PCOS Review Newsletter #43

A free health newsletter for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovaries.

Issue #043      May 24, 2007 Bill Slater, Research Associate

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Avandia Alert

2) Low-Carb Diet Improves Your Attitude

3) Multiple Laser Treatments for Excess Hair

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1) Avandia Alert

If you have insulin resistance or diabetes, your doctor may have prescribed a drug called Avanida (rosiglitazone). If you are taking this drug, read this article and then consult with your doctor.

Avandia is used by itself or in combination with other medications to treat type 2 diabetes. Avandia is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones. It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels.

That's the good news. But there's bad news too.

It's been known for some time that Avandia and other thiazolidinediones have potentially serious risks, including swelling and weight gain that leads to or worsens heart failure. Avandia also can create potential liver problems.

But just recently the New England Journal of Medicine dropped a bombshell on Avandia by publishing a study suggesting that it could lead to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The study raises the possibility of an increased risk of heart attack and, possibly an increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes. This is a serious concern since women with PCOS already have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

In addition, a previous study showed that women who took Avandia had more fractures of the upper arm, hand, or foot than did those who received metformin.

Bottom Line: Every drug has benefits and risks. Unfortunately, some of the risks of drugs do not become fully apparent until after they have been used for a long time. Always make sure that your doctor fully describes the risks of taking any medication.

Is there a better way to deal with insulin resistance or diabetes?

In our view, the most effective long-term method for reducing insulin resistance and controlling early diabetes is to improve the composition of your diet, increase your exercise, and reduce chronic stress. By doing so, you may be able to reduce your dependence on drugs that have known and unknown side effects.

The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility book gives you the information and guidance you need for using diet, exercise and stress management to help control insulin and blood sugar problems and thus lessen your chances of developing heart disease or full-blown diabetes.

Source:
FDA Safety Alerts, 2007 - Heart.
Nissan SE et al, Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular Causes, N Engl J Med. 2007 May 21; [Epub ahead of print]
FDA Safety Alerts, 2007 - Fracture.

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2) Low-Carb Diet Improves Your Attitude

An interesting study from the University of Adelaide in Australia compared the psychological effects of a low-protein high-carbohydrate diet vs. a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet in 25 overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study lasted 16 weeks.

By the end of the study, those on the low-carb, high protein diet reported a significant reduction in depression and improvement in self-esteem. There was no change in the high-carb group.

Our PCOS diet book is based on the same principle: a reduced percentage of refined carbohydrate calories and an increased percentage of high-quality protein calories.

If you have a weight problem and are depressed or have self-esteem issues, consider the diet outlined in our book.

Source:
Galletly C et al, Psychological benefits of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome-A pilot study, Appetite. 2007 Apr 4; [Epub ahead of print]

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3) Multiple Laser Treatments for Excess Hair

Back in November 2005, we reported that laser treatment helped reduce hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In a more recent study from the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in the UK, it now appears that women who receive a greater number of laser treatments for hair removal are more satisfied with the results.

The study assessed hair counts, hair-free intervals and satisfaction in 60 women with PCOS undergoing 3ms pulse duration alexandrite laser treatment.

After six treatments there was a moderate 31%-38% reduction in hair counts. The "hair-free interval" increased steadily with treatment, from 1.9 weeks after six treatments to 4.3 weeks after 10 treatments.

After 12 treatments, 31% of the women had a hair-free interval longer than 6 weeks compared to only 2.6% after six treatments. Overall, despite the low hair count reductions, 95% of the women were satisfied with treatment.

The researchers concluded; "In women with PCOS, laser treatment is associated with a poorer than expected reduction in hair counts and hair-free interval following treatment. However, offering more than six treatments does have additional benefits in terms of prolonging HFI and overall patient satisfaction with treatment is very high."

What this study suggests is that if you choose to do laser therapy, don't expect immediate results. A long series of laser treatments may be required for you to feel satisfied with the results.

Sources:
McGill DJ et al, Laser hair removal in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2007;60(4):426-31

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Thought for Today: "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow." -- James Dean

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