PCOS DietPolycystic Ovary Syndrome- PCOS:PCOS is a relatively common condition that affects approximately 5% of all women, in which hormonal imbalances occur after developing many small cysts on their ovaries. It may lead to serious conditions if left untreated. You can not change your genetic predisposition to PCOS. It tends to run in families and you are a lot more likely to have it if it is already in your family. It can happen at any age during reproductive years. 
Common Symptoms:• Deepening of voice. • Acne and oily skin. • Weight gain or obesity: Up to 50% of women with PCOS are obese. • Depression. • Infertility. • Loss of hair. • Hirsutism- excessive hair growth. • Irregular periods. Treatment:• Lose weight if you are overweight, this is the most important thing you can do to treat PCOS. • Eat healthy foods such as wholegrains, vegetables and fruits. Reduce saturated fat intake. PCOS diet will help regulate menstruation. • Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking by increasing androgen levels, may contribute to PCOS symptoms. • Be active, choose a form of exercise you will enjoy. • Medication: Oral contraceptives can be used to regulate your periods if you are not interested in having a baby; medications like metformin to treat diabetes can be used to increase insulin sensitivity; clomid may be prescribed by your doctor to help you ovulate - to treat infertility. 
PCOS Diet:It is wise to pay attention to carbohydrates in your diet to fight the effects of insulin resistance. Start with five servings of fruits and vegetables. To keep your blood glucose levels stable, so that you feel fuller for longer, stick to whole grain carbohydrates and have less of simple carbs. Low fat and high protein foods such as fish and lean meat may also help along with carbohydrates, to also reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease later on in life.Glycemic Index in PCOS Diet:The Glycemic Index- GI is a ranking of carbohydrate rich foods on a scale of 1 to 100 by how much they increase your blood sugar levels within a couple of hours of eating.GI is relevant for women who have PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome. It is a ranking of foods on how much they increase your blood sugar levels 2-3 hours after you eat them. Foods high in carbohydrates (starches and sugars) are the ones you'll find in the index, because they're most likely to increase your blood sugar. A sudden spike in blood sugar causes an increase in insulin. Chronically high insulin is a problem for women with PCOS, as insulin alters the hormonal balance in your body, and makes your metabolism unstable. Excessive insulin contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. A good PCOS diet should include the best of carbohydrates, fats and protein. • Low GI whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. • Extra virgin olive oil for cooking; flax seed, canola oil, oily fish to increase Omega 3 fatty acid intake. • Fish, lean beef, egg whites, chicken and turkey breast, nuts. References: Low Glycemic Diet Better for Weight Loss Than High Glycemic Foodshttp://www.associatedcontent.com/ article/ 548425/ low_glycemic_diet_better_for_weight. html?cat=51 . PCOS and Diet article by WLR Dietitian, Juliette Kellow BSc RD, http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/ diet/ advice/ pcos diet .htm. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome . Solomon CG (1999). "The epidemiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. Prevalence and associated disease risks". Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North Am. 28 (2): 247–63.
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