What is 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  

  • Omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon, baked or broiled
  • Olive oil instead of butter or margarine
  • Beans and other protein-rich legumes instead of meat
  • Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, escarole, endive, lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery and fennel
  • 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.
  • 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.