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Old 05-14-2009, 07:00 PM   #22 (permalink)
sweetstar
I'm a fighter of PCOS!
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Here's an article that goes along with what I'm talking about and how I feel medication can just mask the symptoms of PCOS in some situations... .

Healthy Diet vs. Male Hormones in Your Body

One of the dominant characteristics of PCOS is the presence of excessively high levels of androgens, or male hormones. Testosterone is an androgen you've probably heard about.
High levels of androgens partially explain why you can't ovulate, and why you have disturbing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome such as acne, hair loss and excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism). Excessive androgens are also associated with long term health problems such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Your doctor will typically prescribe birth control pills to birth control pills, which contain high doses of the feminizing hormones, estrogen and progesterone. You will still have high levels of androgen in your system, but the higher levels of estrogen and testosterone will mask the masculinizing effect of the androgens. While this can have some of the cosmetic effect you want, it does not address the underlying cause of high androgens, and it does not improve your health. But who wants to be on birth control pills year after year? And in any case, if you want to become pregnant, you'll have to stop the birth control pills anyway.
So is there anything else you can do besides take birth control pills? Fortunately, your lifestyle can improve your hormonal balance. Diet is a prime example.
Eastern Michigan University recently reviewed the role of diet on controlling androgen levels.
To help control androgens, they recommended a diet high in fiber, low in refined carbohydrates, low in trans and saturated fats, and higher in omega-3 and omega-9 fats. They also recommended consumption of anti-inflammatory compounds found in certain foods. These recommendations are especially beneficial for PCOS women who have an issue with weight, according to the article.
These dietary recommendations are very similar to the foods and recommended diet found in The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility by Dr. Nancy Dunne. If you're not familiar with a diet designed to help you normalize your hormones, this book is a good place to start.

I will start working on getting you gals the link. Make sure you keep me posted on your success from the Low GI diet, or otherwise!!!
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Doing Low GI diet as of Sept. 07. DX with PCOS in Sept 07' as well.

Started at a size 24, now a size 14. My waist was 44", now it's 32".

I am on no medication, just diet and exercise.

Thank you all for your support and information! I encourage all of you to do a Low Glycemic diet!
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