vendredi 5 août 2016

PCOS and Inositol Review



Inositol is a word that collectively refers to molecules with a similar structure, a collection of nine stereoisomers. While the term 'inositol' is used commonly with dietary supplements, it usually refers to a specific stereoisomer called myo-inositol. Inositols are Pseudovitamin compounds that are falsely said to belong to the B-complex family, and are found in most foods but in highest levels in whole grains and citrus fruits.

Myo-inositol shows the most promise as a dietary supplement for promoting female fertility, restoring insulin sensitivity in instances of resistance (type II diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome being the most well investigated), and for reducing anxiety as well. Due to the mixed benefits to insulin resistance and fertility, myo-inositol is considered a good treatment for PCOS in women.



It also holds some promise as an anti-depressant (although not as impressive as its anxiolytic and anti-panic effects) and against some other conditions associated with anxiety such as panic disorders and binge eating. It is relatively ineffective for schizophrenia and autism, and has failed in treating PTSD despite its anti-panic effects.

In part because of its benefits to fertility and PCOS, as well as the anxiolytic effects potentially helping symptoms of PMS (dysphoria and anxiety mostly), myo-inositol is sometimes referred to as a general female health supplement. At times, the anti-depressant effects associated with this supplement seem to only work in females with males having no benefit.


It is a very safe supplement to ingest, and all side-effects associated with myo-inositol are merely mild gastrointestinal distress from high doses. High doses (usually in the 12-18g range) are required for any neurological effects while lower doses (2-4g) are sufficient for fertility and insulin sensitizing effects. it's avaible in amazon now with discount you can get now.



PCOS and Thyroid Disease



PCOS and thyroid disease are two diseases that are often considered when a woman goes to her doctor with missing periods and abnormal hair growth. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two types of thyroid disease which doctors will test for when deciding between thyroid disease and PCOS.

Hyperthyroidism
Pathophysiology
The pituitary gland in the brain produces a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which goes to the thyroid and stimulates it to secrete Thyroid Hormones (known as T3 and T4).


On the thyroid are proteins called receptors, which actually receive TSH and allow it to stimulate production of T3 and T4. Graves Disease, one cause of hyperthyroidism, occurs when antibodies are produced against those receptors, increasing the amount of T3 and T4 produced. Other causes of hyperthyroidism include thyroid cancer and increased secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland.


Symptoms
Because thyroid hormones are instrumental in many aspects of metabolism, many symptoms are characteristic of hyperthyroidism. Here are the most common:

1-Enlarged thyroid gland
2-Amenorrhea
3-Weight loss/increase in appetite
4-Excessive sweating
5-Heat intolerance
6-Temporary hair loss/ hair that is soft and fine
7-Pincreased heart rate and blood pressure
8-Insomnia

Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He will also run blood work to test levels of TSH, T3, T4, and antithyroid antibodies.

Typically, TSH is lower than normal, while T3 and T4 may be elevated.

Treatment:
Today, there are many options for treatment of hyperthyroidism. Speak with your doctor to determine which is most appropriate given your age, and diagnosis. Here are the most common approaches.

Medications: Anti-thyroid medications including propylthiouricil and methimazole, reduce the amount of thyroid hormone that your thyroid gland produces.


You may need to be on this medication for a while, even if symptoms begin to clear up.

Radioactive iodine: Also a pill, this altered form of iodine is absorbed into your thyroid gland and begins to shrink the tissue. This can help reduce the symptoms that you experience. Because it can be difficult to control exactly how much tissue is reduced, you may need to take replacement thyroid hormone (usually Synthroid) to supplement.

Surgery: If you are not a candidate for medication or radioactive iodine, surgery can be performed to remove the thyroid gland. Special care is taken to preserve the pararthyroid glands, small glands on the thyroid which regulate calcium metabolism. You will need replacement thyroid hormone (usually Synthroid) for the rest of your life.

