WHAT IS PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, commonly affects millions of women in the UK. PCOS is one of the most widespread female endocrine disorders.
It may affect a woman’s:
- Hormones
- Menstrual cycle
- Fertility
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Appearance
Signs and Symptoms:
- High levels of male hormones —called androgens, though androgens can be found in women.
- Irregular or missed periods.
- Growth of numerous, small cysts in the ovaries.
- Overweight, acne or excess body hair.
THE REALITY OF PCOS
The Office on Women’s Health of the United States confirms that between one in 10
and one in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS. An estimated one in 15 women is afflicted worldwide. When you put this
in perspective, you or someone you love may have polycystic ovary syndrome. Since the condition is related to a woman’s reproductive system, it is rarely discussed freely.
Women struggling with these symptoms are in desperate need of help.
PCOS is one of the most common endocrine problems in women of reproductive age. If left untreated, it may be one of the top causes of female infertility.
CAUSES OF PCOS
The underlying cause of PCOS has been associated with genetic factors, but an overall cause is still unknown. PCOS is related to hormonal imbalances. A woman’s ovaries may overproduce androgens; male hormones that can affect ovulation and distressing overgrowth of hair.
Furthermore, insulin may be directly related to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar and energy storage
in the body. A woman with PCOS may have excess insulin. Too much insulin increases androgen production. Once this vicious cycle starts, hormonal imbalances can cause unpleasant symptoms like excessive hair growth, weight gain, acne, and infrequent ovulation.
PCOS RELIEF
This condition may be common, but it is difficult for doctors to treat. Correcting a hormonal imbalance is a complicated ‘cause and effect’ task.
To find any relief for PCOS, insulin resistance related to obesity and type 2 diabetes must be addressed first of all:
- Eliminate sugar from the diet.
- Cut out all starchy carbs – breads, cereals, rice, potatoes, cookies, pastries, pasta. • Cut out processed foods and milk products.
- Eat fresh, whole foods – veggies, dark – skinned fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, lean proteins, healthy oils.
- A diet rich in nutritious foods and low in sugar can balance insulin and manage PCOS and restore fertility and reproductive health.. The importance of a low-sugar PCOS diet cannot be emphasized enough – your health depends on it.