The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently declared that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of low fertility. This is because between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS. As many as five million women in the United States may be affected. These statistics have lead to several research into the treatment for PCOS.
The most recent report published on March, 2 by Pipeline Review, features investigational drugs from across 20 therapy areas and nearly 3000 indicators. This report analyzes the medications available which include birth contr
ol pills, diabetes medication and other hormonal medication.
However Dr. Antoni Duleba, chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,says, “PCOS can be treated through lifestyle changes as well. Weight loss can improve the body’s use of insulin and help to restore normal hormonal levels.”
Rearchers are still unsure as to the root cause of PCOS. “It is not a single disease but a group of disorders best defined as the absence of regular menustral cycles and increased testosterone activity,” says Duleba. However PCOS presents with interrupted ovulation or erratic ovulation making pregnancy hard. PCOS is also associated with elevated levels of insulin which makes obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases a possible outcome of PCOS.
Researchers report that even losing five to ten percent of one’s weight could help reverse some of the symptoms. However it is hard for women suffering from PCOS to stick to a regular diet as hunger pangs is one of the offshoots of the disease.
Specialized diets for women with PCOS
A low carb diet. As PCOS is an hormone disorder that presents with elevated insulin researchers recommend cutting down on the sugars in dessert, starchy vegetables, carbs and diary.
A low glycemic diet. A diet that emphasizes foods that don’t raise blood sugar levels is a considered a low glycemic diet. Such diets also emphasize increasing omega 3 fatty acid intake. Fruits with a low glycemic value include cherries, plum grapefruit, dried apricots, grapes, coconut, coconut milk and prunes.
High fat, high protein diet. While not just focussing on energy restrictions for women suffering from PCOS it involves a subsitute. This diet involves replacing carbohydrates with proteins and fat. Protien foods such as beans, hummus, nuts, tofu, eggs, fish along with healthy fats such as olive oil, canola oil and avocado constitute this diet.
Written by Mark Vincent of http://www.healthaim.com/
Photo:https://www.flickr.com/photos/mealmakeovermoms/