Hypothyroidism
Pathophysiology
This results when inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) is produced. In primary hypothyroidism, the loss of thyroid tissue typically causes the lack of hormone production. This occurs when the thyroid is removed usually due to cancer.


If the pituitary gland fails to produce enough TSH, due to a pituitary insufficiency or tumor, this is called secondary hypothyroidism.

In addition to removal of the thyroid as in cancer, hypothyroidism may develop for a number of reasons. The most common cause is a deficiency of iodine, as iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. If there is not enough iodine present in the body, the thyroid gland enlarges as it works harder to get the necessary iodine. Hashimoto's disease is an immune disease where the body produces antibodies against the cells and tissue of the thyroid gland. This leads to a diminished amount of thyroid hormone production. Certain medications such as lithium can affect thyroid function as well. If you are concerned about any of the medications you are taking, consult your doctor for more information.

Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

1-Cold intolerance
2-Fatigue and lethargy
3-Anovulation, which can cause irregular or infrequent periods
4-Heavy or prolonged bleeding, which can also be caused by anovulation
5-Decreased libido
6-Weight gain despite decreased appetite
7-Constipation
8-Coarse, dry skin

Diagnosis
When diagnosing hypothyroidism, your physician or primary healthcare provider will most likely run a panel of thyroid hormones, including TSH, T3 and T4. In hypothyroidism, TSH is typically elevated, while blood concentrations of T4 may be decreased. A thorough history must also be considered when evaluating the results of your lab work.

Treatment:

Hormone replacement therapy is usually the first line of treatment. By replacing the deficient hormones, the disease can be managed, and symptoms reversed. The drug most commonly prescribed is Synthroid (Levothyroxine). Dosages are prescribed according to lab work results, though doses of 50mcg through 200mcg is typical. Your doctor may want to routinely check your blood work to ensure that your dose does not need to be changed.
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mercredi 3 août 2016

PCOS and Endometrial Cancer Risk

           

                  Endometrial cancer is the form of uterine cancer that's most commonly diagnosed. Women can be at higher risk for endometrial cancer for several reasons, including health conditions and lifestyle factors that can boost their estrogen levels. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is one of those health conditions known to increase a woman’s chances of developing endometrial cancer.

Ovaries produce the hormone estrogen and the egg that is released monthly — a process called ovulation — during a woman's reproductive years. PCOS is a condition of the female reproductive system that causes a bunch of small cysts, which are tiny sacs of fluid, to form on the ovaries. Women with PCOS typically don't ovulate and have abnormally high levels of androgen hormones, often called "male" hormones.

Women with PCOS also have increased levels of estrogen and abnormally low levels of progesterone, another hormone.

Hormone levels play a big role when it comes to cancer risk — particularly types of uterine cancer like endometrial cancer. Women with PCOS and other factors that increase estrogen levels — including obesity, diabetes, or taking medications like tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Tamosin, Tamofen, Tamoxen) or estrogen replacement therapy — are more likely to develop endometrial cancer than those without these factors. The abnormal amounts of estrogen are particularly risky when not balanced by sufficient progesterone levels in the blood. This is why post-menopausal women who have not had a hysterectomy and who need treatment for severe menopausal symptoms will be prescribed both estrogen and progesterone, instead of estrogen alone.

Progesterone is the hormone responsible for the monthly "shedding" process of the endometrium — or the lining of the uterus. This process results in monthly menstruation, which many women with PCOS don't have because of insufficient progesterone levels. Without progesterone and monthly periods, the endometrium becomes thick and the cells may become altered, leading to a precancerous condition called endometrial hyperplasia. Eventually, endometrial cancer may develop if PCOS is left untreated.

Reducing Your Endometrial Cancer Risk

While you can't prevent PCOS, it's important to know your risk for endometrial cancer and figure out what you can do to protect your health and minimize that risk.

