High levels of androgen hormones in women result in both polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, and acne. Most people recognize adrongens as male hormones; however, both men and women have androgens in their bodies. In women, the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells produce androgens, mainly testosterone and androstenedione.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, caused by high levels of androgens in a woman's body, results in multiple cysts on a woman's ovaries. Symptoms of PCOS include acne, hirsutism (excess male pattern hair growth) and thinning of hair on the head. Irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, trouble losing weight, depression and fertility problems are also characteristic of PCOS. The most commonly recommended treatments for PCOS include engaging in regular exercise, eating a heart healthy diet and weight management.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition caused when glands produce excessive amounts of oil. Oil ducts get blocked resulting in pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Researchers suspect that hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of androgens, contribute to acne. That is why women often experience an acne breakout around the time of their menstrual period. One hypothesis about how to control acne is to eat a low glycemic diet.
Insulin
Insulin is one of the body's most important hormones and it regulates the production of various other hormones in the human body. Some people are resistance to the effects of insulin. Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not properly metabolize sugars, leads to high levels of androgen hormones, which may result in both PCOS and acne. Woman can manage insulin resistance by eating a heart healthy, low glycemic diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood and whole grains.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index indicates the extent to which foods containing carbohydrates will elevate the blood's glucose level within 2 hours of consumption. The more quickly foods containing carbohydrates are broken down by the body's digestive system, the higher the glycemic index. Foods containing unrefined sugars, white bread, corn and potato products all have a high glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index include wheat, whole grains, brown rice and non-starchy vegetables.
Recommended Diet
A heart healthy, low glycemic, diet rich in fruits, non-starchy vegetables, brown rice, wheat, nuts and whole grains helps reduce PCOS symptoms and acne. This type of diet slows down the digestive process, thereby slowing the breakdown of sugar into the bloodstream. The less carbohydrates there are in the blood, the less insulin is required to assist in the breakdown of the sugars. Lower insulin levels help manage the level of androgens in a woman's body, thereby managing symptoms of PCOS and acne.
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