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PCOS ManagementOne in four women in developed countries have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Many never know or experience any problems. But many do. Before diagnosis, there can be years of feeling alone and out of control as you experience symptoms that have no apparent explanation. Early detection is best but does not lessen the shock of finding out you have the condition and the health implications. Knowing it requires a lifelong management plan can feel overwhelming. Where can you find health professionals that really understand and can help?
And what if you just pretended it wasn’t there? The symptoms of PCOS can occur at any age and involve the whole body. They include irregular periods, infertility, acne, facial or excess body hair, larger waist lines, mood swings and sleep disorders. The underlying cause is ‘insulin resistance’. This is when the body has a lowered response to insulin, so it secretes more insulin, becoming very efficient at energy storage. Thought to have been an evolutionary response to partial or total food scarcity, this human development is no longer an advantage. The health effects can be far reaching causing miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, depression, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, uterine cancer, fatty liver and heart disease.
The good news is that there are simple strategies that you can make part of your daily life to control the symptoms, help prevent the ‘full house’ syndrome and improve the overall health of you - and your family!
The four pronged management approach to PCOS:
1. Medication - your doctor can refer you to a specialist for assistance in controlling hormones if necessary (eg Metformin and Dianette)
2. A low GI eating plan – learning which foods will help you manage blood glucose, reduce insulin, burn fat and control appetite
3. Activity and exercise – it doesn’t have to hurt to speed up your metabolism, make your body more sensitive to insulin and enhance mood and self esteem
4. Wellbeing – ensuring stress, poor sleep and lack of support do not worsen your condition
Our consultations teach you all you need to know about 2, 3 and 4 - eating the low GI way to suit your day, the what, when and how much of activity and exercise and coping strategies for stress and sleep disorders. You will always have someone to check in with if you have a question, need re-motivating or require any other help in the future.
Step one… make an appointment…