If you have PCOS, do what you can to keep other risk factors for endometrial cancer in check:

Treat your PCOS. If left untreated, hormone levels will remain abnormal and affect your whole body and your cancer risk. Seek treatment for PCOS early and regulate hormone levels. You can do this with oral contraceptives — progesterone-only pills are best to reduce endometrial cancer risk — or metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet), the diabetes medication, to manage hormone production. Surgery may also be an option.

Reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Most often, women with PCOS are obese or overweight. And obesity is a known risk factor for endometrial cancer because it also increases estrogen levels. By getting regular exercise and sticking to a healthy diet, you can lose excess pounds and minimize your endometrial cancer risk, even if you have PCOS.
Avoid fat in your diet. Besides helping avoid unwanted pounds, trimming the fat from your diet can reduce endometrial cancer risk. It's thought that fat affects the way that estrogen is metabolized and used by the body, which can also raise the chances of developing endometrial cancer.

Get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams. If you already know you're at a greater risk for endometrial cancer because of your PCOS, it's important to keep an eye out for early signs of cancer. Having a regular pelvic exam done by your gynecologist can help to identify endometrial cancer and begin treatment.

Having PCOS doesn't mean you're destined to develop endometrial cancer, but it does mean that you're at an increased risk for the disease. So take good care of yourself by focusing on preventive care, maintaining a fit body, and living a healthy lifestyle to reduce your endometrial cancer risk. Share it with your freinds if you like it ! 

Effective Tips To Beat Fatigue With PCOS

Being tired is the worst. In fact, the only thing that is worse than being tired is when you realize you are tired of feeling tired all the time.
Fatigue is a vague symptom and therefore, it does not get much attention from PCOS experts. But if you ask one of the many women living with PCOS (including me) -fatigue is one of the most troubling symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
The fatigue I am talking about is different from boredom or being sleepy after a night of Netflix binging. It is a truly physical sense of exhaustion, where you might want to do something, but you just feel too worn out to make it happen. I’ve turned down wine nights with the girls and procrastinated on writing a blog post because fatigue has reared its ugly head.
Today I am going to give you a practical approach to managing fatigue.  But first I want to tell you to go to your doctor and get a check-up. In case my Lululemon crop pants did not tip you off- I’m a personal trainer and not a physician.
Chronic Fatigue could indicate that you have another medical condition. Some the conditions common to PCOS women include:
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Auto Immune Conditions
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Diabetes
  • B-12 deficiences (linked to long-term metformin and birth control pill use)
So go to your doctor and rule out all of this stuff.

My perspective on PCOS and Fatigue

At the center of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. Our bodies are already dealing with some level of hormonal dysfunction. Therefore, we’re probably more vulnerable to other environmental stressors like a poor diet, sleep deprivation, and unmanaged stress. I believe that fatigue is one way that your body communicates to you that something in your environment is not good for you.
Better nutrition, good sleep hygiene, and stress management can reduce PCOS fatigue. Yep, I know this is not novel or cutting-edge information. But the truth is that if you manage these areas of your life better, you will feel like the energizer bunny.

Blood Sugar Imbalances

Spiking and plummeting blood sugar levels will make you feel fatigued.

This might be the cause of fatigue if:  

Your fatigue seems to come and go in waves and can be remedied by eating or if you feel especially low after eating.

Action Steps:

Eat balanced meals. Eat healthy sources of proteins, fats and carbohydrates with every meal. Do not get caught up in the exact gram amounts of each macronutrient. Instead, use this simple diagram to plan meals:
The PCOS Plate

Eat breakfast within 90-minutes of waking up. Not eating until lunch may seem like a good way to cut back on calories, but it could negatively impact blood sugar regulation. Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that skipping breakfast triggers major blood sugar spikes and impairs the insulin responses of type-2 diabetics. Much like type-2 diabetics, women with PCOS have impaired insulin response so eating breakfast is probably in our best interest too.
Eat about every four hours. I do not believe that constantly snacking throughout the day is a good way to balance blood sugar. However, you should eat at regular intervals. About every four hours over the course of the day. This means that you will probably need a small balanced snack between lunch and dinner.

