ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsThe role of diet in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

By Jane Harrison, R.D., Staff Nutritionist, myOptumHealth

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Jennifer was distraught. The scale at the gym showed she had gained 50 pounds over the past year. In recent months she had developed high triglycerides and a constant craving for carbs. To top it off, she was getting more facial hair and she stopped getting her period. "I'm falling apart!" she thought to herself.

Jen talked to her gynecologist about her symptoms. An exam and tests showed she had a common hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Because women with PCOS don't ovulate, their hormones are off-balance. This can trigger all sorts of frustrating and complex symptoms, including infertility.

One of the main hormones involved with PCOS is insulin. When this hormone does not work properly, it causes elevated blood sugars. This and other imbalances can also lead to high cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as excessive weight gain. These factors can all add up to higher rates of heart disease and diabetes.

Many doctors prescribe birth control pills plus the diabetes drug metformin to treat PCOS. Though these methods can be helpful, symptoms may return if a woman goes off the medication to become pregnant.

Lifestyle changes can help

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women during their reproductive years. The good news is that an improved diet and regular exercise can help a woman lose weight and ease her symptoms.

Diet guidelines are geared toward restoring normal insulin function and helping with cravings, which in time help reduce weight. Cravings for carbohydrates and sweets can be intense for women with PCOS. These cravings may peak just before menstruation.

Most experts advise the following:

Choose healthy carbs. Focus on wholesome carbs that are low on the glycemic index (GI). Low in sugar and high in fiber, these carbs help keep your blood sugar from spiking too quickly and overloading your cells with glucose. Choose:

• Whole grains such as barley, bulgur and wild rice, nuts and seeds and natural peanut butter
• Vegetables and fruits, which are high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals
• Beans and legumes - carbs that offer protein and fiber all in one

Eat a balanced diet. Balance your carbs with sources of lean proteins and healthy fats. These will help balance blood sugars and help keep you satisfied.

• Protein choices include lean meat, eggs, skinless chicken or turkey, cottage cheese and low-fat dairy.
• Healthy fats include olive and canola oils, avocados, nuts and seeds.

Supplement with fish oil. Recent studies have found that fish oil may help improve insulin sensitivity. Studies are being done to see how fish oil supplements fit into the treatment plan for PCOS. Ask your doctor if fish oil supplements may help with your symptoms.

Eat small meals and healthy snacks. Eating every 3 to 4 hours during the day can help even out blood sugars and ease cravings. Think of snacks as mini-meals, not as a time to indulge in a sweet treat. Some ideas:

• A slice of whole-grain bread with natural peanut butter or avocado
• Whole-grain crackers and hummus
• A hard-boiled egg and raw veggies
• Fruit and cottage cheese

Limit your portions. If you are still hungry at the end of the meal, try having extra vegetables or extra protein foods like meat, fish, eggs or beans.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit or sugar-free gelatin for dessert. Small portions of treat foods can be included now and then, too.

Exercise regularly. Adding exercise or increasing the exercise you already do will help you manage your PCOS. But always check with your doctor first before you increase your activity level.

Stay positive. It can be hard to achieve visible results. Eating well and exercising can still help, even if you don't see a big change in your weight.

Most young women with PCOS need to take medication, even with good nutrition and exercise. A nutritionist who has experience in working with PCOS can be a useful resource.

View the original The role of diet in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• Wright CE, Zborowski JV, Talbott EO, McHugh-Pemu K, Youk A. Dietary intake, physical activity, and obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. International Journal of Obesity. 2004;28:1026-1032. Accessed: 02/04/2009

• Stein K. Polycystic ovarian syndrome: what it is and why registered dietitians need to know. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2006;106(11):1738-1741. Accessed: 02/04/2009

• Salley KE, Wickham EP, Cheang KI, Essah PA, Karjane NW, Nestler JE. Glucose intolerance in polycystic ovary syndrome - a position statement of the Androgen Excess Society. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2007;92(12):4546-4556. Accessed: 02/04/2009

• Delarue J, Li CH, Cohen R, Corporeau C, Simon B. Interaction of fish oil and a glucocorticoid on metabolic responses to an oral glucose load in healthy human subjects. British Journal of Nutrition. 2006;95(2):267-272. Accessed: 02/04/2009

• Hoeger K. Obesity and weight loss in polycystic ovary syndrome. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2001;28(1):85-97. Accessed: 02/04/2009