Do you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? Did you know that PCOS affects about 5 to 7.5% of all women? It is the number one cause of infertility in women and, if left untreated, can lead to myriad problems including endometrial cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Since insulin resistance appears to play a major role, experts now believe that a low glycemic diet should be part of the treatment plan.

It is still unknown what causes PCOS but most experts are in agreement that insulin is a major player. Insulin resistance, the primary underlying problem in PCOS, is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin do not adequately produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Some of the symptoms of insulin resistance include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased blood triglyceride levels
• High blood sugar
• Depression

The good news is that there is a suitable diet for PCOS that can help with insulin response and weight gain. It all starts with understanding carbohydrates.

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, found in many processed foods, are absorbed by the body faster by the body, which leads to a sudden increase in blood sugar and are therefore identified as high glycemic foods. Simple carbohydrates are often called the “bad” carbohydrate and should be curbed or eliminated if you are dieting for PCOS. Sugar and pasta are full of simple carbohydrates, for example.

Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as wholegrain breads, oats, muesli, fibrous vegetables (celery, broccoli, lettuce, etc.) and contain a good amount of fiber. These carbohydrates break down into glucose more slowly than simple carbohydrates thus providing a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Natural complex carbohydrates are a much better choice if you are attempting to improve PCOS through diet.

In addition to low glycemic food consumption, it is important to note that carbohydrates should always be consumed with a protein or a good fat (such as olive or canola oil, part-skim cheese, etc.). Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day as lower carbohydrate consumption can lead to dehydration.

In summary, a PCOS diet filled with fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, including whole grain foods and low glycemic fruits and vegetables my not only help bring PCOS symptoms under control but can significantly help with weight gain issues and high blood pressure.

Up to 10 percent of pre-menopausal women will be struck with a disease known as PCOS. A hormonal disorder, PCOS causes multiple abnormal cysts to form on a woman’s ovaries. The majority of these cysts are harmless fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs that have attached to the lining of the ovary. Some cysts don’t dissolve on their own and continue to grow; this can lead to hemorrhaging, which can be especially painful and life-threatening.

The diagnosis of PCOS requires an ultrasound or scan of a woman’s abdomen. The common symptoms of PCOS are irregular, heavy or absent periods; ovarian cysts; infertility, weight gain; obesity; acne; skin growths; dark skin patches; high cholesterol; fatigue or the inability to concentrate; decreased sex drive; excessive facial or body hair; male pattern baldness; and an excess of male hormones.

Hormonal defects or imbalances are the causes of PCOS, which is classified as a disease. Every woman will experience different symptoms, so you don’t have to have all of the symptoms listed here to have PCOS. For some women, the effects of PCOS are quite mild; other women may have severe symptoms.

Studies on PCOS have shown that the best way to deal with the disease at present involves a correct diagnosis and proper treatment of symptoms. The treatment options for PCOS vary for different levels of the disease. One good approach is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. Regular visits to your doctor are essential for blood tests and monitoring insulin levels. You may also choose to try alternative treatment options for your particular form of PCOS.