The Silent Womens Condition: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian sydrome (PCOS) is the most common abnormal hormonal condition of women of reproductive age and is the number one cause of infertility. It affects 7-10% of all women. Unfortunately, many women who have it do not know they have it. The diagnosis often slips by physicians as the condition can be tricky to diagnose. I have been specializing in PCOS for the past 8 years and often have the opportunity to help a woman get diagnosed with this condition. This will enable them to get the proper treatment.
Allison was a 30 year old female who came to my office seeking help in losing weight. She had experienced a rapid 30 pound weight gain in college which she has still not been able to lose. Allison reported sugar cravings, mood swings and carbohydrate cravings. She has tried many different diets but none have worked for her.
I obtained Allison’s diet history. Her diet was very low in fat and fairly high in carbs. She indulged her sugar cravings at least once a day. Her caloric intake was approximately 1700 calories a day. She was trying to exercise 2-3 times a week…when she was not too tired.
I frequently ask women who are overweight (especially in the abdominal area) about their menstrual history. It turns out the Allison had irregular periods and was put on the birth control pill in college. I also asked her if she had any symtoms of excessive hair growth - which she did. She said she thought the hair was due to her Italian ethnicity. Irregular periods, rapid weight gain and excessive hair growth (hirsuitism) can be symptoms of PCOS.
Problems:
1. I suspected Allison had PCOS. This could contribute towards her weight gain and difficulty losing weight, carb cravings and mood swings. It can also increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer if not treated. I had Allison take a PCOS quiz. While this is not a “diagnositic” test, it is a useful tool to suggest a diagnosis of pcos.
2. Allison’s diet was too high in processed carbs and too low in protein and heart healthy fats and fiber.
3. She often went too long without eating. This contributed towards low energy levels, carb cravings and overeating at the next meal.
4. Allison was not exercising on a regular basis.
Solutions:
1. I gave Allison the names of several endocrinologists who specialize in PCOS. She met with one of them and was diagnosed with PCOS. She was relieved to know there was a reason for her difficulty losing weight, excessive hair growth and low energy levels / carb cravings.
2. I provided her with information on PCOS and insulin resistance. I also discussed the importance of a healthy diet in treating PCOS.
3. I explained that she would likely feel better and have more success in losing weight if she moderated her carbohydrate intake, selected lower glycemic index carbs and ate more frequent mini meals that included a high fiber carb, protein and fat. For example, snack on peanut butter and whole grain crackers rather than 2 hundred calorie packs of fat free cookies.
4. Increase her exercise to 4 times a week. In addition, I recommended that she walk to work (2 miles) at least 3 times a week. I explained the benefits of increasing physical activity: burning calories, speeding metabolism, stress management, lowering insulin levels, etc.
5. Keep a food record recording what she ate, the time she ate and how she felt. In additon to helping her keep track of her calories, this also showed her which meals made her feel better.
6. I also stressed the importance of calorie control. I often see people who think they can eat almost unlimited food as long as their carb intake is low. I recommended 1400 calories a day for Allison.
The good news, I have been meeting with Allison for follow-up appointments every 2 weeks. She has been able to lose 8 pounds in 7 weeks. She feels much more energetic and had fewer carb cravings. She has been meeting her exercise goals and says she feels like a new person.
Check out my website for more references on PCOS
Share This Tags: Cancer, Diabetes, Diet, Health, Low energy levels, Nutritionist, PCOS, Weight Gain
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May 24th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
I never even heard of this condition until recently ( a couple of years ago) and now realize that many women have this problem. Its great that you are a resource for women in New York with this condition. Are you writing a nutrition resource book about this condition?
May 25th, 2007 at 3:05 am
When I first started specializing in PCOS about 8 years ago, there was not much known about it. We now know that it is very common and more and more woman and doctors are learning about it.
I wrote the 2 nutrition chapters in a book called A Patient’s Guide to PCOS: Understanding and Reversing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It a great book written by Dr. Walter Futterweit, one of the leading PCOS experts in the world. It is user friendly and is packed with useful information. Check it out!
August 24th, 2007 at 11:20 am
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