Do I have PCOS?

The physical exam checks your thyroid gland, skin, hair, breasts, and belly. You will have a blood pressure check and a pelvic exam to find out if you have enlarged or abnormal ovaries. Your doctor can also check your body mass index (BMI).

Symptoms of low blood sugar can occur suddenly. They include:

• blurry vision
• rapid heartbeat
• sudden mood changes
• sudden nervousness
• unexplained fatigue
• pale skin
• headache
• hunger
• shaking
• sweating
• difficulty sleeping
• skin tingling
• trouble thinking clearly or concentrating
• loss of consciousness

If you have hypoglycemic unawareness, a condition in which you do not know your blood sugar level is dropping, your blood sugar can drop so quickly you may not even have warning symptoms. When this occurs, you can faint, experience a seizure, or even go into a coma.

A minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be a treatment option for fertility problems associated with PCOS.

Under general anaesthetic, your doctor will make a small cut in your lower abdomen (tummy) and pass a long, thin microscope called a laparoscope through into your abdomen. The ovaries are then surgically treated using heat or a laser to destroy the tissue that’s producing androgens (male hormones).

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling has been found to lower levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) and raise levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This corrects your hormone imbalance and can restore the normal function of your ovaries.

The cause of PCOS is unknown. But most experts think that several factors, including genetics, could play a role. Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother or sister with PCOS.

A main underlying problem with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

Researchers also think insulin may be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their bodies because they have problems using it. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. High androgen levels can lead to:

Acne
Excessive hair growth
Weight gain
Problems with ovulation

Insulin levels are elevated, it causes us to store fat very easily not to mention that insulin stimulates appetite, making us hungrier for food. Regular exercise, modifications in your eating and taking insulin lowering medications such as metformin or actos, can help bring down elevated insulin levels and may help you to lose some weight around your mid-section. Some clients report that being on insulin lowering medications make them less hungry and less interested in food. Some, but not all people who take insulin-lowering medications have experienced some modest weight loss. Most agree that these medications help prevent hypoglycemic episodes and reduce carbohydrate cravings. The main side effect of these medications is diarrhea and may not be tolerated by all.

Absolutely! Numerous studies have shown that weight loss and/or improvements in eating patterns can reduce insulin and androgen levels and induce ovulation. Some studies have even shown that normalizing eating patterns in people with eating disorders including bulimia and binge eating disorder, can improve the appearance of cysts around the ovaries. This includes eating a balanced diet with regular activity. Some dietary supplements may be helpful as well. If you are confused over what to eat or find yourself bingeing or out of control with food, consider scheduling a PCOS nutrition assessment.

No. Again, studies are still lacking into the proper dietary treatment of PCOS but the majority of the evidence suggests that a moderate intake of whole grain carbohydrates balanced with healthy fats and lean protein are the keys to losing weight with PCOS. Many women with PCOS have found that if they cut out carbohydrates or eat very minimal amounts that it only causes them to binge eat on them in the long run. This can actually make PCOS symptoms worse by increasing insulin levels.

NOTE: The information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, medication, or other health program.