Supplements that can help:

Inositol and cinnamon have been shown to help with blood sugar imbalances. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about finding the right dose for you.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is associated with a laundry list of health problems including insulin resistance, being overweight and feeling fatigued.

This might be the cause of fatigue if:

You get less than 8 hours of sleep each night, you have trouble staying asleep, or you wake up tired after a full night of sleep.

Action Steps

Ruthlessly prioritize sleep. There are few things in life more important than getting enough sleep. Sleep is not a luxury- say that again out loud- sleep is not a luxury. If you have over-scheduled yourself to the point that you can’t get into bed 8 1/2 hours before you need to wake up, it is time to start saying no to unnecessary commitments.  If you are living with an infant- hang in there! But the rest of you need a reality check if you don’t have enough time to sleep something is wrong with your priorities.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If you want to recover from sleep deprivation, you will need to get on a sleep schedule. For the time being, skip late nights out with friends and sleeping in on Saturday. In the future, you may be able to get away with the occasional deviation from your sleep schedule but until you’re fully recovered it is best to go to bed around 10 pm and wake after 6 am. According to Nutritionist Chris Sandel, the phase of sleep where your body repairs itself occurs between 10 pm and 2 am so you do not want to miss out on that restorative process by being awake late into the night.
Manage your light exposure. Natural sunlight exposure helps humans sleep well. One way to improve your chances of getting a good night’s rest is to go outside a few times a day and enjoy the sunlight. Plus sunlight helps you make vitamin D.  Note: Some research has found the women with PCOS are low in this important vitamin.
On the other hand exposure to the blue light emitted by electronics can cause sleep disruptions. In fact, the American Medical Association states that exposure to excessive light at night, including extended use of various electronic media, can disrupt sleep or exacerbate sleep disorders. One way to lessen the effect of blue light on sleep is to download a program called F.lux. F.lux is a software program that changes the light admitted by your electronics so that it mimics natural light.

Starbucks_Coffee_Collage
Do not consume any caffeine after 2 pm. You may not feel like that 4 pm caffeine boost affects your sleep, but it might be reducing the quality of your sleep without you even knowing it. For example, one study found that test subjects who consumed caffeine 6 hours before sleep experienced a less restful night without even knowing it. The caffeinated subjects reported that they slept well but electronic sleep monitors told a different story:  total sleep time, and sleep efficiency significantly deteriorated when they consumed caffeine 6 hours before bed. 
Give your bedroom a makeover. Make sure your bedroom is a hospitable sleep environment. High-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens are a wise investment. Hang up blackout curtains if your windows let in a lot of artificial light at night. Keep the room cool and free of distractions like televisions and computers.

Supplements that can help:

Melatonin has been shown to help with insomnia and improve sleep quality. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about finding the right dose for you.

Stress overload

I know we would like to avoid stress altogether, but that is simply an unrealistic expectation. Stress is part of life and stress only becomes detrimental to our health when we let it consume us.

This might be the cause of fatigue if:

You feel tired but wired. You have trouble relaxing or have unexplained body aches.

