By: Madelyn G. Schaummann
PCOS Worldwide Journalist
Weight loss
significantly improves androgen levels and fertility. Even a 5% loss of body
weight is enough to improve clinical symptoms of PCOS. A carbohydrate
controlled diet with protein, monounsaturated and omega three rich fats at each
meal and snack, individualized according to the patient, can significantly calm
down insulin resistance leading to weight loss. Of course, this is a lot easier
said then. Women who have PCOS typically suffer from severe hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal imbalances can stall metabolisms, energy and other fat burning
factors. Women who suffer from PCOS have to work twice as hard to burn fat and
decrease body fat. As discouraging the lack of progress it seems that you are
making it is important to keep conditioning your body. Eating is just as
important if not more than exercise.
It is important to include omega three rich foods and/or
supplements as needed.
The 3 types of omega three fatty acids are:
•
Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA)- richly found in ground flax seed
•
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
•
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Both EPA
and DHA are found in fish and fish oil. 1 tablespoon per day of ground flax
seed is recommended to achieve 2 grams of ALA per day, and between 500-1000 mg.
each of DHA and EPA is recommended to help with symptoms of PCOS. If an
individual consumes fish several times a week, a supplement may not be
necessary.
A drug
given with PCOS is Metformin or Glucophage. Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing
drug which lowers insulin resistance and can assist with lowering the appetite
and weight, and normalizing hormone levels. Dosing is usually 500 or 850 mg.
given once or twice a day. Side effects of Metformin can include: gas, bloating
and diarrhea, which can be exacerbated by a high carbohydrate diet. If the
patient is compliant with a carbohydrate modification, and slowly transitions
onto the drug from once to twice a day, these symptoms are minimized or
nonexistent. This is not for everyone. Metformin can have serious side effects
for some women. When beginning Metformin, remember to chart your symptoms to
make sure they are typical and give yourself enough time to get antiquated to
it.
Exercise
and daily activity are extremely helpful with lowering insulin resistance and
assisting with weight loss.
Although
PCOS can be a challenging condition to diagnose and treat there are many
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments available. A lifestyle including
a balanced carbohydrate controlled diet along with omega three rich fats, and
daily exercise has been shown to be extremely successful in treating PCOS.
Metformin is the drug of choice in helping to lower insulin resistance,
cardiovascular symptoms and assisting with hormone balance.
Resources
1.
Nestler, John. Update on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Presented at
the American Diabetes Association 54th Annual Postgraduate course. 2/23/07.
2.
Baillargeon, Jean-Patrice. Sex Hormones and Diabetes. Presented at
the American Diabetes Associaton 56th Annual Postgraduate course. 2/7/09.
3.
The Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM-sponsored PCOS consensus workshop group.
Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks
related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2004; 19:(1): 41-47.