September 2018 is PCOS awareness month
September 2018 is PCOS awareness month. It’s a great time to raise awareness of the condition and remind ourselves that support is available.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition affecting woman. It can develop from puberty to early adulthood, and is often misdiagnosed.
Recognising the symptoms
There are different types of PCOS, and even siblings may experience different symptoms.
COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Unwanted excess hair growth (this is usually coarse)
- Hair thinning
- Infertility or struggling to become pregnant
- Acne (on face or body)
- Mood swings
- Pelvic pain
- Sleep problems
- Sudden unexplained weight gain.
PCOS CAN ALSO RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF:
- Thyroid function abnormalities
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Mood disorders
- Heart disease
- Gestational (pregnancy) diabetes
- Diabetes
- Endometrial Cancer.
Feeling unsupported?
A lack of understanding of the condition can leave sufferers feeling unsupported, not fully understanding what is happening or how to manage their symptoms.
On diagnosis, women are often advised to “lose weight”, but the reality is that this can be hard to do. In a survey of 1385 women with PCOS, results showed that 99% of women wanted an alternative treatment to oral contraceptives or fertility drugs – yet this is often the only solution offered.
The impact of diet and lifestyle on symptoms
The good news is that nutrition and lifestyle factors have been shown to have a significant effect on PCOS and can have a real impact on symptoms.
Women with PCOS are often deficient in certain nutrients, despite an adequate intake. They are also at an increased risk of inflammation and insulin resistance (insulin is the hormone that helps us process glucose), resulting in weight gain and cravings.
Positive outcomes with 1:1 support
Through 1:1 consultations, I work with women who suffer from PCOS to make dietary and lifestyle changes that have a positive impact on symptoms. Each treatment is tailored to the individual and is based on a detailed understanding of her symptoms, her situation and backed up by the results of relevant laboratory tests.
If you’re suffering from the symptoms of PCOS, you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, or you suspect that you might have PCOS: give me a call. We can work together to identify exactly what’s happening with your body and find the best course of action to reduce your symptoms and improve your life.
Book your appointment today.
