Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Are you Affected?
Article written by Christine Arulappen.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal abnormalities affecting 5-10% of women during their reproductive years.2 This is a huge percentage of women. Let’s take a closer look at what happens in a women’s reproductive system.
During the menstrual cycle of women who do not have PCOS, a number of (egg-containing) follicles develop on the ovary. One egg will start to grow at a faster rate than the others and is eventually released (ovulation), while the others degenerate and are reabsorbed by the body. In women with polycystic ovaries, the follicles do not develop normally, instead they form cysts and therefore ovulation occurs irregularly or not at all. This may affect a women’s reproductive function. There are also a number of metabolic disturbances associated with PCOS such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.2
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is a condition where our cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Insulin is important in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and proteins from our foods. It helps balance our blood sugar levels by transporting glucose into our cells. Research has shown a strong association between obesity, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in many women with PCOS and regardless of if they are overweight or not, they tend to have some level of insulin resistance.2
In addition, excess weight gain can increase androgen production. Androgens are hormones produced by both males and females, responsible for the development of male features. In PCOS, the excess androgen causes the menstrual cycles irregularities, may affect reproductive function and may result in increased hair on the face and chest.1 Acne is also common in PCOS.1
Does Weight loss improve PCOS?
One of the key lifestyle management strategies for PCOS is weight loss. A number of studies have demonstrated that modest weight loss (2-5% reduction of body weight) was associated with restoring ovarian function and an 11% decrease of abdominal fat (a 4cm waist circumference reduction). It also increased the cell’s sensitivity to insulin by up to 71%.
The Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program is a great option for women who have PCOS. It is kilojoule/calorie controlled and is based on low Glycemic Index (GI) foods. Low GI carbohydrate foods only produce small variations in blood sugar and insulin levels which makes them ideal choices for those with PCOS.3 Ask in store or visit the Tony Ferguson website (http://www.tonyferguson.com/) for more information.
PCOS is a common and complex syndrome. However symptoms can be managed and improved by losing a little weight and applying low GI eating principles. The best thing to do is understand your condition as much as you can and work with your doctor for the best possible out come.
References
- Barday-Kabarnee, N. et al, 2006. Diagnostic features of polycystic ovary syndrome. South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology [Online] 12(1) p. 30-35. Available at http://ajol.info/index.php/sajog/article/view/34295/24715 [Accessed 8th April 2010].
- Du Toit, Maria M. and Siebert, Thomas I., 2009. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – the long term implications. Southern African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology [Online] 15(2) p.48-53. Available at http://www.sajog.org.za/index.php/SAJOG/article/view/98/114 [Accessed 8th April 2010].
- Food Advisory Consumer Service, 2005. Glycemic Index What Is The Glycemic Index? [Online]. Available at http://www.foodfacts.org.za/Articles/GlycemicIndex.asp [Accessed 8th April 2010].
Last updated 9/28/2010 12:46:30 PM
