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What is PCOS? A hormonal disorder with enlarged ovaries and with or without cysts surrounding the eggs. What are the symptoms of PCOS? Irregular periods, weight gain, male pattern hair loss, and acne. What can be done for PCOS? Book an appointment online

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Barrea, L., Arnone, A., Annunziata, G., Muscogiuri, G., Laudisio, D., Salzano, C., Pugliese, G., Colao, A., and Savastano, S. (2019). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, dietary patterns and body composition in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Nutrients;11(10):2278. doi: 10.3390/nu11102278. PMID: 31547562; PMCID: PMC6836220.

Cooney LG, Dokras A. (2018). Beyond fertility: Polycystic ovary syndrome and long‑term health. Fertil Steril; 110:794‑809.

de Melo, A., Dias, S., Cavalli, R., Cardoso, V., Bettiol. H/, Barbieri. M., et al. (2015). Pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome: Multifactorial assessment from the foetal stage to menopause. Reproduction; 150:R11‑24.

Haidari, F., Banaei-Jahromi, N., Zakerkish, M., Ahmadi, K. (2020). The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial. Nutrition Journal;19(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5. PMID: 31980022; PMCID: PMC6982376.

Krishnan A, Muthusami S. (2017). Hormonal alterations in PCOS and its influence on bone metabolism. J Endocrinol; 232:R99‑R113.

Minooee S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Rahmati M, Mansournia MA, Azizi F. (2018). Prediction of age at menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Climacteric; 21:29‑34.

Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB. (2015). Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: Current perspectives. Int J Womens Health; 7:745‑63.

Patel SM, Ratcliffe SJ, Reilly MP, Weinstein R, Bhasin S, Blackman MR, et al. (2009). Higher serum testosterone concentration in older women is associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab; 94:4776‑84.

Puurunen J, Piltonen T, Jaakkola P, Ruokonen A, Morin‑Papunen L, Tapanainen JS. (2009). Adrenal androgen production capacity remains high up to menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab; 94:1973‑8.

Schmidt J, Landin‑Wilhelmsen K, Brännström M, Dahlgren E. (2011). Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in PCOS women of postmenopausal age: A 21‑year-controlled follow‑up study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab; 96:3794‑803.

Sharma, S., Mahajan, N. (2021).  Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Menopause in Forty Plus Women. Journal of Midlife Health; 12(1):3-7. doi: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_8_21. Epub 2021 Apr 17. PMID: 34188419; PMCID: PMC8189332.

Zhao L, Li W, Han F, Hou L, Baillargeon JP, Kuang H, et al. (2011). Berberine reduces insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone in theca cells in vitro. Fertil Steril; 95:461‑3.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

Recommendations

  1. Eat 3T flaxseeds daily to reduce inflammatory and glycemic effects of PCOS.
  2. Eat a Mediterranean diet: little lean meats, fermented dairy, lots of vegetables/beans/grains, few processed foods.
  3. Engage in 150 minutes of exercise weekly with a combination of weight training and cardiovascular activity.
  4. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Avoid alcohol and sweets, reduce carbohydrate intake.
  5. Most patients with PCOS can safely take HRT as it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Compiled by Women’s Hormonal Health & Wellness, PLLC

Margaret Goddard, APRN-CNP