Action steps

New-Years-Resolutions-600x406Evaluate your commitments. Ok superwoman, take a look at your day planner. Have you set aside time for self-care? If not, that is a warning sign. Living well with PCOS requires that you set aside time for exercise, sleep, meal prep, and restorative activities like seeing a therapist, getting a massage, or just watching the grass grow.  
If you have not left space in your life for well, you then it is time to gracefully turn down obligations or responsibilities that are a choice. You do not have to be PTA president and the chairwoman of a local charity- you want to be all of these things. But if you’re feeling fatigued enough to read a blog post about fatigue it is time to reevaluate your commitments.
Practice Mindfulness. Do you have racing thoughts or strong emotional responses to stress? Your reaction to a stressful situation may not just be mentally uncomfortable; it might be physically exhausting too. Simply put- “feeling stressed-out” can stimulate a hormonal response in your body. If you are chronically saturating your body in stress hormones, you could start to experience fatigue.
Mindfulness practices like meditation, mindful walking, and breathing exercises can help you improve your reaction to stressful situations. Just 10-minutes a day of mindfulness practice can make a dent in your stress levels. To get started try these yoga breathing exercises from yoga instructor Caren Baginski:
Include parasympathetic exercise in your program. Short high-intensity exercise is ideal for addressing the metabolic aspects of PCOS. Ideally, you should balance out these intense workouts with exercise that stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system.  The parasympathetic nervous system is the division of your nervous system that shuts down your “fight or flight” responses to stress and allows you to rest and recover.  
Walking, gentle yoga and Tai Chi are just a few forms of exercise that fall into this category. I recommend you get in 2-3 sessions of parasympathetic exercise every week. To recover from chronic stress, you may even need to cut down on intense exercises in favor of parasympathetic exercise.Please Share This article with your freinds in facebook if you like it ! 

Supplements that can help:

Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about finding the right dose for you.
You can get it now from amazon: 

mardi 2 août 2016

7 Natural Remedies For PCOS




1-AVOID FACTORY MEAT AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Because estrogen dominance is very often associated with PCOS, it’s best to stick with organic animal products as conventional animals are often given hormone shots and the excess estrogens are stored in the fat and meat. Ingesting hormones is causing major issues with our bodies, whether it be PMS, infertility, or menopause. The more organic/grass-fed meat we can buy the better of we’ll be. Organic isn’t always the answer as many large organic farms just feed organic grain instead of allowing them to eat their natural diet, but if that’s all you can find – it’s better than conventional!

2-AVOID REFINED SUGARS AND GRAINS

Sugars are the thorn in the side of any woman who is dealing with PCOS. It’s basically a double whammy – it depletes the body of nutrients and it causes insulin resistance which causes unbalanced hormones. Cutting out all refined sugars and flours is extremely important!! Cutting back on your consumption of even unrefined (or natural) sugars is also important as any type of sugar affects the body’s insulin production. Some women, especially those with moderate to severe PCOS find that eating a primal diet is needed to reduce and even eliminate symptoms.
  
3. CHOOSE NATURAL WOMEN’S PRODUCTS

Used by women every month, conventional pads and tampons are actually not great for the body. Tampons contain something known as dioxin which is both carcinogenic (causing cancer) and inhibiting to fertility. Disposable pads prohibit air flow and can cause the area to be a breeding ground for bacteria, though they are better than using tampons. The best options for menstrual products are going to be reusable, fabric pads*, natural tampons, or something like the Diva* or Moon cup*.

4- BE AWARE OF XENO-HORMONES

Mimicking estrogen in our bodies, xeno-estrogens are found in plastics, many beauty supplies, cleaning products, and pesticides. Once in the body they disrupt the hormone balance causing our bodies to be confused on how many natural hormones to make. And the higher the estrogen in the body, the lower the progesterone, causing major problems with fertility. Choosing organic produce, making your own cleaners and beauty supplies, and using glass instead of plastic will go a long way in reducing your exposure to these chemical hormones.

5-AVOID SOY

While the jury is still out on how soy affects hormones production due to the phyto-estrogens in it, it’s still on my do not eat list. What happens in the body is this: your natural estrogens go floating around the body, produced by organs and fat cells. Once they come across an estrogen receptor, they fit into it like a specific key fits into a lock – no other hormone will fit in that receptor. Plant based estrogens are basically the same shape as natural estrogens and they fit in these receptors. Some people/nutritionists/doctors say that these plant-based estrogens cause excess estrogen in the body since they take up the space the natural estrogens should, causing the natural ones to move around the body looking for a place to go. others say that plant-based estrogens can reduce the amount of estrogen your body produces over time as the body gets signaled that there is enough.

But most holistic health professionals I’ve spoken with say that the plant-based estrogen particles in soy (isoflavones) are different from other plant-based estrogens and they recommend no one consume unfermented soy. I’ve also heard way to many stories of damage caused to people’s health from moderate soy consumption, infertility being one of them.

