PCOS Review Newsletter #88
A free health newsletter for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovaries. Issue #088 August 31, 2009
1) B-vitamin Reduces Acne, Hirsutism
2) PCOS - Irritable Bowel Link
3) Does PCOS Disappear at Menopause?
1) B-vitamin Reduces Acne, Hirsutism
If you're looking for something extra to help you reduce acne or unwanted male-pattern hair growth, this B-vitamin may help.
The Vita-Salute University in Italy studied 50 women who had PCOS. They were given myo-inositol, a B vitamin, for six months. After just three months, the women had better blood values, including lower testosterone, lower LH (luteinizing hormone) and less insulin resistance. All of these are problems commonly encountered by women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and all were improved.
At the end of six months, the women also had a significant decrease in hirsutism (excess hair) and acne.
The researchers reported: "MYO [inositol] administration is a simple and safe treatment that ameliorates the metabolic profile of patients with PCOS, reducing hirsutism and acne."
In previous newsletters, we've reported that inositol has also been shown to improve ovulation and egg quality. Good egg quality reduces the risk of miscarriage, which is a problem for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
This site offers two inositol products. The first is d-pinitol. D-pinitol is in the inositol family but it considered more potent than regular inositol because it requires fewer metabolic steps. The d-pinitol formula at this site also contains chromium and vitamin D.
|
The other product is regular inositol, which is considerably less expensive than d-pinitol.
D-pinitol or inositol supplementation is something you should definitely consider.
Source:
Zacche MM et al, Efficacy of myo-inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome, Gynecol Endocrinol. 2009 Jun 23:1-6
2) PCOS - Irritable Bowel Link
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has discovered an association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and polycystic ovary syndrome.
About 65 women completed this study. Among the 36 PCOS patients, 15 (42%) had IBS, compared to 3 (10%) among the non-PCOS women.
The researchers concluded that women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of IBS compared to non-PCOS women. Among the PCOS women, those with overweight issues were more likely to also have IBS.
IBS affects about 20% of adults and has various symptoms that may include diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and chronic abdominal pain.
There are numerous possible causes of IBS, including food allergies or food intolerance. Two food groups commonly suspected of contributing to irritable bowel syndrome are dairy products and gluten products. Dairy and gluten foods are pervasive in our food supply. Often, they are hidden in processed foods and you're not aware of them.
If you've read The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility book, you'll notice that it does not include any dairy or gluten foods in the recommended diet. There are many reasons why these foods have been removed. One possible side benefit is that if you have IBS, your bowel health might improve.
Like PCOS, IBS is a very complex order that baffles many physicians. We suggest you visit Dr. Steve Wangen's IBS Treatment Center website for more information. He has a couple of books that will help you.
Source:
Mathur R et al, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Aug 21. [Epub ahead of print]
3) Does PCOS Disappear at Menopause?
Women with PCOS have higher production of a group of male hormones called "androgens". It is widely believed that these excessive androgens are a big reason why you have trouble with infertility, acne, hirsutism and hair loss.
Androgens are produced by your ovaries, and by your adrenal glands.
Research evidence indicates that ovarian androgen production capacity among women with PCOS remains high until late reproductive age. Also, a recent study from Oulu University Hospital in Finland has shown that adrenal gland production of androgens also remains high among PCOS women, even those in the menopausal transition.
As you progress towards menopause, you can't assume your hormones will all calm down and your problems will just melt away.
Secondly, there's the issue of heart disease. As you know, women who have polycystic ovary syndrome also have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
For example, the University of Pittsburgh studied 149 PCOS women and 166 non-PCOS women who were in their late forties. The women's coronary artery calcification was measured. Calcium deposits in the arteries are an indication of cardiovascular disease. 63% of the PCOS women had evidence of artery calcification. In contrast, 41% of the non-PCOS women had calcium deposits.
The Pittsburgh study also found that natural or surgical menopause were independent risk factors for artery calcification.
The specific manifestations and symptoms of PCOS may change as you get older. But the underlying problems and issues remain. PCOS is more than just a little problem inside your ovaries.
We propose that you take a long-term approach to managing PCOS and minimizing its long-term risks. Your diet, exercise, stress management and other lifestyle behaviors will play a decisive role in creating the healthy life that you desire.
Sources:
Talbott EO et al, Is there an independent effect of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause on the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle aged women?, Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2008;4(2):453-62
Puurunen J et al, Adrenal androgen production capacity remains high up to menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Jun;94(6):1973-8
Thought for Today: "The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live." -- Leo Buscaglia
PCOS Health Review
This free newsletter gives you original and immediately usable information to help you deal with PCOS.
Get the latest research, tips for improving your health, answers to questions, success stories, and more!
Your e-mail address is totally secure. We will never misuse or sell your information.
