Boston nutritionist, Dr. Judith Mabel treating polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

- with thanks to Monika Woolsey, After the Diet

Are you at risk for PCOS? Consider the following questions:

Do you have a family history of infertility, irregular periods, or diabetes?
Are you of Caribbean Hispanic descent?
Are you of Caribbean Hispanic or African American descent, with a history of early puberty?
Did you ever take valproic acid, valproate, divalproex, or carbamazepine for a seizure disorder, or epilepsy?
Did you ever have gestational diabetes in any of your pregnancies?
Do you have an apple-shaped body type (measure your waist to hip ratio; if it is greater than .8, you have an apple, or android body type)?
Do you have irregular periods (or none at all)?
Do you have dark velvety patches of skin on your neck, groin, or in your armpits?
Do you have hair loss or male balding spots?
Difficulty losing weight?
Intense cravings for carbohydrates or sweets?
Problems conceiving?
Decreased sex drive?
Excess hair growth on your face, like a mustache or beard?
Excess hair on your chest or back?
Acne on your face, chest, or back?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are at higher risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which can place you at risk for diabetes and certain types of cancer.

PCOS is an endocrine disorder found in approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are insulin resistant and are at increased risk of developing Type II diabetes. They often suffer from body-image problems, mood disorders and difficulties with work performance.

Diets that decrease insulin resistance are useful for women with PCOS. These diets are lower in carbohydrates, and higher in healthy fats and proteins. There are also specific supplements that can be helpful.

Exercise is also helpful because it improves the body’s use of insulin, and it supports mood changes and weight loss as well.

Customized food and supplement plans are available with Dr. Mabel’s nutritional counseling.

The author is grateful to Monika M. Woolsey, R.D for her research used in this article.