Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder, caused by the body making too many male hormones; this disrupts the hormonal balance causing a lack of menstruation, infertility, and other issues such as insulin resistance and hirsutism.

It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of women have this condition the symptoms of PCOS vary from one women to another, they can be Irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism) on the face and body, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, adult acne, infertility, hair loss.

When a woman with PCOS is overweight, testosterone is converted to female hormones within the fat tissue, and when you begin to regularly exercise, the levels of oestrogen decrease. If your oestrogen levels decrease then your PCOS symptoms are likely to decrease as well.

If you think you may have PCOS, your first step should be a visit to your doctor.

After meeting with your doctor and speaking with them, they may want to put you on medication to help you manage the symptoms of PCOS, there is also a lot you can do to help manage your symptoms and it can give you empowerment to take charge of your body as with PCOS and the increased testosterone levels that come with it, it can feel like your body is out of control.

Losing as little as 5-10% of your current body weight can help relieve your symptoms and get you on the road to fertility. Weight training has also been found to be really beneficial in moderating insulin levels and having a diet that limits refined and sugary foods and is high in fibre and complex carbohydrates may be beneficial.

Through personal experience I understand it creates special fitness obstacles that require a special approach to meet your fitness goals.

If you would like to see how personal training can help, please click here to contact me.