6-TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIVER

Your liver is responsible for taking excess and old hormones out of the body. If its overworked because of over consumption of processed and sugary foods, it won’t be able to keep up and do all of it’s work – so the excess and old hormones stay. taking time a few times a year to gently cleanse the body is very beneficial as well as increasing your consumption of liver friendly foods like lemon, beets, and garlic. You could also prepare a liver cleanse tincture* to help boost liver function and get rid of toxins.

7-AVOID FOOD PRESERVATIVES

Chemicals placed in food to preserve or enhance flavor are harmful to anyone, but especially those who deal with some sort of health issue. They cause issue with insulin production and also slow down the liver, giving it more to do. Cutting out processed foods is the easiest way to lower consumption of chemicals like MSG, Aspartame, and the multitude of colorings and chemical flavorings used.

Is Metformin safe to take during pregnancy?


Is Metformin safe to take during pregnancy?
Metformin is safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, Metformin is an extremely useful treatment for women who are diabetic or become diabetic during pregnancy.
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Should every woman with PCOS take Metformin?
Metformin is a safe, worthwhile treatment option for women who have PCOS and insulin resistance. If you do not have insulin resistance, Metformin will not be of much use to you.
That being said, many women with PCOS do have insulin resistance, even some lean women. You and your physician should thoroughly evaluate you insulin sensitivity, and use that information to create a treatment plan. Dr. Kalan suggests PCOS patients get Hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin levels and 2-hour glucose tolerance tests to evaluate their insulin sensitivity. 

Will the long-term use of birth control pills damage your fertility?
Dr. Kalan explained that birth control pills will not diminish your fertility. However, time will. All women experience a decrease in fertility as they age. If you come off birth control pills after several years and have a difficulty conceiving, age is the likely culprit.
Dr. Kalan says that birth control pills can be a safe and effective part of a larger PCOS treatment plan. They can help women with PCOS manage their symptoms and regulate their cycles. Dr. Kalan recommends that women periodically go off birth control pills so that they can evaluate their natural cycles. In some cases, PCOS symptoms can decline as a woman ages and birth control may no longer be necessary to control her cycles and symptoms.
If you smoke, you should talk to your doctor about possible health risks associated with smoking and the use of birth control pills.

Metformin and PCOS

 Metformin and PCOS



      If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you're not alone. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this hormonal disorder affects between 5 percent and 15 percent of women of reproductive age in this country.

In polycystic ovary syndrome, cysts develop on the ovaries, and the body produces excess hormones called androgens, which cause an irregular menstrual cycle. As a result, ovulation can be unpredictable, and getting pregnant can be challenging.

"Since puberty, I've averaged one menstrual cycle per year," says Carrie, a mother from the Midwest who has PCOS. "I always wondered if I could have children."

Carrie tried getting pregnant for several months, but wasn't able to because she wasn't ovulating. After evaluating her bloodwork, her OB/GYN suggested she go on either Clomid or Metformin to help balance her hormones to promote ovulation.

"Because I had a very slight imbalance in my hormones, my doctor suggested trying Metformin before going straight to Clomid. Since I heard horror stories about Clomid causing multiples, I was happy to try Metformin first," Carrie says.

Metformin is a diabetes medication that is sometimes used to regulate hormones in women with PCOS by balancing their insulin level. This effect leads to more regular menstruation and ovulation cycles, according to WebMD.

Carrie got pregnant the first month she took Metformin.

But not all women with polycystic ovary syndrome have such good results. In fact, experts say more evidence is needed to prove that Metformin helps conception in PCOS patients.

"When putting all the data together, it appears Clomid is better at achieving a live birth rate than Metformin, and that adding Metformin is not beneficial," says Dr. Joanne Stone, director of maternal fetal medicine at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Even if Metformin helps some women get pregnant, Stone says it does not increase actual live birth rates. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association.

