PCOS
What causes PCOS?
The cause of high levels of insulin and/or the male hormones known as ‘androgens’ is unclear. PCOS currently has no cure; management of symptoms is the current treatment. Altering lifestyle factors can assist in weight loss for obese and/or overweight women, which can help to relieve some symptoms of PCOS. Achieving a healthy weight for women who are underweight also helps to relieve some symptoms of PCOS.
In order to successfully treat PCOS symptoms, individual goals should be set. Evidence has shown that a weight loss of 5-10% of original body weight has helped to improve PCOS symptoms including hormone levels and ovulation. It has been shown that following an isocaloric for both lean and overweight women with PCOS, has improved insulin sensitivity.
How can Bites Dietitians help?
Our Dietitians can provide you with dietary prescriptions (meal plans) and ongoing support to help you improve the symptoms of your PCOS. We’re also here to help you answer all the questions you may have from both a practical and an evidence-based perspective. You and your Dietitian will create a meal plan that you enjoy and is designed specifically to improve your insulin sensitivity, optimise your nutrient intake and achieve a weight loss goal if you would like to do this. We will ask you about the foods you like, your daily routines and other factors that might impact on your food choices to make sure your meal plan works for you and is full of tasty and healthy recipes, meal ideas and snacks too!
An interesting fact about diet and PCOS
Eating “sugar” eg. chocolate, cakes, lollies etc does not directly cause PCOS but eating too many of these foods may contribute to weight gain.
How can Bites Exercise Physiologists help?
Exercise is a form of medicine. Our Exercise Physiologists can provide you with an exercise program that is specifically designed to improve your insulin sensitivity and/or achieve your weight loss goals. Weight loss can help to regulate the menstrual cycle, improve chances of conception and reduce the risk of developing secondary diabetes and/or heart disease! We will provide you with an exercise plan that may consist of HIIT/interval/resistance training style approaches to help develop muscle mass and improve your insulin sensitivity. Your exercise program will be tailored to meet your needs and can be performed at home with equipment you already have or in your preferred gym.
Interesting fact about exercise and PCOS
Evidence has shown that a prescriptive exercise regime that improves insulin sensitivity is an effective treatment ON IT’S OWN to manage PCOS symptoms!
What improvements can you expect from a tailored dietary and exercise prescription?
Waist circumference and weight measurements will likely improve within 1-2 weeks of following a diet and exercise prescription and PCOS markers such as hormone levels such as insulin and androgens (testosterone) may improve within 1 – 2 months of following a tailored diet and exercise plan.
How will you know if it’s working/you’re improving?
Our practitioners will measure PCOS specific outcomes such as weight, waist circumference and will encourage you to return to your GP for measurement of fasting insulin levels, androgen markers and other biochemical parameters which should all improve after following your plans.
Helpful things to bring/remember before your first appointment
- Pathology results eg. insulin, glucose, androgen testing
- Referral from your GP or specialist
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