Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder seen in women, and it can have a profound impact on a woman’s health, both physical and mental. It’s little wonder that so many women with PCOS feel like they’re on a dieting merry-go-round.
For years, the prevailing medical advice has been to lose weight to ‘treat’ the condition. But as any woman who has ever been on a diet knows, losing weight is no easy feat – and it’s even harder when you’re dealing with hormonal issues. Not to mention the fact that most diets are ineffective in the long term. Some women find that their weight increases after starting a diet, due to the way that restrictive eating can trigger disordered eating patterns and yo-yo dieting. Following a weight loss diet plan, whether it’s low carb, keto, low fat, or calorie fixed may bring you some weight loss short-term, but will not change the key ingredients to sustainable change:
- understanding how to adjust the nutrition and lifestyle advice to suit your life & preferences
- changing behaviour: getting rid of old habits and replacing them with new habits to bring you health
- seeing your new way of eating and living as a long-term approach that you enjoy and that feels natural to you
The root cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to hormonal imbalance and low-level chronic inflammation. While there is no cure for PCOS, the condition and the associated symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes with or without weight loss (depending on your needs).
It is a complex condition that presents differently in every woman. It can cause a range of symptoms, from irregular periods and weight gain to fertility problems and excessive hair growth. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing PCOS. I will work with you to design a personalised plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your desired results.
