Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, causes many symptoms, and those symptoms may vary from woman to woman. That is why PCOS is difficult to diagnose without a complete hormonal and physical evaluation. However, if you suspect that you have PCOS because you are experiencing some of its symptoms, including hirsutism, infertility and acne, you may also notice that it is difficult for you to lose weight, which is another hallmark of the condition. It is important that you talk to your doctor, because if you do indeed have PCOS, there are effective interventions to help you lose weight.
Step 1
Decrease your dietary intake of sugary foods and other refined carbohydrates. There is a complex relationship between PCOS and insulin, and foods that cause rapid rises in blood sugar exacerbate many of the symptoms of the syndrome, including weight gain.
Step 2
Increase the amount of exercise you normally get. Because it helps to lower your blood sugar levels, which thereby decreases insulin, insulin resistance and body fat storage, exercise is an essential and powerful component of any overall weight loss intervention plan for PCOS.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about medications to manage PCOS and its side effects. Diabetes medications such as metformin, or Glucophage, which are used to treat the insulin resistance and weight gain associated with type 2 diabetes, are also effective in the treatment of PCOS.
Tips and Warnings
- Other medications used to treat the syndrome include birth control pills, antiandrogen medications and fertility medications for those who desire pregnancy. Any intervention for PCOS that involves lowering insulin and insulin resistance to help you lose weight may also help normalize overall hormonal levels. This effect helps to manage other PCOS symptoms, like acne, increased body hair growth and menstrual abnormalities. Some women who have PCOS may develop depression and anxiety as side effects of the syndrome. Exercise can help to manage these side effects as well.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable workout shoes and clothes
- Prescription medication as recommended by your doctor
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