Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms begin gradually. The hormonal changes that lead to PCOS usually begin in adolescence, after the first menstrual period. Symptoms may be especially noticeable after weight gain.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome:
Menstrual problems: Menstrual bleeding may be scanty or absent, or may include heavy, irregular bleeding.
Hair loss and hair growth on the face, chest, back, stomach, thumbs or toes (hirsutism).
Acne and oily skin
Fertility problems, such as failure to release an egg (not ovulating) or recurrence of miscarriage.
Insulin resistance and excess insulin (hyperinsulinemia) can cause things like upper body obesity and skin tags.
Depression or mood swings
Breathing problems while you sleep (obstructive sleep apnea). This is linked to both obesity and insulin resistance.
Diet for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Key Points:
About 50 percent of women with polycystic ovary syndrome are overweight or obese.
Insulin resistance can make it difficult to lose weight.
High-fiber foods may combat insulin resistance by slowing digestion.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically occurs with irregular or no periods. Women with PCOS often have multiple cysts on their ovaries due to overproduction of hormones called androgens. About 50 percent of women with the disorder are overweight or obese. Common symptoms include acne, hirsutism (hair growth) and male-pattern baldness.
Women with PCOS, especially when their symptoms are uncontrolled, may be at greater risk for:
heart disease
endometrial cancer
diabetes
hypertension
Many women with PCOS find that they can manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of other medical concerns by controlling their diet and lifestyle choices.
How does diet affect polycystic ovary syndrome?
Women with PCOS are often found to have higher than normal insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone produced in your pancreas. It helps cells in your body convert sugar (glucose) into energy. If you don’t produce enough insulin, your blood sugar levels can rise. This can also happen if you are insulin resistant, meaning you can’t effectively use the insulin you do produce. If you are insulin resistant, your body may try to pump out high levels of insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Too much insulin can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, such as testosterone.
Insulin resistance can also occur due to a body mass index (BMI) above the normal range. Insulin resistance can make it difficult to lose weight, which is why women with PCOS often struggle with this number. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as starchy and sugary foods, can make it harder to control insulin resistance and therefore weight loss.
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