Wednesday, July 12, 2006

"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" on Google Video

Take a look at this informative video from google videos about PCOS. Just click on the title below or copy and paste the url from the bottom of the post into your browser.

Lisa

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Description:
Too many women and healthcare providers are in the dark about the serious health complications of PCOS. This two-minute video clip analyses the issue. Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, acne, facial hair, loss of scalp hair and infertility. Says Dr. Rhoda Cobin of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, in an interview, “We are trying to increase the awareness of healthcare providers about not only the diagnosis of the syndrome but its link with these serious diseases. Understand that you have a metabolic condition that is going to put you at risk for diabetes, for heart disease for hypertension, for stroke.” It is imperative for physicians to acknowledge that their PCOS patients are at high risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists advocates screening PCOS women by age 30 for diabetes.

If you're having trouble watching the video, try copying the following URL into your browser:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6155402938481789606&q=pcos&pr=goog-sl

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome video

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

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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Monday, July 10, 2006

Losing Weight with PCOS

I just read this on a medical website:


"If you have PCOS you might need to lose weight"


I think they meant that not everybody with PCOS is overweight, but when I read it I just laughed and thought "no kidding"! A lot of us with PCOS are overweight but losing it isn't always easy, in fact it's an ongoing battle. Yes, symptoms improve with weight-loss but one of the symptoms is that it is harder to lose weight - a catch-22!


Be well,


Lisa x


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PCOS and Hypothyroidism

There is even a strong connection between hypothyroid and polycystic ovary syndrome. “In lab research, when you want to create a polycystic ovary, you create hypothyroidism in the animal,” says Rais.

Career, kids, now thyroid : HindustanTimes.com


This is new to me and very worrying. I wonder how many women with PCOS have been tested for thyroid problems - I'm sure I haven't.


Lisa

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Sunday, July 09, 2006

PCOS Awareness

Realizing real change has to come from more awareness, exposure and education for PCOS(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), a petition drafted by a PCOS Awareness Advocate is now online. For many PCOS Awareness plays a key role in helping them learn to live and deal with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and ultimately live a healthier life. Many feel PCOS Awareness has to happen now to ensure women and girls do not have to go through another day, month or year of silent suffering and to ensure they are educated on how to live a healthier life with this syndrome.

Online Petition Hopes to Make PCOS a Known Acronym


Take a look at this press release about making people more aware of PCOS. 10% of women suffer from it and yet many people still don't know it exists. There is a petition  you can sign online as well.


Lisa

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Saturday, July 08, 2006

PCOS Matters

Welcome to PCOS Matters, a blog dedicated to PCOS, otherwise known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

I look forward to sharing with you the latest news and updates on PCOS as well as my own journey with the syndrome.

To your health,

Lisa x