Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Information

Introduction

There are many conditions in Western industrialised societies today that were unheard of, or at least very rare, just a century ago. The same conditions are still unheard of in primitive peoples who do not have the 'benefits' of our knowledge. There is a very good reason for this: They eat what Nature intended; we don't.

The diseases caused by our incorrect and unnatural diets are those featured on these pages.

Dietary causes:

Carbohydrate-rich 'healthy' diet; polyunsaturated vegetable oils and margarines, processed convenience foods.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the human, affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Although originally considered a gynaecological disorder, the syndrome is associated with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance.

      Affected women are at an increased risk of developing gestational and non-insulin dependent diabetes and there is an association with cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dyslipidaemia, and thickening of the artery walls.

      What causes PCOS is unclear. However, there strong indications that dietary sugars play a major part. In view of the proven links with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the link with a carbohydrate based 'healthy' diet is very persuasive.

      PCOS is a disease that is better prevented than cured. Correct diet (low in sugars — and that includes fruit) is probably the healthiest way to prevent the condition.

Reference

Lakhani K, Prelevic GM, Seifalian AM, et al. Polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease: risks and risk factors. J Obstet Gynaecol 2004; 24: 613-21.