Low Carb Diets Help PCOS Sufferers

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition with symptoms such as multiple ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual bleeding, excessive facial hair (and, less commonly, excessively hairy arms and legs), acne and infertility. Now, a new British study indicates that PCOS patients are also more susceptible to other health problems in the long run.

A retrospective study was conducted based on the data regarding 319 PCOS patients, with a control group of women matched for age. Researchers found that women with PCOS had higher levels of diabetes, hypertension, elevated serum cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and an increased waist-to-hip measurement ratio. They concluded that at long-term follow-up, a history of nonfatal cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent among women with PCOS.

This study provides another reason for PCOS patients to consider trying the Atkins program. Since PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, a low-carb diet is very effective in getting the syndrome under control, particularly for women who did not improve with the help of pharmaceutical agents. PCOS patients at The Atkins Center have shown diminished symptoms and enhanced fertility. Anecdotal reports from other women on the low-carb program concur with these observations.

Wild, S. et al. “Cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome at long-term follow-up: A retrospective cohort study” Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf) 2000 May; 52 (5): 595 & 8211; 600.