Overview and Epidemiology
According to the PCOS Australian Alliance, 12-21% of women in reproductive age group are diagnosed with PCOS. The statistics also noted that the condition is more common in overweight and obese women.
Another study led by the University of Adelaide also adds that a striking 68-69% of women suffering from PCOS remain undiagnosed. The condition certainly is a frustrating experience for women but luckily it could be managed with proper diet, nutrition, and exercise.
PCOS Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of PCOS could be grouped into reproductive, metabolic, and psychological.
Reproductive symptoms of PCOS could include changes in the menstrual cycle. One might have irregular periods that can have varied menstrual flow from very light to very heavy. Patients could also experience secondary amenorrhea or the irregular and sudden absence of menses.
Psychological symptoms could include, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety because of the presence of skin changes, acne outbreaks, and excessive body hair on the face, belly, and chest. Women with this condition could also have thinning hair on the scalp and infertility problems.
Metabolic symptoms of PCOS include excessive weight gain, obesity or excessive fat around the waist are also a common problems experienced with PCOS. If you have these symptoms, we do recommend medical evaluation for possible PCOS. Early diagnosis is better for prompt management and prevention of complications.
The impact of obesity in women with PCOS
Excessive weight gain or obesity is the most crucial manifestation of PCOS that could worsen the condition and lead to chronic diseases. If PCOS is left untreated, it might have a great impact on the woman’s reproductive and overall health.
What Causes PCOS and How it Affects the Body
PCOS could be caused by different factors, it could due to a hereditary condition or caused by hormonal imbalance. The hormones affected in PCOS are insulin, androgen, and luteinizing hormone. These hormones play an important role in metabolism and reproduction. As a result of the hormonal imbalance, follicles in the ovary enlarge hence the term “polycystic”. Because of the multiple cysts, the ovary cannot function well and that is why it causes menstrual irregularities, infertility problems, and skin changes.
Diagnosis
PCOS is diagnosed based on the presenting signs and symptoms as well as laboratory results. You will be interviewed and will undergo a comprehensive physical examination to rule out or rule in other diseases. Laboratory measurement of hormones and pelvic ultrasound are also involved in the diagnosis of PCOS.
Management
Women with PCOS are offered with different treatment options. Management can include weight reduction, lifestyle modification, and treatment with hormones.
Weight reduction. Weight management is recognised as the first-line of therapy for women who are overweight. It is both therapeutic and preventive in nature. Weight reduction is a natural and cost-effective management for PCOS. As a matter of fact, weight loss can significantly resolve the symptoms of PCOS like menstrual changes, infertility problems, acne outbreaks and other metabolic symptoms. Our revolutionary health and vitality protocol is a great approach for your condition.
Lifestyle modification. This is a long-term management for PCOS to improve patient’s quality of life. We would certainly like to manage the condition now and prevent it from recurring. Lifestyle modification involving a healthy diet and behaviour modification is one of the best treatments for PCOS. A healthy diet for PCOS patients should be low in carbohydrate and high in essential nutrients and protein. This will help regulate blood sugar levels and speed up metabolic processes.
We do recommend patients to follow our protocol which promotes behaviour modification and healthy eating habits to serve as a long-term management and prevention. A research group in Duke University conducted a study that supports our protocol. According to the study results, a low carbohydrate-ketogenic diet directly improves hormone levels including insulin, androgen, and luteinizing hormone. With proper diet, you can effectively manage all of the symptoms of PCOS.
Some Medications are included in PCOS management as a form of treatment as advised by your Doctor. You might be prescribed with hormonal therapy and oral contraceptive pills. These medications may help regulate your menstrual cycle and skin changes. Creams and other pills might be prescribed for abnormal hair growth and acne outbreaks. However, these medications are known for their potent weight gain side effects. That is why it is essential to supplement medications with our protocol to prevent the side effects.
Prognosis
With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, women with PCOS can have normal menstrual cycles and normal fertility. A diet that is low in carbohydrates can effectively prevent complications like diabetes, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. With lifestyle modification and weight reduction, women can get improved symptoms and a better quality of life.
Contact us to find out more about our protocol which will be able to help you with PCOS and also lead you towards better health and vitality.
Reference:
- March, W.A., Moore, V.M., Willson, K.J., Phillips, D.I., Norman, R.J., & Davies, M.J. (2009). The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria. Human Reproduction, 25(2):544-51. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dep399.
- Mavropoulos, J., Yancy, W., Hepburn, J., & Westman, E. (2005). The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study. Nutrition & Metabolism, 2:35. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-2-35
- Moran, L.J., Lombard, C.B., Lim, S., Noakes, M., Teede, H.J. (2010). Polycystic ovary syndrome and weight management. Women’s Health (London, England), 6(2): 271-83. doi: 10.2217/whe.09.89.
- Wolf, A.M. (2002). Economic outcomes of the obese patient. Obesity Research, 10(1):58S-62S. Retrieved from PubMed.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Polycystic_ovarian_syndrome.
- Meriggiola, C., Zamah, M., (2013). Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from http://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.
