Polycystic ovary syndrome, despite its name, isn’t caused by cysts on the ovaries. Polycystic ovaries are actually covered with very small follicles in which the egg develops. Dr Marilyn Glenville explains more in this video.
What PCOS symptoms could you experience?
With the most extreme form of PCOS, you would tend to be overweight, have no or very few periods, be prone to acne, grow unusually heavy body hair, often on the face, breasts and inside of the legs, and be susceptible to mood swings. And with this can come problems with fertility and often recurrent miscarriages. Women with PCOS may be seven times more likely to develop diabetes because of problems with blood sugar balance.Dr Marilyn advocates a natural approach to treating PCOS, including diet and lifestyle changes. If you’re concerned, here are some of her health tips:
- Taking B vitamins is extremely important if you suffer with PCOS. The B vitamins help your liver process hormones. Vitamin B6 helps with fertility issues, which many women with PCOS experience, and can help control weight and blood sugar levels.
- Coffee and other stimulants increase insulin levels, and should be avoided in those struggling to control insulin and blood sugar levels in PCOS
- Instead of eating refined grains made with white flour such as white bread, pasta, bagels, and white rice try whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole wheat bread
