Link between Fertility Problems and Trans Fats

Recent research from the US on Trans Fats has been making headlines all over the world, and I thought it was important to focus on it here, even though it isn't solely related to PCOS.

I am often asked for help with fertility issues, and now researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found that these hidden fats can increase the risk of fertility problems by 70 percent or more! That's huge!

Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find out which foods have trans fats in them. They can be found naturally in some red meat and dairy products, but in general they are artificially produced and added to many processed foods in order to extend their shelf life.

Thankfully, research has prompted many companies to announce they will no longer add trans fats to their foods (and hopefully this will include it being added to nutritional information on food packets that still contain them), but there is another answer to avoiding trans fats and that is to avoid processed foods altogether.

The best books I have read discussing the effects of processed foods and food toxins on PCOS are written by Colette Harris. I have listed her books here:

http://www.pcosmatters.com/books.html

I know organic foods can be expensive and we don't always have time to cook from scratch, but the arguments for avoiding toxins and focusing on good nutrition are extremely convincing. Colette Harris is from the UK, so certain foods or weights and measures may not be familiar to you, but the quality of the information is well researched and universal.

http://www.pcosmatters.com/books.html

It's interesting that when we suffer with PCOS we assume that any problems we have (such as problems conceiving) are most likely caused by the PCOS, when sometimes it is worth looking at other aspects of our lifestyle and the world around us.

To your good health,

Lisa

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PCOS and Depression

Can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Cause Depression?
By Mary Shackelton, MPH ND

Many women with PCOS often experience depression, anxiety and other mood-related disorders. A question that often arises is whether depression and anxiety are a result of having the symptoms of PCOS or whether they are caused by the hormone imbalance related to PCOS.

A study conducted at the University of Chicago Hospital Department of Medicine linked slightly elevated free testosterone (FT) levels with increased rates of mood-related disorders. The study looked at 27 women with PCOS and elevated FT levels and 27 women without PCOS and normal ranges of FT levels.

The results of the study show that women with slightly elevated levels of FT were more likely to be depressed than women with normal or very elevated levels of FT. This is a rather interesting finding because it showed how FT can have a negative effect on mood at slightly elevated levels but not have much of an effect at extremely elevated levels. One thought was that women with extremely elevated levels of FT become accustomed to the high levels and their bodies adjust accordingly. (1)

The study advises physicians to be aware that depression may be a symptom of the hormone imbalance found in women with PCOS. Treatments aimed at treating the cause of PCOS and balancing hormone levels may help many women relieve their depression and anxiety along with other symptoms of PCOS, which can range from infertility and excess facial hair to skin conditions like acne and brown patches and male pattern baldness.

(1) Weiner CL, Primeau M, Ehrmann DA. Androgens and mood dysfunction in women: comparison of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome to healthy controls. Psychosom Med. 2004 May-Jun;66(3):356-62. PMID: 15184695

Dr. Shackelton is a founding partner of Insulite Laboratories. She directs research and development of the formulas comprising the four Insulite Systems and those in development. Her study of the biochemical and physiological reasons for weight gain led to her focus on Insulin Resistance – the abnormal response of insulin to glucose - and its growing number of related conditions.
http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Shackelton,_MPH_ND
http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Polycystic-Ovarian-Syndrome-(PCOS)-Cause-Depression?&id=396281

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