Polycystic Ovaries Symptoms: Can a Ketogenic Diet Help?

 What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS?

The disease polycystic ovaries syndrome “PCOS”, effects the way in which ovaries work. It is thought to effect millions of women around the world. PCOS is a major cause of infertility.

Polycystic Ovaries Symptoms.

Below are some of the outward symptoms of PCOS, however it should be noted that some women have very few symptoms and may only become aware that the are suffering from PCOS when they have trouble conceiving.

List of Common Polycystic Ovaries Symptoms.

Infertility – difficulty in becoming pregnant

Acne

Hair loss and hair thinning

Light periods

Irregular Periods

No periods

Excess body hair e.g. facial hair.

Weight gain particularly around the waist.

 Polycystic Ovaries: What are they?

The ovaries develop a number of cysts that are about 8mm in size. These cysts are generally harmless in themselves as normal ovaries have these cysts. However a normal ovary will have cysts in smaller numbers.

The cysts are the follicles that contain eggs which have yet to develop properly, during the process of ovulation.

In PCOS these follicles do not release the developing eggs which means that ovulation will not take place and the numbers of cysts increases.

What are the causes of Polycysitc Ovaries?

Exactly what causes PCOS is not know. It is thought however that insulin may effect the ovaries in ways that are no totally understood. Too much insulin excreted in the body may increase the levels of male hormones in the body, which in turn may be the cause of some of the symptoms.

If you are overweight you are more likely to develop PCOS.

PCOS Diet Books

Here is a selection of books that offer advice on how to control or reduce the symptoms of PCOS by following either a low carb or ketogenic diet.

Low-Carb High-Fat DietPCOS Diet BookPCOS Paleo Diet Cookbook

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Treatments for Polycystic Ovaries Symptoms

Apparently there is no complete cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but it can be managed. However losing weight is considered to be the most important step to controlling PCOS.

Following a ketogenic diet may help women with PCOS to lose weight. Here are a couple of links to websites that contain information on low carb keto diets for PCOS.

http://www.dietdoctor.com/expecting-our-paleo-baby

http://www.holdthetoast.com/httblog/archives/000009.html

Your doctor may prescribe a contraceptive pill to regulate the menstrual cycle may help, and reduce the hair growth.