Weight loss with PCOS
Q: Dear Dr Mitchell,
I am 24 years old and my doctor says I have PCOS. I did a hormone test and an ultrasound. I was given Diane 35 and Metformin and was also told to lose a lot of weight. I cannot afford the expensive dietary services and personal training so I am trying to pedal my way out. I hardly see my period and when I do it will go on for two weeks sometimes. I am scared that one day I will not be able to give my fiancé a child. When I try to research what I can do to lose this weight, I am seeing items not even grown in Jamaica. Do you have any advice on Jamaican remedies I can use to lose this weight and prevent other conditions that could possibly result from PCOS?
A: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that is associated with irregular menstruation, difficulty becoming pregnant, excessive weight gain and features of excessive male hormones in the body. This androgen excess is due to the overproduction of testosterone from the ovaries. This results in excessive hair growth on the face, chest and abdomen that tends to be in a pattern similar to the hair growth seen in men. There may be voice changes (deepening of the voice) and an increase in the size of the clitoris as a result of the increase in testosterone.
In women with polycystic ovarian disease, there is infrequent or absent ovulation. The follicles (eggs) develop in the ovaries but are not released on a monthly basis. This results in the ovaries becoming enlarged. Women with polycystic ovarian disease tend to have a problem with excessive weight gain. The increased weight gain is also associated with an increased resistance to insulin and so despite the high circulatory levels of insulin, the blood sugar tends to be high. Some women may present with florid symptoms of diabetes mellitus.
The mainstay in managing women with polycystic ovaries is weight loss. You should try to achieve your ideal weight for your height. This will help in reducing your risk of developing diabetes mellitus. You do not need to be on any expensive diet to lose weight. You need to consume fewer calories and eat less food. Foods to be avoided include refined sugars, chocolate, cakes, ice cream and sodas. You should avoid foods high in fat content so you should strip off the skin and fats from your chicken and meat. Foods should be stewed, boiled or baked. Fried foods should be avoided. Frequent small meals — three main meals and two snacks per day should be the mainstay. It is a good idea to get the help of a nutritionist who will guide you as to the caloric value of some of the foods and how to create a healthy balance.
A regular exercise routine will definitely help to burn off some of the calories. You should exercise at least three times for the week.
The use of Diane 35 and Metformin will help to establish good cycle control and reverse some of the effects of the high testosterone levels. Weight loss and the use of the Metformin will also help to reduce your risk of developing diabetes mellitus in later life.
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are at increased risk of developing cancer of the uterus in later life, so the use of the combined oral contraceptive pills will also help to reduce your risk of this serious complication. Weight loss will also help to reduce your risk of developing hypertension and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy in addition to reducing your risk of developing gestational diabetes in pregnancy.
Best wishes.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver. com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5 Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice from your own doctor.
