First, let’s discuss what PCOS is, then we’ll talk about some ways to manage PCOS issues. PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a medical condition that’s also known as polycystic ovaries, sclerocystic ovarian disease, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). It’s a disorder that affects an estimated 5 to 10% of all women and is one of the leading causes of infertility.
1: Insulin Resistance is the root cause of PCOS. Because insulin production by the pancreas is thrown off by the Insulin Resistance, there is an inhibited conversion of food to energy and an increase in the amount of stored fats. When glucose cannot enter the cells efficiently it remains in the blood stream, where it often causes elevated blood sugar. Then it is sent to the liver, where it is converted to fat and stored throughout the body, causing weight gain.In addition, with PCOS, the high levels of insulin stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of testosterone (a male hormone), which can possibly prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thus causing infertility. High testosterone levels can also cause excessive hair growth, male pattern baldness and acne.The symptoms of PCOS vary widely from woman to woman. Not all women have all the symptoms, which is why doctors frequently miss this diagnosis. PCOS can display symptoms from mild to severe.
2: Irregular or completely absent periods• Ovarian cysts• Hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair)• Alopecia (male pattern hair loss)• Obesity• Acne• Skin tags• Acanthosis nigrians (brown skin patches)• High cholesterol levels• High blood pressure• Exhaustion or lack of mental alertness• Decreased sex drive• Excess male hormones• Infertility• Decreased breast sizeNow to managing the PCOS issues. At the present time, there are no cures for PCOS – even removal of the ovaries will not completely eliminate this syndrome.>PCOS
1. You must first address the root cause of PCOS - Insulin Resistance – and reverse it.
2. Since obesity is usually a key component of PCOS, getting your weight under control is the next step. A low-carb diet has been proven to be effective in not only weight loss programs but also in helping to control the production of insulin in the pancreas. Keep in mind, however that lean women can also have PCOS – so it’s not an absolute rule that if you have PCOS, you’re also obese. See the sections on Insulin Resistance and Losing Weight for additional information.
3. Some doctors will prescribe birth-control pills to assist in regulating or restoring irregular or absent periods – but there is a growing controversy over using birth control pills in this diagnosis, because it is now thought that birth control pills actually may worsen Insulin Resistance. While it is true that introducing the female hormones in the pill can help counteract some of the effects of the over-active production of testosterone, the short-term benefits of restoring a period may be offset by the long-term effects of worsening the underlying root cause of the condition. Think long and hard before you begin taking birth control pills if you have PCOS.
4. Exercise is a necessary component of dealing with the symptoms of PCOS. Exercise increases metabolism, burns calories for weight loss and helps to level out the production of insulin in the pancreas.
5. Choose a balanced, healthy diet that doesn’t include foods with a high glycemic index – like breads, pastas, rice, refined sugars, potatoes, corn, etc. Avoid artificial sweeteners, which can also raise insulin levels.
6. Avoid stimulants, like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Even over-the-counter cold and flu medications can contain stimulants. Stimulants can over-excite many of your body’s systems, causing spikes in insulin production and release.
7. Address your Insulin Resistance and re-program your neural networks into making healthier lifestyle choices and behaviors. Your doctor may need to treat collateral issues such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels with medication until they come under control naturally with your weight loss.
8. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, fluid-filled sacs that attach to the ovaries. Multiple ovarian cysts (with a typical “string of pearls” or “pearl necklace” appearance for PCOS sufferers) are a hallmark of PCOS. Your doctor typically will take three courses of action to treat ovarian cysts:a. Watch and wait – if there are no symptoms and an ultrasound comes back negative, no action will be taken. A follow up exam is usually scheduled within 6 to 8 weeks for re-evaluation.b. Birth control pills - If you have a cyst that is larger in size and causing some symptoms, birth control pills may be prescribed. The purpose of birth control pills is to alter your hormone levels so the cyst will shrink.c. Surgery - your cyst may be surgically removed if it is large, solid or persistently growing, irregularly shaped, or causing pain or other symptoms. If the cyst is not cancerous, it can be surgically removed without also removing the ovary.
9. Skin problems associated with PCOS are generally treated by dermatological treatments: acne is usually addressed with over-the-counter medications; excess hair growth can be treated with androgen-lowering drugs or depilatories; acanthosis nigrians (brown skin patches) sometimes can be lightened by reducing your insulin level. Other treatments include Retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid.
10. Treatments for hair loss tend not to work for everyone. Some women find improvements with the use of anti-androgen pills, and others find that the same medication that men use (Rogaine) can help too.
References
1 International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination website: http://www.inciid.org.com
2 ibid.
