Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and prostate disease have something in common!
by Sue Visser: www.naturefresh.co.za
Quick answers to your questions about PCOS and BPH
In women, masculine characteristics begin to develop, both physically and emotionally. It may be gradual and is often not noticed. Ovulation stops as each subsequent ovary becomes surrounded by cysts. When many cysts cluster together because eggs are no longer being released, the condition is called: polycystic ovarian syndrome. These hardening cysts can be felt by hand, during a routine gynaecological examination and they show up on an ultrasound scan. The corpus luteum that catches the egg, no longer releases enough progesterone, causing a deficiency.
Although helpful to fertility, boosting progesterone levels will not help you to ovulate. Ironically, too much progesterone can actually inhibit the follicle stimulating hormone! So we have to delve deeper into how PCOS actually prevents ovulation. In the liver, the 5-alpha reductase enzyme converts testosterone into the more potent androgen known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It is 90% more active than ordinary testosterone and targets female receptors aggressively by causing male-type characteristics to develop and this includes the inhibition of ovulation.
In men, DHT is usually only active during puberty, to initiate masculinity: deep voice, beard and the maturation of sexual organs. After that, DHT conversion is usually dormant and normal testosterone and oestrogen at a much lower dose keep him comfortable without causing prostate enlargement, adult acne, insulin resistance or early balding. The DHT error in the liver has a very simple cause: diet!
The formation of DHT occurs the same way in males and females who have these dietary errors:
In adults, the 5-alpha reductase enzyme is usually dormant and seldom affects females, providing their liver is normal and the diet is rich in lean protein and very, very low in carbohydrates. If congested or not healthy, the liver does not break down excess testosterone, so the levels accumulate. If no DHT blockers from dietary zinc and lean protein are present it begins to make DHT. A diet low in protein and with a high carbohydrate (sugar and starch) and fat intake stimulates this dangerous conversion of testosterone to DHT.
When deficient in zinc, any excess testosterone not eliminated by the liver converts to oestrogen and overwhelms the thyroid gland – in males and females! And yes, the metabolism slows down, you get depressed, breasts enlarge, you gain weight through becoming insulin resistant and hair falls out for two reasons: low thyroid function and the receptors for DHT that occur at the top of the head and at the sides in the front become very active, causing male type baldness. (The hair follicles begin to shrink and stop producing hair).
The lack of zinc is also directly related to adult acne. Due to this increased DHT activity in the liver, testosterone receptors engage in the full spectrum of masculine characteristics. In addition, disrupted hormones like oestrogen and insulin join in the party. Men grow boobs, females grow beards and male prostate glands enlarge. Both become infertile, insulin resistant, fat and frustrated. But still, they eat whacks of bread, cereal, pies, chips and cookies washed down with copious amounts of sugary beverages, hoping that medical miracles packed into capsules are going to save them.
What is the difference between testosterone in males and females?
Females also have testosterone activity and need about 1% of this hormone as compared to males. Ladies do not have testicles, so where is it coming from? The adrenal glands release testosterone and oestrogen in both males and females. It is the different quantities of these two hormones that determine male or female characteristics. Often a lady may have a lot of testosterone in her bloodstream but is remains bound up by specially adapted proteins to keep her out of trouble. Next is the testosterone receptor that receives the hormone if the protein bond is broken. Testosterone then latches onto the receptor and exerts its influence on her: as and when required. After that, the testosterone is broken down by the liver, ready for excretion or it converts to oestrogen by a process known as aromatisation.
The 5-alpha reductase enzyme that augments the potency of testosterone is dormant in females to prevent DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from being produced. An extra safety margin is provided because the liver immediately starts to break down any excess testosterone. This is the normal way testosterone circulates around the female physique and as such, it is harmless yet energizing and sexy! It is also beneficial in that testosterone can serve as a precursor to oestrogen if needed.
So what goes wrong with the liver?
PCOS and prostate problems are directly connected to your zinc, protein and carbohydrate intake! However, if the liver malfunctions and more testosterone remains in it there is a chance it can be converted into DHT. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into the more potent DHT needed by males at puberty. A diet of excessive carbohydrates and heavy fats and too little protein and deficient in zinc stimulates the formation of DHT. This is the food connection to unwanted DHT formation: a lazy liver and a lousy diet. The worse we eat, the more our society produces: prostate problems, balding males and ladies with PCOS.
An adequate zinc intake is essential to prostate health and it helps with both male and female acne problems, insulin resistance, hair balding and fertility… To keep the testosterone in firm bondage, add a cupful of fresh pumpkin seeds to the juicer and drink this every day. This protocol has delivered excellent results for many ladies
A quick dietary reminder to bind and block DHT (to treat and prevent prostate problems and PCOS)
1 Eat a diet of 60% lean protein to 40% carbohydrates from vegetables and fruit whenever possible.
2 Take adequate zinc supplements: 30 – 60 mg per day, Saw palmetto or Agnus Castus (Chaste Berry)
3 Try to cut out all gluten: wheat, rye, oats and barley. Eat Rice cakes instead.
4 Drink liquified and sieved fresh pumpkin seeds – 1 cup a day for the first month.
5 Taking the herb: SAW PALMETTO also helps to prevent the formation of DHT
6 The supplement: AGNUS CASTUS, especially for females, knocks DHT and testosterone off the hormone receptors