Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS

Why is PCOS The Most Common Cause of Serious Weight Gain in Young Women?

Insulin Resistance Syndrome is common in both obese and non-obese women with PCOS.

The Insulin Resistance Syndrome connection is the reason why Metformin, the oral diabetic medication is now routinely prescribed for PCOS.

The use of Metformin decreases insulin levels, leading to improvements in ovulatory function. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also recommended along with this strategy.

PCOS is a hormone disorder characterised by the accumulation of what appears to be numerous fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries. These develop over time as the ova (eggs) fail to mature, then release during the menstrual cycle. This causes multiple immature ova to be visible on ultrasound, which are mistakenly called cysts.

The lack of ovulation associated with PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women of reproductive age.

Your doctor or gynaecologist will usually order a range of pathology tests and investigations to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS. An ultrasound is usually done to see if the ovaries contain multiple immature ova. If the diagnosis is unclear, a laparoscopy may be performed to view the reproductive organs.

Insulin is a major hormone produced by the pancreas to assist energy production. This hormone plays a key role in transporting glucose, your high energy fuel, into the cells where it is rapidly used to power up your body.

Today, the average diet is too high in processed carbohydrates, especially sugary foods, which cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This places undue stress on the action of insulin as high amounts are released to keep the level of glucose in the bloodstream from spiralling out of control.

Over time this situation leads to Insulin Resistance Syndrome, a common condition where your body is no longer able to control your blood sugar levels.

Fatigue, weight gain, and sugar cravings are the common signs of Insulin Resistance Syndrome. These symptoms result when the cells stop responding to the increased insulin and the liver starts converting unused blood sugar into body fat.

A diet high in refined carbohydrates leads to Insulin Resistance Syndrome putting you at risk of developing PCOS.

Elevated insulin levels promote androgen production. It is these androgens, or male-type hormones, that prevent maturation & release of the ovum from the ovaries. Over time this results in lowered fertility and other menstrual problems.

The distressing physical signs of PCOS, such as acne, skin pigmentation and excess body hair are also due to excessive androgen levels.

It is highly recommended that you follow our PCOS Diet & Lifestyle Guidelines.

The PCOS Diet & Lifestyle Guidelines will assist blood sugar control, reducing the powerful impact Insulin Resistance Syndrome has on PCOS.

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