PCOS Blog

I know, you've probably heard it a thousand times. Being overweight can lead to all sorts of health problems. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is no exception. Doctors have long known that women with PCOS who are overweight can actually reduce their symptoms and the severity of the disease by losing weight.

There's no need for strict diets and exhausting exercise regimens either. Adding in moderate exercise (with your doctors approval of course) and reducing calories where you can will go a long way. Read more below about the PCOS-weight loss connection!

For more information:
PCOS and Weight Loss

One of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS is the ovarian cysts that are frequently seen on ultrasound. While not used exclusively to diagnose the syndrome, many tiny cysts seen on the ovary in addition to other signs can indicate PCOS. What exactly is an ovarian cyst?

A cyst is a fluid filled pocket located on the ovary. There are a few different types of cysts, but the ones seen in PCOS are benign, fluid filled and are typically of no concern. However, make sure to always defer to your physician's recommendations regarding follow up.

For more information:
Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosing PCOS

I don't know about you, but eating out is a nightmare for me in maintaining healthy eating habits. While I eat pretty well at home, I have such a difficult time making healthy food choices when at a restaurant. It never fails that I will choose something high in calories and fat content that will only lead to regret afterwards. However, I have discovered something that really helps me make better choices. Many restaurant chains have nutritional information posted on their website, which I make sure to check out before heading out to eat. Seeing in black and white that the appetizer I wanted has 100 grams of fat, or 900 calories really kills the craving.

But what can you do if no nutritional information is available? Skip the appetizer and get a house salad with the dressing on the side (choose a low fat, or light version if available, otherwise olive oil and vinegar is a good option). As for your entree, choose grilled fish or chicken and be wary of the sauces they put on. Many times they are rich in butter or calories. Finally, avoid high calorie drinks like soda and cocktails and opt for water or seltzer instead. What is your best suggestion for handling those restaurant dilemmas? Weigh in on your PCOS forums!

For More Information:
PCOS and Weight Loss
Everything Nutrition

Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X, is a grouping of risk factors which commonly occur together and increase ones risk for cardiovascular disease. Due to its link to insulin resistance, women with PCOS are at an increased risk for this cluster of conditions. A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that Metabolic Syndrome is linked to overeating, not obesity as previously thought.

This is all the more reason to be more conscious of our portion sizes! One of the best tips for losing weight is to be mindful of how much we eat. For example, one portion of chicken is one ounce, approximately the size of a deck of cards. Most restaurants serve 2-3 portions of chicken in one meal! Measuring portion sizes according to the nutrition labels is a great way to get started. Usually after a week or two, you'll be more able to properly "eyeball" your portion sizes. When eating out, I love to bring home half of the meal for lunch the next day. Not only do I save calories, but I save a little money too by making the meal stretch twice as long!

For more information:
Metabolic Syndrome

There is so much conflicting information out there about the evils of carbohydrates and sugars, that we forget about the benefits of whole grains. Yes, carbohydrates do contribute a significant amount of calories and sugar to our diet. Yes, if overeaten, they will cause you to gain weight. But complex carbohydrates and whole grains provide an enormous benefit to us as well. Glucose, the main component of many carbs, is the body's main source of energy and we need it to continue functioning effectively. The key is to balance your diet. Follow the current recommendations for carbohydrate intake, and always remember to choose 100% whole grain products. There's no need to banish carbs from our diet!

For more information:
Carbohydrates

Hair growth in strange places is one of the most common complaints that a woman with PCOS may have. Known as hirsutism, the excess hair can lead to a very important question - how to deal with it? Shaving has to be done frequently, waxing hurts ALOT, and laser therapy is expensive. What other options are there? Read on to learn about all of the options, including medications, which are available to manage this embarrassing problem.

For more information:
Managing Excess Hair Growth

Well, that time is here again. With spring and the warm weather approaching, also comes the dreaded bathing suit season. Buying them, trying them on, wearing them... ugh! The whole idea makes me anxious. The beauty of spring is that it gives us a chance to start that workout routine we've been putting off all winter. So let's dust off that exercise equipment we bought at New Year's, and throw on those sneakers. Getting started now will give us a three month head start to the summer!

For More Information:
Setting up an Exercise Routine
Top 10 Ways to Stick With Your Routine
Nutrition Basics

On Sunday night, I watched a new program on The Learning Channel called "I Can Make You Thin" with Paul McKenna, a noted self-help guru. He outlined a series of easy, common sense steps to help the ordinary person lose weight, all without dieting or restricting calories. It seems too good to be true!

What did you think? Weigh in on the PCOS forums!

Have you decided to try and get pregnant? Has it not been as easy as you thought? Are you finally going to get your fertility checked out? There are a few things that you can do to make the process a little easier. First, be prepared for your appointment. Use the form below to organize your medical information so that you can give accurate information to the doctor. This will make it easier on both you, and the doctor. Second, learn about the different options that are available to a couple who is having difficulty trying to conceive. This can be a tough journey, but by educating yourself and taking things a step at a time, you can make the process a little easier on yourself.

Good luck!

For More Information:
IVF Overview
Infertility Worksheet
Before Your See An Infertility Specialist
Clomid

While researchers have suspected that PCOS has a genetic link due to the tendency for many women in the same family to have PCOS, there have no definitive studies to prove it. However, a new study has shown that two genetic mutations are more common in women with PCOS. These genetic mutations have been shown to cause changes within the body that lead to higher androgen levels which are typical in PCOS.

What do you think?? Do a lot of women in your family have PCOS? Check in at the Blog Discussion folder in your PCOS forums!

For more information:
SHBG and AR Genes Linked to PCOS Development