Syndrome preventing weight-loss

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a major women's health issue that is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to its complex nature.

Latest research shows that one in eight Australian women have PCOS. Now, although many will not suffer symptoms because of it, a significant number will suffer facial hair growth, acne, obesity and infertility.

[Fact sheet: More information on PCOS]

Seven out of 10 cases of PCOS have inherited an inability for the metabolic hormone insulin to work well.

The effect of that is that the body makes more and more insulin and the high levels of the hormone may have a drastic affect on other controlling hormones.

The ovaries fail to ovulate and make too much of the male hormone testosterone and that leads to facial hair and acne.

The high insulin prevents the body burning existing fat and because the insulin is high, blood glucose is not only used as food but fills up the fat stores so the waist line increases.

[Related story: New screening for ovarian cancer]

For most cases of PCOS, going on a diet that emphasizes carbohydrates that are slow to be absorbed and go gently into the system to avoid the crisis of overloading insulin, could help the condition.

Increasing activity so a woman is doing 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day and possibly taking medication that makes insulin work better, can also help fight the disease and even restore fertility.

For more information, contact the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia. Visit www.posaa.asn.au or call (02) 8250 0222.

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