Collection: PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn't well understood, but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms
PCOS can cause
- missed or irregular menstrual periods
- excess hair growth
- acne
- infertility
- weight gain
- Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- endometrial cancer
Diagnostic Tests
To receive a diagnosis of PCOS, you must meet two of the following criteria: irregular ovulation, which is usually indicated by an irregular menstrual cycle or a lack of a cycle. signs of increased androgen levels or a blood test confirming you have increased levels. multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
“Treatment” consists of
- hormones
- birth control pills to regularize periods
- a medication called metformin to prevent diabetes
- statins to control high cholesterol
- hormones to increase fertility
- procedures to remove excess hair
People with PCOS should avoid these foods that can ramp up inflammation:
- Fried foods (French fries, potato chips, corn chips and fried chicken or fish)
- Saturated fats such as butter or margarine
- Red meat, including hamburgers, roast beef and steaks, processed luncheon meat and hot dogs
- Processed snacks: cakes, cookies, candy and pies
- Prepared cereal high in sugar, including instant oatmeal, granola
- Sugary beverages such as sodas, teas and sports drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Refined flour, white bread, rolls, pizza crust and pasta
- White rice
Substituting whole, unprocessed options for inflammatory items can set the stage for better long-term health
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Omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon, baked or broiled
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Olive oil instead of butter or margarine
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Beans and other protein-rich legumes instead of meat
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Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, escarole, endive, lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery and fennel
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Whole grains, such as brown rice, barley, sorghum and others. Breads and pastas made with whole grains can help people with PCOS avoid spikes in blood sugar.
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Whole fruit for dessert. The fiber content in whole fruit helps you feel full, helps your digestion and slows down the absorption of its sugars into the bloodstream.
