Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Nutrition

Have you ever heard of this condition? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects 3% to 5% of women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 5 to 10% of women. In the United States, it is the most common cause of infertility. Although this condition affects many women in Puerto Rico, to date there are no statistics that highlight its prevalence. Recent studies of patients in the Caribbean indicate that the incidence is about 7% among Puerto Rican women.

The exact cause is not yet known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed that there may be a hereditary pattern that increases the risk of this hormonal imbalance, as it occurs more frequently in women from the same family.

Possible signs

Some of the possible warning signs that a woman's body may experience, indicating that she has this syndrome, include:

high blood pressure
Abnormal blood sugar levels
Abnormal Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
Irregular menstrual cycle
Significant changes in weight, both increases and decreases
High levels of male hormones such as testosterone
Anxiety

Diagnosis

A person who meets 3 or more of the criteria listed above is considered to have polycystic ovary syndrome and may be at risk of developing other health problems.

Nutrition: A Key Treatment

You and your doctor will work together to develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, your plans to have children, and other potential risks. Many women will need a combination of treatments, including lifestyle and dietary changes as a key part of their treatment.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can affect the quality of life for many people. If you have questions or think you may have this condition, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional who specializes in this area to help you learn how to live with this condition and its side effects.

If you have any questions about the nutritional implications of this syndrome, please feel free to contact me.