Thought I would share some interesting information on PCOS, I was unable to make this lecture, but someone was nice enough to post their notes on the Facebook wall.
Dr Karakas Specializes in treating women with PCOS at the UC Davis Center in Sacramento
Dr. Karakas Lecture Notes
by PCOS Foundation Sacramento on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 11:35pm ·
- If a women has skin tags or darkening of the skin (in patches), it usually is a sign that there is too much insulin in the blood
- 1 out of 5 women with PCOS get type 2 diabetes before the age of 40
- insulin resistance is not defined by blood sugar, it is defined as to what it takes to keep insulin down, or under control, in the blood
- Male hormones in the ovaries can cause menstrual cycles to skip. Women who have PCOS and missed periods usually have this problem. Birth control can be helpful as it suppresses the male hormones that are produced in the ovaries which can allow for periods to restart
- Women who have PCOS should keep a diet that is low carb and low intake of sugars. Things to avoid include fruit juices, sugary sodas (i.e. coke), and coffees. Avoiding these item can help cut down on the fat that appears around our bellies.
- PCOS is not a disease! It is a syndrome and needs to be properly diagnosed. There are specific tests to ask your doctor for.
- If you are having bad side effects with Metformin, try the extended release medicine from your provider. It should produce less side-effects
- Exercise is crucial. If you exercise 5 days a week for 30 minutes or more, you will decrease your chances of diabetes by 70%
- If you are trying to get pregnant, weight loss and metformin are recommended. Although there are many doctors out there that say you need to get into your ‘target’ weight before considering getting pregnant, if you have 7% weight loss, it will promote pregnancy
- If facial hair is a problem symptom, an oral contraceptive that blocks the male hormones is recommended
- To help loose weight, options include the low carb, low sugar diet mentioned above, metformin, or topamax. Make sure you consult your doctor.
- For scalp hair loss, talk to your doctor about Finastride. This should only be taken if there is no chance of pregnancy
- Ultimately your body needs a period at least 1 every 6 months. This is to clean out your body and helps prevent endometrial cancer. If it is difficult or you do not have a period every 6 months, taking provera can help for 14 days twice a year.
- Dr. Karakas works at UC Davis and can take you as a patient when referred. After your initial visit, she can help work out a schedule that is specific for you and your symptoms that can help you manage your PCOS and take back control of your life.
- Being accountable for your symptom management makes the difference! Grab a friend, family member, colleague, or another women who shares your PCOS, and hold yourself accountable for the actions you take. Support systems really do work!
If you would like more information on PCOS and Nutrition there will be a seminar:
Tuesday: March 20 2012 9:00am until 12:00pm
Lawrence Ellison Building, 4860 Y St, Ste 200 (lower level on the right).
This is the meeting that Dr. Karakas recommended to our group. UC Davis has a special nutritionist that leads a group to discuss PCOS and nutrition the third Tuesday of each month. Karen Cale is a UCD member who can bring as many guests as she would like. We’ll be meeting with Karen in the waiting room in suite 200.
If you think you have PCOS or know someone that does, or maybe relate to some of the issues listed about please feel free to visit PCOS and find a chapter near you.
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