Nearly Three Quarters of Women With This Problem Are Undiagnosed
At this point we’re used to the fact that women’s healthcare doesn't always feel up to par with men’s healthcare. There’s the fact that most medical research is done on men or that historically most physicians have been male, or that in the not-so-distant past people thought any woman who demonstrated basically any form of illness must be suffering from hysteria. But, it’s still tough to know that important female medical conditions are being overlooked and under diagnosed. One of those conditions is called Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is thought to affect up to 8-13% of reproductive-aged women worldwide but up to 70% of these women remain undiagnosed. PCOS is the most common anovulation problem and it has physical, reproductive and nutritional implications. Fortunately, proper pharmaceutical and lifestyle treatment can help.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. The condition can start during adolescence or develop later on in life and each woman’s symptoms and severity can vary. PCOS is categorized by hormonal imbalances, obesity, irregular periods, increased androgen levels and, as you could guess, cysts in the ovaries.
PCOS can also lead to insulin-resistance, which makes it hard for your body’s cells to take in and use glucose, or sugar. This can lead to consistently high blood sugar and an increased risk of type-2 diabetes as well as other chronic health conditions.
If you have PCOS, or think you might, it’s important to speak to your primary care provider about your symptoms.
Credit: Elan Healthcare
Nutrition’s Role in PCOS
Nutrition is an important part of treating and managing PCOS because dietary changes and physical activity can help to reduce symptoms of the disorder. Data shows that ~50% of women diagnosed with PCOS are overweight and that a weight reduction of 5-10% can lead to the resumption of ovulation and improved levels of androgens within the body.
Nutrition counseling can also help to improve insulin resistance through behavior change and implementation of healthful eating habits. For example, women with PCOS can benefit from becoming more familiar with managing their blood sugar, choosing nutrient-dense carbohydrates, selecting foods with fiber, and prioritizing protein in their daily diet.
This article is for informational purposes only and it not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind.
