Here's the bottom line scoop on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
This condition is so named because of the multiple cysts on women's ovaries, but the problem does NOT lie with the ovaries. The cysts are only a result of the real problem, being an abnormal release of brain hormones (FSH and LH).
With the abnormal pulsations and timing release of LH from the brain, FSH stimulates normal cysts (with eggs) to develop on the ovaries, but they don't ovulate on their regular monthly schedule because the LH is not released normally. As a result, many cysts develop, but they do not ovulate, and therefore the cysts collect on the ovary. This would not be that big of deal, except for the fact that ovarian cysts are hormonally active. They produce BOTH estrogen and testosterone. (No progesterone is being made yet by these cysts, because that only happens after ovulation, ...but, there is no ovulation, or at best minimum and infrequent ovulation).
Testosterone levels build up, and are higher than normal in these women (along with estrogen). The hormone imbalance leads to acne, weight gain, and irregular (or absent) periods. These are are results of the brain not releasing LH as it should.
Doctors treat the "downstream" symptoms of PCOS with birth control pills to suppress the ovaries from producing cysts, which will reduce the problem, but it does not address the real issue, ...abnormal release of LH from the brain.
So, to help (this is not a cure or treatment), ...but to help with the normal health of the brain hormone release and normal functioning of the brain, I give the following:
Essentials (as directed on the bottle)
BiOmega-3 (2 capsules, twice daily) ...this is a double dose. (for brain)
Active Calcium (1 tablet, twice daily)
Proflavanol-90 (2 tablests, two to three times daily) ... gets into the brain
CoQuinone-30 ( 2 capsules, two to three times daily) ....ditto
Gingko PS (2 tablets, twice daily) ...for brain communication
Palmetto Pluse (2 capsules twice daily) until the acne is gone
Also for normalization of the brain hormones:
L-glutamine 5000 mg a day
L-arginine 2000 mg a day
Acetyl-L-carnitine 500 mg per day
The above amino acids cannot be obtained from USANA, but in the U.S. one can obtain them mixed together in one powder mix from Belmar Pharmacy in Lakewood, Colorado. One teaspoon per day in a Nutrimeal would provide these quantities. It's called the amino acid blend, and one can order it at (800) 525-9473. (I've been using it in my OB/Gyn practice long before I even knew about USANA.)
All these nutrients and amino acids help the brain to normalize the pulsatile release of LH for ovulation ...which brings about normal periods, which normalizes testosterone levels, and improves the condition. This may take up to 6 months to see an improvement.
The Proflavanol-90, BiOmega-3, and Palmetto Plus all help control acne. Even after acne is gone, the woman should continue with the other nutrients and amino acids because the problem will return. These are safe, even during pregnancy. (Stop the Palmetto Plus when the acne is gone, or if pregnancy ensues.)
If none of this works for a woman, even after 6 to 9 months, then she might have to be on a birth control pill, ...but, I have seen good results using this regimen.
(You can see why I try to avoid this question, ...in which many people think it is just a "quick question." It is much more involved than what I have written, but hopefully this can be kept by people in USANA, and they can help other people out with this when the question comes up.
Ladd McNamara, M.D.
Medical Advisory Board
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
