive moods and increased body and facial hair, acne and hair loss on the scalp. The blood count often shows an increased androgen index and increased testosterone. The usually rather masculine appearance causes many women to suffer psychologically as well. The symptoms do not all have to occur at the same time or be particularly severe, but at least two of the criteria point to "polycystic ovaries", i.e. cysts on the eggs that do not fully mature in the ovaries and thus ovulation does not occur.
In recent years, the number of people affected has increased significantly. In an expert interview with the alternative practitioner Iris Lemke from Berlin, who specialises in women's health and the desire to have children, the PCO expert reports a drastic increase in the symptoms of her patients. About 5 to 12% of women are affected throughout Germany, although she notes "more like 10%, with an upward trend" in her practice.
So what exactly is PCO? How does this endocrine disorder develop? How can PCO be treated holistically and sustainably? This article presents possible causes and proven therapeutic approaches to help the hormonal system out of balance the opportunity to navigate back into balance. A holistic approach of stress reduction, stabilisation of blood sugar levels, dietary changes and mental as well as emotional techniques provides a secure foundation for a life in balance and for more well-being - every day.
What is PCO syndrome?
Characteristic are the cysts on the ovaries that can be detected in imaging procedures (lat. Ovaries), which resemble a string of pearls. The visibly not fully matured follicles, which are located in the ovaries, are prevented from ovulating by hormonal dysregulation. Normally, ovulation is triggered every 28 days by an increase in the hormones FSH, LH and oestrogen. A lack of ovulation leads to a lack of menstruation, since only the egg in the fallopian tube, as the corpus luteum, ensures through the production of progesterone that the lining of the uterus is built up and is shed during menstruation if the egg remains unfertilised.
What are the possible causes of PCOS?
- Stress and overload of the adrenal glands
According to the alternative practitioner, women's health, hormone and fertility specialist Iris Lemke, who practices in Berlin and Wandlitz, the causes are not yet fully understood and clarified. However, she consistently observes a clearly increased stress level, even in young girls. Women have to and want to achieve a lot, they have to "stand their ground" early on. They have to get a good A-levels, a job, leisure activities and a harmonious relationship with their partner and family, a fulfilled desire to have children and personal and professional fulfilment.
One of the most serious stressors is an increased or strongly fluctuating blood sugar level due to either skipping meals or foods with a high glycaemic index, which are not only sugary sweets. Irregular sleep, too few breaks in the fresh air and recreation in nature, extremely increased activity and competitive sports, but also faulty colonisation in the intestines and detoxification disorders are also stressors.
A permanently increased stress load means a constant production of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in the adrenal gland, which, among other things, is also a production site for hormones of the female cycle. If the pituitary-adrenal axis, the stress-regulating axis between the pituitary gland in the brain and the adrenal gland, is constantly challenged, this can lead to disturbances in the regulation of sexual hormones. This takes place via a hormone system of the so-called pituitary-gonadal axis between the brain, adrenal glands and ovaries and controls the complex regulation of sex hormones, the cycle, egg maturation, ovulation and possibly pregnancy.
The maturation of an egg and ovulation can only be accomplished by the body if the system signals sufficient energy resources that theoretically guarantee a healthy pregnancy. However, if the body constantly receives new stimuli and to-dos instead of regular rest periods, the hormonal system of reproduction automatically receives the signal that it does not have sufficient capacities for the growth of new life due to stress. The survival of one's own system takes precedence over reproduction, an ancient survival instinct.
In addition, the balance of male and female hormones can shift due to stress in such a way that the androgens, i.e. the male sex hormones such as testosterone, gain the upper hand and the oestrogen does not have enough influence to trigger egg maturation and ovulation.
- Increased testosterone
Testosterone and oestrogen are synthesised from the same basic molecule, the prohormone DHEA. DHEA is converted by enzymes first into testosterone, then into estradiol. Estradiol is an important oestrogen, while testosterone is a male sex hormone. For various reasons, a DHEA deficiency can develop, for example, so that less testosterone and oestrogen are produced overall. In addition, the conversion of testosterone into estradiol can be disturbed, which is why there can be a predominance of testosterone over estrogen, which in turn provides fertile ground for the PCO traits. Increased testosterone causes increased hair growth on the body and face, e.g. beard growth, hair on the belly button and around the nipples, can lead to acne and cause the hair loss and high forehead more characteristic of men.
- Inhibin, insulin and obesity
Inhibin is a hormone produced in the ovaries. It inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland and ensures in the regular monthly cycle that not all follicles fully mature at the same time, but only one or two eggs come to ovulation. PCOS can involve a disturbed inhibin level, which leads to imbalances in the interaction of the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
In addition, the increased androgen levels in PCO stimulate the growth of the ovarian follicles. This means increased inhibin production, thus inhibition of FSH and inhibited maturation of the follicles, leading to the cysts characteristic of PCOS. Consequently, the disturbed inhibin-FSH balance contributes to irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles.
