How Common is PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian (Ovary) Syndrome affects approximately 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age and it is a leading cause of infertility. It is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive age women. As many as 30 percent of women have some characteristics of the syndrome.

Lisa

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PCOS and GI

"A low-GI diet could be particularly helpful to women with PCOS because the root of the problem is extreme insulin resistance. High insulin levels produce the high androgen levels that disturb fertility, cause acne and facial hair and inhibit weight loss. We know that a low-GI diet will acutely lower postprandial [after-meal] insulin levels in comparison with a conventional low-fat diet. By lowering insulin levels, a low-GI diet allows us to burn more fat and less carbohydrate per unit of work done. Everything I've said can be backed by several studies. But we are still in the process of proving that a low-GI diet will improve insulin sensitivity and facilitate weight loss specifically in women with PCOS.''

http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-07-06/goods_health.php


The GI diet has been highly publicized over the past few years and there is some evidence to suggest it is a good regime (I hate the word diet - too many negative connotations) to follow if you have PCOS.

It can also be incredibly confusing.

If you are looking into it, consider trying the GL (Glycaemic Load) program instead which tries to simplify GI and takes into account average portion sizes as well.

To your good health,

Lisa

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