POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)

There are A LOT of women that have been trying to lose weight for years but can't because they have an undiagnosed problem called PCOS - Polycystic ovary syndrome.

This condition affects only women and impairs the way ovaries work in terms of regulating hormones. The ovaries become enlarged with sacs of fluid (not cysts) surrounding the eggs. PCOS affects about 1 in 5 women worldwide and over 50 percent of those affected do not have any symptoms.

PCOS can lead to difficulty losing weight and getting pregnant, it can cause the increased growth of hair on the face, arms, chest and back, irregularities in menstruation, acne and oily skin, high and sometimes low Sex drive, mood swings, eating disorders and thinner hair.

If you're thinking that some of these symptoms sound like symptoms of High Testosterone, you're right. PCOS will boost the amount of the male hormone Testosterone that a woman produces which will lead to some of the virile effects found in women.

On the gym floor, their is a significant difference in strength compared to women without PCOS, some women use it to their advantage by achieving incredible feats in sports such as sprinting, Olympic weight lifting and mixed martial arts.

Some invisible symptoms of PCOS are high blood cholesterol, high BP and diabetes. Experienced Healthcare and fitness professionals can spot the symptoms in someone who is completely unaware of it. If you suspect that you might have pcos, it's important to ask your GP for a test.

This will save you from years of disappointment as well as lots of money because gym memberships and PTs are not cheap.

If you've already been diagnosed with PCOS, it's important to understand the actions of this condition on your hormones, especially Sex hormones and Insulin. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the body but in women with PCOS, the effects of insulin are reduced leading to a larger production of insulin at any one time.

For women with this condition, a diet high in protein, Fibre and good fats from nuts, seeds and fish is best. A diet high in carbohydrates will simply cause a glucose breakdown issue which leads to increase in body fat.

As already stated, the first thing to do if you think you might have PCOS is to called your GP and request a blood test to check your Testosterone, SHBG, AMH, FSH and other relevant markers.

Stay healthy!