PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is the most common hormonal problem worldwide in women aged 18 to 44. This makes it one of the main causes of female infertility.
As many as 5-10% of women in that age category suffer from PCOS. It is often familial, so it is likely that it is transmissible. The gene responsible for this has not yet been found. The syndrome occurs in identical twins and sometimes also in men.
Known symptoms of PCOS include amenorrhea or a very irregular cycle, acne, male pattern baldness, excessive hair growth, and cysts on the ovaries.
A major factor for PCOS: stress
A major risk factor for PCOS is stress. Chronic stress eventually imbalances the hypothalamus, the captain of your brain. This brain nucleus controls all hormonal processes, including sex hormones. Recovery of the hypothalamus ensures hormonal balance and thus promotes fertility.
You restore hypothalamic function by practicing intermittent living, which means seeking out the ancient stimuli that your body is genetically still designed to adapt to. Think of stimuli such as cold, heat, hunger, and thirst. To be more specific: intermittent fasting and bulk drinking (being mildly thirsty and then drinking a few glasses of water, then not drinking for a few hours), cold showering, and sitting in a sauna.
How do I get PCOS?
Genetics and lifestyle play a role in PCOS. For example, overweight exacerbates the syndrome. A misconception is that only overweight women have PCOS; it occurs in all phenotypes.
It is especially important to keep blood sugar levels stable because the hormone insulin, at too high a concentration, has a negative impact on PCOS. If you ensure that you get enough proteins and healthy fats through your diet, blood sugar levels rise less, and you therefore need less insulin. Fast carbohydrates and sugars actually worsen the condition.