People with PCOS also often have insulin resistance, which means that the cells respond less to insulin. Reduced insulin sensitivity can result from obesity, hormonal imbalances or diets high in sugar and carbohydrates, among other things. Reduced insulin sensitivity can lead to higher insulin levels in the bloodstream and thus contribute to the overproduction of androgens in the ovaries, which in turn stimulates the production of inhibin and thus the development of the PCO-typical cysts on the ovaries. According to Iris Lemke, about 50% of the PCO women in her practice have insulin resistance detectable in their blood work and are overweight.
Treat PCO, navigate holistically
First and foremost, if you are diagnosed with PCO, you should seek medical help from a gynaecologist or alternative practitioner instead of changing your diet and taking supplements on your own. In any case, it is important to put together a therapy consisting of several components, which are always connected to changes in lifestyle that are often drastic at the beginning.
- Nutrition: Stabilise blood sugar & support with food supplements
If PCOS is diagnosed, the first thing on the treatment plan is a change in diet. "Sugar, baked goods and pasta containing gluten, alcohol and often dairy products must be avoided at all costs during the healing phase."says Iris Lemke. "For many, this is frightening at first, but after just a few weeks of perseverance, the body thanks you noticeably and the first successes motivate the patients to continue."
A balanced and, above all, regular diet means above all avoiding blood sugar spikes after meals as well as lows caused by skipping meals. Ideally, with each meal every day, the body should be given only what it needs to be in balance. Whole foods, lots of vegetables, lean protein from fish, legumes and healthy fats should be main components of the diet. Sugar, alcohol, gluten, dairy products and processed foods should be avoided. For example, the Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, healthy proteins and fats is excellent. Foods and meals with a low glycaemic index (GI) are particularly important to stabilise blood sugar levels and counteract insulin resistance. What cannot be absorbed through the diet, or is possibly deficient, should be supplied through suitable food supplements and vitamin preparations. Vitamin B6, for example, is important for supporting hormone regulation, nerves, psyche, energy metabolism and the immune system. There are also many proven plant substances that should be used in consultation with the treating therapist.
Involving a nutritionist or the attending physician in the preparation of the meal plan and individual setting of suitable nutritional supplements not only guarantees an individually tailored therapy plan, but also creates the motivation to stick with it, as you do not have to manage everything on your own.
- Exercise and physical activity
Regular exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity, control weight and reduce stress. A combination of cardio exercises or jogging, strength training and relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation is ideal. It is important that it is fun, because this makes it easier to stick with it and to integrate the new routines into everyday life in a sustainable way and with a sense of achievement.
- Cultivate stress reduction and mental health
It is not uncommon for a PCOS diagnosis to bring with it depressive moods and psychological symptoms, as well as fatigue and anxiety. Reducing psychological stress is another important point in the successful treatment of PCOS. It can be useful to seek professional psychological counselling and cultivate further stress management techniques and mindfulness in everyday life, boosting self-esteem, taking breaks and reteaching the body what relaxation and letting go feels like and, most importantly, that it has permission to do so. Wonderful tools are extensive, deeply relaxing massages, meditations or even support groups to share and establish emotional well-being. Also essential for hormone regulation and therefore also in the treatment of PCO is healthy and restful sleep. Effective stress management techniques such as breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and time management can help to reduce stress levels and have a lasting positive effect on hormone balance.
- Community - exchange with like-minded people
Talking openly about one's own history of suffering and exchanging ideas with like-minded people and close caregivers is another important pillar of healing from PCOS. It signals to the body that it is understood and taken seriously. There are quite a number of online communities that deal with the increasingly common topic of PCOS and face the challenges together, support each other and offer encouragement. Experiences, tips, strategies and support promote a sense of belonging, motivation and a feeling of emotional security.
PCO and patience - Are you nourishing your body?
Mostly, an endocrine disorder develops insidiously and can just as little be permanently remedied from one day to the next. We would hereby like to remind you that the body is allowed to find its way back to its original balance in peace. Trust it and give it confidence by acting according to its needs and nourishing it. This does not mean feeding it non-stop, but putting your own well-being first. Don't skip meals, don't eat too much, don't let blood sugar skyrocket, support with suitable supplements and nutrients in consultation with your gynaecologist or alternative practitioner, say stop to bosses and family in time to avoid stress, take breaks, exercise daily in the fresh air, share in a stable community and get enough sleep. Hormones love stability and reliability.
Sources:
Gu Y, Zhou G, Zhou F, Wu Q, Ma C, Zhang Y, Ding J, Hua K. Life Modifications and PCOS: Old Story But New Tales. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Apr 13;13:808898. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.808898. PMID: 35498415; PMCID: PMC9045543.
https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/gesundheitsprobleme-von-frauen/menstruationsst%C3%B6rungen-und-abnormale-scheidenblutungen/polyzystisches-ovarialsyndrom-pcos
https://www.rosenfluh.ch/media/gynaekologie/2012/01/das_pcosyndrom.pdf
