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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal
syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of
symptoms.
It should be noted that most women with the condition have a number of
small cysts in the ovaries. However, women may have cysts in the ovaries
for a number of reasons, and it is the characteristic constellation of
symptoms, rather than the presence of the cysts themselves, that is
important in establishing the diagnosis of PCOS.
PCOS occurs in 5% to 10% of women and is the most common cause of
infertility in women. The symptoms of PCOS may begin in adolescence with
menstrual irregularities, or a woman may not know she has PCOS until
later in life when symptoms and/or infertility occur. Women of all
ethnicities may be affected.
Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
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High levels of male hormones, also called androgens
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An irregular or no menstrual cycle (may be regular in some cases)
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May or may not have many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in their
ovaries.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ?
The principal signs and symptoms of PCOS are related to menstrual
disturbances and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens). Menstrual
disturbances can include delay of normal menstruation (primary
amenorrhea), the presence of fewer than normal menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea),
or the absence of menstruation for more than three months (secondary
amenorrhea). Menstrual cycles may not be associated with ovulation (anovulatory
cycles) and may result in heavy bleeding.
Symptoms related to elevated androgen levels include acne, excess hair
growth on the body (hirsutism), and male-pattern hair loss.
Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
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obesity and weight gain,
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elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance
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oily skin,
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dandruff,
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infertility,
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skin discolorations,
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high cholesterol levels,
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elevated blood pressure, and
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multiple, small cysts in the ovaries.
Any of the above symptoms and signs may be absent in PCOS, with the
exception of irregular or no menstrual periods. All women with PCOS will
have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women who have PCOS do not
regularly ovulate; that is, they do not release an egg every month. This
is why they do not have regular periods and typically have difficulty
conceiving.
What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ?
No one is quite sure what causes PCOS, and it is likely to be the result
of a number of both genetic (inherited) as well as environmental
factors. Women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with the
condition, and researchers are examining the role that genetics or gene
mutations might play in its development. The ovaries of women with PCOS
frequently contain a number of small cysts, hence the name poly=many
cystic ovarian syndrome. A similar number of cysts may occur in women
without PCOS. Therefore, the cysts themselves do not seem to be the
cause of the problem.
A malfunction of the body's blood sugar control system (insulin system)
is frequent in women with PCOS, who often have insulin resistance and
elevated blood insulin levels, and researchers believe that these
abnormalities may be related to the development of PCOS. It is also
known that the ovaries of women with PCOS produce excess amounts of male
hormones known as androgens. This excessive production of male hormones
may be a result of or related to the abnormalities in insulin
production.
Another hormonal abnormality in women with PCOS is excessive production
of the hormone LH, which is involved in stimulating the ovaries to
produce hormones and is released from the pituitary gland in the brain.
Other possible contributing factors in the development of PCOS may
include a low level of chronic inflammation in the body and fetal
exposure to male hormones.
Best Diet for PCOS
The following recommendations can help you plan Diet for PCOS.
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Try and lose weight if overweight along with PCOS.
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In PCOS treatment plan, try to select low glycemic index foods, as
they will cause a slower rise in blood sugar. Glycemic index is an
indicator of how rapidly the food turns to sugar in the blood. The low
glycemic carbohydrates also tend to have more fiber than the high
glycemic foods. For example, select breads, grains and cereals that are
as unprocessed as possible.
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Space out the carbohydrates during the day. This will cause less of a
rise in blood sugar and insulin as compared to eating all carbohydrates
at one meal.
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Avoid those carbohydrates that trigger more hunger or cravings (e.g.
refined flour , sugary foods)
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Drink at least 8 glasses of non- caffeine fluid per day.
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For heart’s health, limit foods high in saturated and trans fats
namely, fatty red meat, whole milk dairy, butter and stick margarine,
chicken skin, fried foods, rich desserts, etc. Select mainly
monounsaturated fats (ie. olive oil, canola oil, nuts) and omega 3 fats
(fatty fish such as salmon and bluefish, flaxseed, nuts) as these fats
are heart healthy.
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Exercise on a regular basis.
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If on medication for PCOS, then have fruits and vegetables at least 5
servings a day to increase the immunity of the body.
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