What to Do When the Doctor Says It's PCOS: (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of irregular periods and infertility in women - but most gynecologists fail to diagnose. The disease causes irregular cycles, infertility, weight gain, acne, and unsightly hair growth - symptoms which may prove ultimately life-threatening and uncomfortable, humiliating and emotionally disturbing.

It is only recently that women have made the danger lies in what they believed the stress induced problems. Although researchers have not determined the cause of PCOS, they know it is linked to insulin resistance, which can be controlled quite easily with low-carb diet.

Most PCOS cases are diagnosed by reproductive endocrinologists when a woman of infertility has led to seek a specialist. WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DOCTOR said that PCOS patients gives a food and nutrition treatment program that goes beyond the usual regime of birth control pills and fertility drugs. The millions of women victims of this demoralizing and debilitating disorder undoubtedly welcome this new program as an alternative or an addition to their treatment plan.

I must say it was a good medical book, because PCOS is a bad evil and disorder, and anything that helps get the word about what it is and how the deal is a good medical book. This medical book covers the basics, such as how PCOS is thought to come from insulin resistance and how diet, exercise and certain medications can help relieve this surprising and painful syndrome. It also gives a great overview of alternative / complementary / natural therapies.

There is probably nothing good to say about this medical book that has not been said, I will instead focus on the things that alarmed me. In no particular order:

1. The author asserts that it is not understood why women with PCOS have a higher error rate than healthy women. In fact, it is often the case that pregnant women with PCOS have low progesterone. It is imperative that a woman with PCOS have levels of progesterone his essay should she become pregnant, and the complementary use of progesterone under her doctor if necessary. This is obviously a cause of miscarriage, but is very common among women with PCOS (who have little progesterone normally), it is easy to verify, and the possibility of pregnancy.

2. The author claims that after the first weeks of pregnancy (in fact, he says on one occasion a few times he 12) a woman should leave a metformin. In fact, many women stay on metformin throughout their pregnancy and have babies in perfect health. Some doctors believe it can help prevent gestational diabetes (which women with PCOS are more likely to) and can help control excess weight. (I personally stayed on metformin throughout my pregnancy and continued while nursing. I believe 100% that my health was best for her and my child is not worse)

3. Citing the contraceptive pill, Yasmin is not mentioned. This pill is made with a derivitive of spironalactone (an anti-androgenic effects, which is mentioned) and is the only pill for such a feature available in the USA. As such, many women with PCOS have wonderful relief of symptoms in this regard. Other countries have Diane 35, which for some reason, is not approved here. Yasmin has been around for some years and this is a new book, so I'm really surprised it has not been mentioned.

4. At least one PCA that is proposed is a tri-phasic pill ... but most other authors suggest that women with PCOS avoid tri-phasic pills. Of course, no pill is a right for all women, with or without PCOS, but I found this curious.

5. The author contends that there is no advantage to combine insulin medication, such as the use of metformin and Avandia. In fact, many women do not meet one or the other, but to respond quite well when the two are combined. (Check some bulletin boards with drugs forums)

6. I think that sometimes the author gives false hope to the belief that by lowering your androgen levels through diet, exercise, insulin and medicines, "hair" questions ( Excessive hair, loss of hair on the head) will be reduced. In fact ... Unfortunately, few women seem to experience much relief from these symptoms without additional therapies such as laser (for excess hair) or other medications (spironalctone, etc.).

On the whole this is definitely a good reading for all women with PCOS and / or people who care about her ... but like all things, it must be read with a grain of salt and not taken as the basis of the absolute truth about this condition. The number one thing a woman with PCOS can do is educate educate educate, both herself and her loved ones. This book certainly has a role, but do not stop just with her. Read other books and certainly consult Internet forums to find out what has and has not worked for other women living with PCOS.

View "What to Do When the Doctor Says It's PCOS: (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)" details