PCOS Review Newsletter #55

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

Issue #055      April 7, 2008 Bill Slater, Research Associate

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2) Do You Have Dry Eye Symptoms?

3) Small Lifestyle Changes Can Boost Your Longevity

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2) Do You Have Dry Eye Symptoms?

We were surprised to discover a couple of research studies showing a link between polycystic ovary syndrome and "dry eye" symptoms.

There are specialized glands at the rim of your eyelids that supply an oily substance to prevent evaporation of the protective tear film covering your eyes. The oily substance prevents tear spillage onto the cheek and makes the closed lids airtight. There are roughly 50 glands on the upper eyelids and 25 glands on the lower eyelids.

In these studies, PCOS women had more symptoms of dry eye, itching, blood congestion, mucous discharge, and irritation with contact lenses. It is thought that hormonal imbalances are causing the eye glands to malfunction.

So if you have dry eye problems, you can use eye drops. But eye drops will not solve the problem. You will need to find ways to rebalance all of your hormones.

The best long-term way to do this is to improve your diet, get more exercise, and reduce chronic stress. (This e-book provides guidelines for these three important steps).

We've said many times that polycystic ovarian syndrome is not just a problem with your ovaries. Many organs and glands in your body are involved. Take steps to improve your overall health. Doing so will help to clear up diverse symptoms related to polycystic ovarian syndrome, including dry eyes.

Sources:
Yavas GF et al Meibomian Gland Alterations in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Curr Eve Res, 2008 Feb;33(2):133-138
Bonini S et al Itchy-dry eye associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, J Endocrinol. 2006 Jul;190(1):151-6>

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3) Small Lifestyle Changes Can Boost Your Longevity

Would you be interested in possibly adding 14 years to your lifespan?

People with four healthy lifestyle behaviors -- not smoking, physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and eating five servings of vegetables or fruit a day -- live an average of 14 years longer than people with none of those behaviors, according to a new British study.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the Medical Research Council looked at 20,000 men and women, aged 45-79, who filled out a questionnaire about the four health behaviors. The participants filled out the questionnaire between 1993 and 1997 and were followed until 2006.

The researchers said the results suggest that these four healthy lifestyle behaviors could markedly improve the health of middle-aged and older people.

The study is part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), conducted in 10 European countries. EPIC is the largest-ever study of diet and health.

There is strong evidence that individual lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and physical activity influence health and longevity.

What's the bottom line? If you want to have a longer life with more vitality, continually improve your diet, exercise and lifestyle habits, starting today!

Sources:
PLos Medicine, January 2008

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Thought for Today: "We all have ability. The difference is how we use it." -- Stevie Wonder