Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women and is associated with both reproductive and metabolic disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome a disease involving enlargement of the ovaries often associated with obesity, hirsutism, menstrual problems and infertility. Relatively young women who are obese and who have polycystic ovarian syndrome are at increased risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis, also referred to as "hardening of the arteries."

Diet and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The fertility problems and hormone irregularities that plague women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may improve on a low-carbohydrate diet. It is a good idea to cut down on sugar and eat more protein. Glucose ingestion causes higher insulin levels than does protein ingestion, and sugar stimulates cortisol and DHEA which aggravate PCOS. Protein intake suppresses ghrelin production longer than does glucose, which suggests a prolonged satietogenic effect.
   Weight loss is one of the most important things to reduce the severity of PCOS. Weight loss should be done by eating a healthy diet. Diet can make a significant influence in polycystic ovary syndrome. Eat more fish and vegetables and exercise as much as you can. To help you eat less, consider Diet Rx.

Benefits of Diet Rx
All natural appetite suppressant, decreases appetite so you eat less
Helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Helps you maintain healthy cholesterol and lipid levels
Provides a variety of antioxidant from two dozen herbs and nutrients
Provides healthy fiber
Improves energy
Balances mood
Improves mental concentration and focus
Improves will power and choice of food selection

Natural Treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Weight loss and exercise are key to symptom reduction in those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Supplements may offer additional help.

Licorice can reduce serum testosterone probably due to the block of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase. Licorice could be considered an adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Chromium may be slightly helpful in improving glucose tolerance.

We had an interesting email from someone who reports the combination of hoodia and metformin helped her PCOS symptoms. See the emails at bottom of page.

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Diagnosis of Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion of other causes of hyperandrogenism. Screening for diabetes is important.

Complications of Polycystic ovary syndrome
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and possibly cardiovascular disease. PCOS increases risk for infertility. PCOS and insulin resistance are associated.

Polycystic ovary syndrome Symptoms
Several symptoms are associated with PCOS. These include irregular menstruation, which is the most common symptom of PCOS; infertility, hirsutism, thinning hair, skin abnormalities including skin tags and acanthosis nigricans, which darkens and thickens the skin, usually on the neck or in the underarms or groin. This condition results from excess insulin in the blood stream. There may also be depression and anxiety.

Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Weight loss appears to improve egg release in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS treatment is directed at the presenting symptom as the primary cause is unknown. Long-term medical treatment may include the oral contraceptive pill or metformin for PCOS. Long-term surveillance is recommended for the early detection and treatment of potential metabolic complications.

Polycystic ovary syndrome Research Update
Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women.
Steroids. 2004 Oct-Nov;69(11-12):763-6.
Licorice has been considered a medicinal plant for thousands of years. The most common side effect is hypokalemic hypertension, which is secondary to a block of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 at the level of the kidney, leading to an enhanced mineralocorticoid effect of cortisol. We have investigated the effect of licorice on androgen metabolism in nine healthy women 22-26 years old, in the luteal phase of the cycle. They were given 3.5 g of a commercial preparation of licorice (containing 7.6% W.W. of glycyrrhizic acid) daily for two cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice can reduce serum testosterone probably due to the block of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-20 lyase. Licorice could be considered an adjuvant therapy of hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Effect of chromium supplementation on insulin resistance and ovarian and menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Fertility Sterility. 2005 Dec;84(6):1755-7. Lucidi RS, Thyer AC, Easton CA, Holden AE, Schenken RS, Brzyski RG. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, chromium picolinate (200 microg/d) improves glucose tolerance compared with placebo but does not improve ovulatory frequency or hormonal parameters. This pilot study indicates that future studies in the polycystic ovary syndrome population should examine higher dosages or longer durations of treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome questions
Q. Do you think DHEA would be helpful in Polycystic ovary syndrome?
   A. I think not, it may actually be the wrong hormone to take and could aggravate the condition.

Q. I came across your website regarding hoodia supplements while searching to see if there are any reports on results similar to my own. I have been diagnosed seven years ago with PCOS, three other doctors confirmed this diagnosis. My weight continued to elevate from 5'5" 135 pounds to a whopping 220 pounds. I had been taking metformin (for insulin resistance) this entire time with no positive weight loss results, although all docs had told me it was a good possibility. My menstrual cycle had almost ceased completely, with periods intervals of about one every four to five months. About 9 months ago, I ordered a two month supply of hoodia online and started taking four hoodia pills a day with my 500mg metformin 2 times a day. My menstrual cycle returned at a 28 day interval almost immediately. After three months, I had lost almost thirty pounds from my middle, lost all sugar and white flour cravings. I tapered off of the metformin and continued on the hoodia supplements for about a month, and results ceased. I then tried metformin alone for about a month with no results either. Returned to the metformin / hoodia combo (I call it a cocktail) and results started up almost immediately again. I am now down to 155 pounds and counting. It seems apparent to me that this is an effective mix for PCOS patients, yet I do not find ANY studies or evidence online. Other results I have noticed only in combination: Immediate return of libido, No need for antidepressants whatsoever, No more symptoms of lethargy.
   A. This is very interesting. For hoodia diet weight information.