Some studies have looked at whether Metformin can decrease the rate of miscarriage in these women. Dr. Suzanne M. Kavic, director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Loyola University Health System and associate professor of OB/GYN and medicine at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, cautions against using the drug solely for the purpose of reducing miscarriage risk.

"Routine Metformin treatment during pregnancy is not recommended for women with PCOS. In large randomized trials, no differences in miscarriage rates have been shown between women with polycystic ovarian syndrome who did and did not receive Metformin," Kavic says.


According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the hormone imbalance caused by PCOS has also been linked to low milk supply. It has been suggested that Metformin can increase lactation in women who have the disorder and are struggling to breastfeed. But Dr. Christine Mullin, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at North Shore LIJ Health System in New York, disputes this notion, saying "Metformin has not been shown to aid in breastfeeding."

Benefits of Eggs in PCOS



Do you like eggs but aren’t sure how they fit into the nutrition recommendations for PCOS? Well there is some good news: Eggs are a great diet component for women with PCOS. Not only are they are wonderful protein to include with meals and snacks but they are packed with nutrients that improve PCOS. Here’s the scoop on what you need to know.

Eggs are a complete protein, which means it contains all the amino acids our body needs to maintain our muscles, eyes, nerves and tissues. The white of the egg contains most of this necessary protein. The egg yolk provides a good source of omega-3 fats, iron, folate, vitamins A, D, and E, thiamin, and choline. It is also in the yolk where you’ll get lutein and zeaxanthin, important carotenoids for eye health including dry eye syndrome.

Now that the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have dropped the guideline to limit cholesterol because it is no longer a “nutrient of concern” (previously it was recommend to keep cholesterol under 300 mg/day), eggs can be enjoyed without worry. Join Our 2800 POSITIVE Newsletters Subscriber !

Egg Labels and Claims

Cage Free: Hens are not kept in cages and may or may not have outdoor access.
Free Range: “Cage free” plus the birds must have continuous access to the outdoors.
Vegetarian-Fed: Hens eat feed with no animal by-products (feather meal and hen meal are allowed in conventional chicken feed).
Omega-3 Fortified: Hens are fed diets with flaxseed or algae, increasing the amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the eggs by up to 20 times that of non-fortified eggs.
Organic: “Free range” plus hens cannot be given antibiotics and the feed is organic per the National Organic Standards.
Pasture-Raised or Pastured: (Not legal terms.) “Pastured eggs” come from hens that forage on bugs and grass (their natural diet). Usually found at many farmer’s markets.

Cooking Eggs

Eggs are graded by the quality of their shell and contents. AA grade eggs are regarded as the best. When cooking eggs, it’s best to avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol (breakfast meats and high fat cheeses). Incorporating vegetables, low-fat cheeses and sides of whole grains and green salads are healthier alternatives. With the many ways eggs can be prepared, you won’t be bored. Here’s some ideas of what you can do with eggs:

Eggs that are hard-boiled are perfect for a breakfast on-the-go or anytime snack.
Make your own Egg McMuffin or egg sandwich using low-fat cheese and whole grain bread.
Scramble eggs adding fresh chopped herbs (thyme), peppers and low-fat cheese. Pair with a fruit salad.
Omelets don’t need to be limited to breakfast but could be a quick and healthy dinner. Add your favorite vegetables to make it more tasty and nutritious.
If you have a few extra minutes, make a frittata by putting eggs in the oven. Eat the leftovers the next day. Great paired with a salad.
Quiche is also great for leftovers and can be eaten hot or cold. If you want to save carbs you can make a crustlless quiche (See recipe below).
Egg Cautions


Eggs should be stored in their cases at 33 to 45 degrees. Surprisingly, eggs should not be stored in designated egg compartments on the refrigerator door, but in the back of the coldest part of your fridge. Eggs left out for 2 hours or more should be discarded out of potential salmonella risk. Be sure to cook your eggs until they are no longer runny.

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