Nutritional Management of PCOS
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in PCOS Integrative Healthcare course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Androgens #
** Hormones that contribute to the development of male characteristics, such as testosterone and androstenedione. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), androgen levels are often elevated, leading to symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern baldness.
**Cholesterol #
** A type of fat found in the blood and in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest fat. High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
**Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet #
** A dietary pattern that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, and low in saturated and total fat. The DASH diet has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a potential dietary approach for managing PCOS.
**Elevated Androgen Levels #
** A common characteristic of PCOS, elevated androgen levels can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern baldness. High androgen levels can also interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycles.
**Fertility #
** The ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in women, due to irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles.
**Glucose #
** A simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy. Glucose is regulated by the hormone insulin, and high levels of glucose in the blood can indicate insulin resistance, a common characteristic of PCOS.
**Hirsutism #
** Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back, often due to elevated androgen levels. Hirsutism is a common symptom of PCOS.
**Homeostasis #
** The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, despite changes in external conditions. In PCOS, homeostasis is often disrupted due to hormonal imbalances.
**Hyperglycemia #
** High levels of glucose in the blood, often due to insulin resistance. Hyperglycemia is a common characteristic of PCOS and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
**Hyperinsulinemia #
** High levels of insulin in the blood, often due to insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemia is a common characteristic of PCOS and can contribute to hormonal imbalances and other symptoms.
**Insulin #
** A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance, a common characteristic of PCOS, occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high levels of glucose and insulin in the blood.
**Insulin Resistance #
** A condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high levels of glucose and insulin in the blood. Insulin resistance is a common characteristic of PCOS and can contribute to hormonal imbalances and other symptoms.
**Low #
Glycemic Index Diet:** A dietary approach that focuses on consuming foods with a low glycemic index, which means they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This type of diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and manage PCOS symptoms.
**Metabolic Syndrome #
** A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist. PCOS is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
**Menstrual Cycle #
** The monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for a possible pregnancy. In PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles are common due to hormonal imbalances.
**Oligomenorrhea #
** Infrequent menstrual periods, defined as fewer than nine periods in a year. Oligomenorrhea is a common symptom of PCOS.
**Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) #
** A hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries.
**Weight Loss #
** A common recommendation for managing PCOS symptoms, as weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal imbalances. However, weight loss can be challenging for women with PCOS due to hormonal imbalances and other factors.
** hirsutism #
** A symptom of PCOS characterized by excess hair growth on the face, chest, and back. Hirsutism is often due to elevated androgen levels.
** hirsutism management #
** Treatment options for hirsutism include medications that reduce androgen production, such as birth control pills and spironolactone, as well as cosmetic treatments such as laser hair removal.
** insulin resistance #
** A common characteristic of PCOS, insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high levels of glucose and insulin in the blood.
** insulin resistance management #
** Treatment options for insulin resistance include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications that improve insulin sensitivity, and medications that reduce insulin production.
**low #
glycemic index diet:** A dietary approach that focuses on consuming foods with a low glycemic index, which means they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This type of diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and manage PCOS symptoms.
** menstrual cycle #
** The monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for a possible pregnancy. In PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles are common due to hormonal imbalances.
** metabolic syndrome #
** A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. PCOS is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
** oligomenorrhea #
** Infrequent menstrual periods, defined as fewer than nine periods in a year. Oligomenorrhea is a common symptom of PCOS.
** PCOS #
** A hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries.
** weight loss #
** A common recommendation for managing PCOS symptoms, as weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal imbalances. However, weight loss can be challenging for women with PCOS due to hormonal imbalances and other factors.
** weight loss management #
** Treatment options for weight loss in PCOS include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications that promote weight loss, and bariatric surgery in severe cases. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized weight loss plan.
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of key terms and concepts relate… #
Understanding these terms is essential for healthcare providers and individuals with PCOS to effectively manage symptoms and improve overall health. By incorporating evidence-based dietary approaches, lifestyle changes, and medications, it is possible to improve insulin sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, and other PCOS symptoms. However, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account individual needs and preferences.