Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in premenopausal women (affecting between 5 and 10% of premenopausal women). If you have PCOS it can affect your ability to produce eggs (fertility). You may experience a number of other symptoms as well. These can include irregular or no periods, acne, excess body or facial hair, unexplained tiredness, excess weight around the waistline, mood swings and sleep problems. PCOS affects women in different ways so you may not have all the symptoms. Some women may only have a few symptoms, whilst others may experience a wider range of symptoms more severely.
It has now been found that a large number of women with PCOS have insulin resistance and that this insulin resistance is responsible for many of the symptoms that occur in this disorder. Consequently, treating the insulin resistance can significantly improve the problems that occur with PCOS.
PCOS, particularly when it is linked with insulin resistance, can be improved with lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise and weight loss. Medication may also be needed but should be used in combination with lifestyle changes for insulin resistance to be managed most effectively.
If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and would like some advice on what to eat to improve your symptoms and overall health, I can develop an eating plan to meet your needs and lifestyle.
