Positive Options for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) : Self-Help and Treatment

by Craggs-Hinton, Christine; Balen, Adam

• ISBN13: 9780897934374
• ISBN10: 0897934377
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-06-17
• Publisher: Hunter House

Summary

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), named after the cysts that may form in the ovaries, is a hormone disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, and infertility, among other symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and uterine cancer. The cause of PCOS is not fully known.

Unfortunately many doctors aren't sufficiently enlightened about PCOS to readily make a diagnosis. Women who have experienced multiple miscarriages often have PCOS; doctors sometimes finally diagnose PCOS in a woman when she undergoes fertility investigations.

Symptoms can include:
** multiple miscarriages
** infertility
** absent or irregular periods
** pelvic pain
** joint pain
** weight gain
** excessive facial and/or body hair
** adult acne
** hair loss
** depression

POSITIVE OPTIONS FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) includes information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, getting help from a doctor, medications, and what a woman can do to help herself, including improved nutrition, complementary therapies, exercise, and lifestyle changes. A chapter on emotional support and case histories separates this concise guide from the competition.

Table of Contents

Authors' Note	ix
Introduction	1	(1)
Chapter 1: What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?	2	(11)
Irregular or Absent Periods	4	(1)
Hirsutism	5	(1)
Infertility	5	(1)
Weight Gain/Being Overweight	6	(1)
Acne	7	(1)
Dealing with Embarrassing Symptoms	8	(2)
A Condition to Be Taken Seriously	10	(1)
What Does It Feel Like to Suffer from PCOS?	10	(1)
Can the Cysts Linked to PCOS Be Removed?	11	(1)
Is PCOS Curable?	12	(1)
Chapter 2: What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?	13	(12)
A Familial Link	13	(2)
Normal Ovarian Function	15	(3)
Abnormal Ovarian Function in PCOS	18	(1)
High Levels of LH	19	(1)
Increased Levels of Testosterone	20	(1)
Insulin Problems	21	(1)
PCOS and Being Overweight	22	(1)
The Long-Term Health Risks of PCOS	23	(2)
Chapter 3: Getting Help from Your Doctor	25	(12)
Preparing to See Your Doctor	25	(2)
At the Doctor's Office	27	(1)
What Tests Am I Likely to Undergo?	27	(3)
What Happens after the Diagnosis?	30	(1)
Medications That Regulate Your Periods	31	(1)
Medications That Treat Hirsutism and Acne	32	(1)
Medications That Treat Obesity	33	(1)
Medications That Treat Insulin Resistance	34	(3)
Chapter 4: Getting Pregnant	37	(10)
Preparing to Get Pregnant	37	(3)
At the Fertility Clinic	40	(4)
IVF	44	(3)
Chapter 5: Helping Yourself	47	(36)
Improving Your Diet	47	(2)
Eliminating Food Additives from Your Diet	49	(1)
What Should Women with PCOS Eat?	49	(5)
A Whole-Food Diet	54	(3)
Phytoestrogens	57	(1)
A Sample Meal Plan	58	(3)
Making Changes	61	(1)
Using a Diary to Set Goals	62	(1)
Dietary Supplements for Women with PCOS	62	(2)
Water	64	(1)
Estrogens in the Environment	64	(1)
Exercise	65	(12)
Managing Stubborn Symptoms	77	(6)
Chapter 6: Complementary Treatments	83	(14)
What Is Complementary Medicine?	83	(1)
Acupuncture	84	(1)
Aromatherapy	85	(2)
Bach Flower Remedies	87	(3)
Herbal Remedies	90	(4)
Homeopathy	94	(1)
Reflexology	95	(2)
Chapter 7: Emotional Support	97	(20)
Your Appearance	97	(2)
Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem	99	(2)
Helping Those Close to You Understand	101	(6)
Overcoming a Negative Emotional State	107	(2)
Understanding Chronic Stress	109	(3)
Managing Stress	112	(1)
Learning How to Relax	113	(4)
In Closing	117	(1)
Endnotes	118	(2)
Resources	120	(6)
Further Reading	126	(1)
Index	127