What's Your Phenotype?

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:40:00 -0400

used with permission from USDA

What's Your Phenotype?

A phenotype is a unique set of characteristics based on your genetic makeup and influence of environmental factors. In a position paper published in Fertility and Sterility, the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Task Force suggest that there at least 10 possible phenotypes of PCOS. The difference in phenotypes explains how the syndrome has so much variation in symptoms. For example, despite the core feature of PCOS being high levels of androgens, not all women with the syndrome have excess hair growth on their body while some women may have full-grown beards. Others have acne and some have none. Some women with PCOS are lean while others are overweight. A small percentage of women may have no symptoms of PCOS whatsoever. The classification of phenotypes also includes ovulation. The most difficult phenotype to treat may be the non-ovulatory hyperandrogenism group.

Rev Up Your Metabolism

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:35:00 -0400

Rev Up Your Metabolism

Let's face the reality: The majority of us have sedentary jobs. Sitting all day in a chair does not help our waistlines and is hazardous to our health. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main contributors to weight gain in America. A strong relationship exists between a lack of physical activity and increased levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and overall, increased risk for heart disease. In an energizing closing session at The Weight Management Symposium which took place last month in Henderson, Nevada, Dr. Lenny Kravitz (yes, the Doctor) an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at The University of New Mexico, shared his tips with hundreds of dietitians on the best ways to increase metabolism and burn fat. Curious? I was too. Dr. Kravitz shared that one of the most effective ways to burn more calories and fat is by lifting weights.

What Happens to Women with PCOS as they Age?

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:41:00 -0400

What Happens to Women with PCOS as they Age?

Until recently, the focus on PCOS has been during the childbearing years as PCOS has been primarily viewed as a reproductive disorder. Questions about what happens when women with PCOS age have remained elusive. For example, does the syndrome get worse and if so, how worse? Or, does PCOS get better after menopause? Could PCOS simply disappear altogether? We now have the answers to some of these questions as researchers are now exploring what happens when women with PCOS transition through menopause. The news is good and not so good. Let's first start with the reproductive hormones.

What's Your Protein-To-Carb Ratio?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:23:00 -0500

What's Your Protein-To-Carb Ratio?

Do you have PCOS and been struggling to lose weight despite your dieting and exercise efforts? It could be your protein-to-carbohydrate ratio according to a study published in the American Society for Nutrition. During this 6-month trial, women with PCOS followed either a high protein diet consisting of 40% or more energy from protein and 30% fat versus a standard protein diet of less than 15% protein and 30% fat. Both groups received monthly dietary counseling and could eat as much food as they wanted with the guideline to reduce or avoid simple sugars. In addition, the high protein group was encouraged to eat whole grain bread products.

Should All Women with PCOS Eat Gluten-Free?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:14:00 -0500

Should All Women with PCOS Eat Gluten-Free?

Are you thinking of changing your diet to one that's gluten-free? You're not alone. The number of gluten-free diet books and products available are exploding. Some gluten-free products claim to promote everything from better sleep, increased energy, weight loss and even thinner thighs and cleaner skin. Some gluten-free claims offer treatment for autism and rheumatoid arthritis. It's no surprise that the primary reason many buy gluten-free foods is a belief that they are viewed as healthier than other foods. Women with PCOS may particularly benefit from a gluten-free diet because the majority of the acceptable grains are low in glycemic index and won't spike insulin levels.

Wake Up! Time to Get More Z's

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:38:00 -0500

Wake Up! Time to Get More Z's

When was the last time you had a great night sleep? Are you too sleep-deprived to remember? Then this article is for you. Feeling tired is only one sign that you aren't getting enough sleep. The effects of sleep loss run deep; it can affect your long-term health and your weight. Sleep disturbances, including insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, insomnia, and especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) , are considered independent risk factors for the development and worsening of insulin resistance. OSA has been found to be as much as 30 times higher in women with PCOS (click here for more info on OSA and PCOS). One study showed that just a 5-day period of sleep deprivation caused abnormal glucose tolerance and worsening insulin levels.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and PCOS

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:25:00 -0500

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and PCOS

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) according to findings presented at the 9th Annual Meeting of the Androgen Excess & PCOS Society. One report suggests PCOS women are 30 times more likely to have OSA (low slow wave activity, sleep loss, oxygen deficiency) than compared with controls.

OSA is an under recognized yet significant factor in the development of metabolic complications seen in women with PCOS. In fact, the more severe OSA, the higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and high blood pressure. OSA contributes to weight gain and difficulties losing weight as it affects the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic adrenal axis.

Fish Oil Improves Mood

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:47:00 -0500

Fish Oil Improves Mood

There's no question that women with PCOS suffer from more mood problems such as depression and anxiety than those without the syndrome. For some women, mood issues can be a result of dealing with all the problems PCOS brings: dramatic body image issues, fluctuations in blood sugar, loss of control over weight, difficulty managing the syndrome, infertility, and lack of support. Mood problems can also be brought on by hormone imbalances. There is some good news for the millions of women who struggle with mood problems: omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the kind that come from fish, may help manage mood.

Highlights from the Androgen Excess & PCOS Society's 9th Meeting

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:05:00 -0400

Highlights from the Androgen Excess & PCOS Society's 9th Meeting

Last week, I had the pleasure of being one of 130 international experts in the field of PCOS who attended the Androgen Excess & PCOS Society's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Most years, this meeting does not take place in the U.S. The majority of PCOS experts in attendance were reproductive or pediatric endocrinologists, who treat patients and/or conduct research in the areas of androgen excess and PCOS. I was the only registered dietitian at the conference.

The pace of the conference was very quick, covering a total of 33 presentations in 10 hours. A Q & A session was held after every 3rd or 4th presentation followed by a brief discussion.

It was a very exciting day for several reasons. The first was that it was great to meet and put faces to the names of researchers whose studies I have read which has taught me so much about this syndrome. Secondly, it was thrilling to hear about the new research many of the physicians are conducting on PCOS for it is research that will give us more insight into treating this most complex endocrine disorder.

An Apple A Day Helps Keep The PCOS Away!

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:29:00 -0400

An Apple A Day Helps Keep The PCOS Away!

The cooler temperatures and the bright foliage are signals that Fall has arrived! This time of year is also about apples, making October National Apple Month. Did you know that there are 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States? Apples are a delicious and healthy fruit for women with PCOS. Here are some health benefits and fun facts about this crisp fruit.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apples are one of the most popular fruits around and with good reason: Apples are tasty, filling, portable, inexpensive and have a long shelf-life. One medium apple has only 80 calories and 5 grams of fiber. They are also a fat, sodium and cholesterol free food. Another benefit: Apples are a low glycemic index (GI) food -if you eat it with the skin on.