Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that girls and women of reproductive age experience. Scientists don't know exactly why the condition develops, but because insulin resistance and abdominal obesity are strongly associated with the development of PCOS, your diet can indirectly affect your chances of getting it. If you experience its symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.
PCOS Facts
PCOS is marked by the appearance of small cysts on your ovaries, and almost 10 percent of women have the condition. Symptoms and consequences of PCOS include irregular periods, facial hair and acne, weight gain and difficulty losing weight, and patches of dark skin on your neck. PCOS can also cause infertility. The Mayo Clinic says the precise cause of PCOS is unknown, but insulin resistance is featured highly in its development, and the other long-term complications of the disorder include type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Diet and Insulin Resistance
Australian researchers publishing in the November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology" said although PCOS patients are not always extremely overweight, "PCOS is strongly associated with abdominal obesity and insulin resistance." Insulin is a hormone created in your pancreas and is secreted after you eat or drink. Its job is to help blood sugar created by your meal get into your cells. Carbohydrates, especially refined, high-glycemic ones like sweets, high-calorie and deep-fried foods, can cause the most dramatic rise in glucose, which stimulates a large insulin release --- and if your insulin spikes too often, your cells may decrease in their sensitivity to insulin. Eventually, you have a problem with your cells "starving" for energy even though you may be consuming lots of calories. Your body may even produce excess insulin to cope, setting the stage for problems like type 2 diabetes. This extra insulin can boost androgen, or male hormone, production by your ovaries, increasing your chances of a PCOS diagnosis.
Researchers conclude that improving your nutrition and getting more physical activity can improve some of the features of PCOS, possibly even restoring reproductive function and reducing your risk of long-term complications.
Other Possible Causes of PCOS
The Mayo Clinic reports that some women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, which the diet can also provoke. Inflammation can be your body's way of fighting infection, but this process can also produce substances that cause insulin resistance and the accumulation of cholesterol in your blood vessels. In addition, genes also play a role in who gets PCOS. Moreover, the clinic says new research suggests that some baby girls may be exposed to excessive levels of androgens while developing in the womb. That exposure may increase their risk for PCOS by promoting a male pattern of belly fat distribution --- which in turn increases the chance of insulin resistance and inflammation.
Dietary Management for PCOS
When treating PCOS, diet is an important area for therapy. Researchers recommended, in the 2007 issues of "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology," specific dietary guidelines for PCOS patients, suggesting that fat be restricted to less than 30 percent of your calories and that saturated fat should be most restricted. Scientists say that although diets should be tailored to individual's preferences, your eating plan should distribute your calories fairly evenly over several meals. The Center for Young Women's Health suggests patients avoid sugary and refined carbs. You should also reduce calories from snacks and drinks. In addition, see your health care provider about medications and an exercise plan to help with your insulin sensitivity.
References
- Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital Boston: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); A Guide for Teens; August 25, 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Causes; December 8, 2009
- "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology"; Diet and Nutrition in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Pointers for Nutritional Management; H. Farshchi; November 2007
- WomentoWomen.com; An Introduction to Insulin Resistance; Marcelle Pick; March 14, 2011
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; The Optimal Diet for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?; Kate Marsh and Jennie Brand-Miller; August 2005
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes; October 2008
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