PCOS Review Newsletter #81

A free health newsletter for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovaries.

Issue #081      May 26, 2009 Bill Slater, Research Associate

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Could a Multi-Vitamin Increase Your Lifespan?

2) New Cause of PCOS Discovered?

3) Tips for Smarter Thinking - Part 2

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1) Could a Multi-Vitamin Increase Your Lifespan?

It's no secret that your nutrition profoundly affects your health, quality of life and how long you live. A new study from the National Institutes of Health supports this concept.

The University of North Carolina recently released a study of 4,752 pregnant women. Results indicate that vitamin supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage.

In this study, it was discovered that women who consume multi-vitamins had telomeres that were 5.1% longer than women who did not take any vitamins.

A telomere is a part of your genetic structure. It's a region of DNA at the end of chromosomes, which protects the end of the chromosome from destruction. Over time, the telomeres get shorter, which limits your cells to a fixed number of divisions. When the fixed number is reached, the cells cannot replace themselves. Animal studies suggest this is responsible for aging on the cellular level and sets a limit on lifespan.

So will taking a multi-vitamin/mineral enable you to live longer? It's not known. But this study suggests that women who do take a multi-vitamin have longer telomeres, which is thought to be an indicator of a longer lifespan.

Interestingly, higher intakes of vitamins C and E from foods were each associated with longer telomeres, regardless of multivitamin use. This is another reason for eating a diet of fresh, whole foods as described in The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility.

We also recommend Vital Nutrient's high quality multi-vitamin/mineral formula.

Source:
Hu Q et al, Multivitamin use and telomere length in women, Am J Clin Nutr, 2009 March 11; [Epub ahead of print]

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2) New Cause of PCOS Discovered?

We recently came across some new research which reveals a possible cause of polycystic ovaries, lack of ovulation and PCOS. Although it's pretty technical, we thought it best to bring it to your attention because almost no one has been talking about it.

A study of female mice is suggesting that ovarian cysts may at least partially be the result of an immune system dysfunction. The gland involved is the thymus gland, which is responsible for the management of major aspects of your immune system. One of the functions of the thymus gland is to produce T-cells, which are white blood cells that help protect you from infection and also perform other important activities.

The researchers reported that ovarian cysts in the female mice did not develop unless there was an absence of regulatory T-cells.

Excessive estrogen appears to be the cause of the problem. When very young mice were given estrogen, they all developed polycystic ovaries. It is thought that estrogen alters the function of the thymus gland, thus preventing the full development of the regulatory T-cells.

The thymus gland in humans is also sensitive to sex steroid hormones such as estrogen.

The authors of the study concluded: "We propose that in utero exposure to excessive levels of steroids such as estrogen has a long-term effect on the ability of the thymus to produce regulatory T cells. In female offspring this can lead to PCOS."

In other words, it's possible your hormonal environment while you were in your mother's womb may have affected your thymus gland and contribute to the development of PCOS.

Polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome are multi-faceted disorders, not just simply a little problem with your ovaries. In this research example, it appears a dysfunctional immune system could be involved.

This article is especially relevant if you plan to have a child. It's advisable to normalize your hormones as much as possible before conception and while pregnant. Consult with any licensed naturopathic physician or qualified healthcare provider.

Sources:
Chapman JC et al, The estrogen-injected female mouse: new insight into the etiology of PCOS, Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009 May 18;7(1):47

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3) Tips for Smarter Thinking - Part 2

Ancient sages have said: "You become what you think about." Take 15 minutes out of your busy day, and reflect upon these tips for smarter thinking.

Click here to review Tips for Smarter Thinking - Part 1.

8) I focus on improving my mind. I remind myself to read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

9) I expand my being in three ways: I do a good deed for someone without letting them know it. (If they find out I did it, it doesn't count). I do at least two good things I know I should do but have been putting off. I do not show anyone that my feelings are hurt.

10) I am agreeable. I look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk softly, act courteously and speak ill of none. I work to improve no one except myself.

11) I have a program and structure for my life. I may not follow it exactly but I have it, thereby avoiding hurry and indecision.

12) I take a quiet half hour to relax alone. During this time I reflect on my behavior and develop a better perspective on my life.

13) I am unafraid. I gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions. I expect nothing from the world, but I realize that as I give to the world, the world will give to me.

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Thought for Today: "Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God." -- Mary Manin Morrissey