I recently saw Carol, a 39 year old lady, who came to see me to get help with the following problems:

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Scalp hair loss on the front and sides
  • Fatigue

Carol had been prescribed the diabetes drug Metformin to treat the above problems but she was not having great results. She lost 7 pounds but still had around another 35 pounds she needed to lose. Carol carried the excess weight on her torso and upper body, which is typical in women with PCOS. Insulin resistance is the underlying driver of PCOS. The excess insulin triggers the ovaries to produce too much testosterone. Possible symptoms of excess testosterone include scalp hair loss at the front and sides, greasy skin, acne or facial hair.

Carol had used the contraceptive pill for a short period of time on her doctor’s suggestion, for managing the PCOS. Carol was not comfortable using it long term though. She was scared of getting a blood clot. A blood test showed an elevated level of D-dimer and Carol knew that meant an increased clot risk.

Her diet wasn’t brilliant. Carol didn’t eat anywhere near enough protein. She ate sweetened yoghurt for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch. She snacked on nut bars that contain sugar. Her dinner was her healthiest meal because it contained protein and vegetables.  She did not exercise regularly and was time poor as she had a very busy job with a lot of deadlines and stress.

Carol decided to stop the metformin because it didn’t seem to be helping her anymore and it often gave her watery diarrhea.

My recommendations for my patient:

A lower carbohydrate eating plan with the exclusion of all grains, sugar and starches. The eating plan I asked her to follow is in my book called I Can’t Lose Weight and I Don’t Know Why.  I asked Carol to increase the amount of protein and healthy fats she consumed. Suitable sources of protein include eggs, poultry, seafood, red meat (preferably pastured) and whey protein powder. Healthy fats include avocados, oily fish, olive oil, coconut oil and fat from pastured animals.

A cream containing natural bio-identical progesterone. This was to be used daily until the menstrual bleeding commenced; the cream was then stopped. Five days after the last day of bleeding the progesterone cream was to be started again. The cream was to be rubbed into the skin of the inner upper arm after a shower.

A supplement to help balance the blood sugar level and improve insulin resistance. The mineral chromium plus the herbs gymnema and bitter melon are very good for this and also for reducing cravings and hunger. They are combined together in Glicemic Balance capsules.

The scalp hair loss was stressing Carol a lot, which is understandable. Getting her blood insulin level down with a low carbohydrate diet would help. I also recommended Collagen Food powder, as improved collagen production would help make her hair thicker and healthier.

Stress was making it difficult for Carol to stick to a healthy diet for any length of time. When she became overwhelmed with her workload she binged on an entire packet of cookies or block of chocolate. That set off unhealthy eating habits for the next couple of weeks. I asked Carol to take a teaspoon of Magnesium Ultra Potent powder each evening with her dinner. Magnesium is calming and relaxing to the nervous system. It improves stress coping abilities.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.