Gaining Control of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have multiple health issues. The imbalance in hormones caused by PCOS can affect menstrual cycles and the ability to have children. Women with PCOS may have ovarian cysts, acne, facial hair and/or weight gain. Approximately 40% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance and up to 10% get type 2 diabetes. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and weight control help women manage PCOS symptoms and reduce risks of infertility, heart disease and diabetes.
Terrie Holewinski, registered dietitian for the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Medicine at Domino's Farms, leads a series entitled "Gaining Control of PCOS" to help women learn about PCOS and how exercise and food choices can help them. Each series includes two group sessions and one individual nutrition consultation. Holewinski says, "There are so many layers to PCOS. A balanced eating plan can improve many of the symptoms associated with PCOS, and one of the main focuses of this series is to show women there are more foods that they can eat than foods they should avoid."
Holewinski says that one of the most important discoveries women make in their sessions is learning how to balance carbohydrates, fat, and protein. She also helps women be more mindful of their choices by planning meals and avoiding skipping them. She suggests that women spread their meals throughout the day (eating every 3-5 hours) to help control blood sugar reducing cravings.
Sometimes small adjustments make a big difference. For example, one patient reduced the portion size of her morning oatmeal and added a small amount of protein with a small handful of nuts. This change helped her stay satisfied during the morning so she avoided the morning trip to the vending machine for a candy bar and soda. Small changes in her meal plan helped her succeed in losing weight. The women in Holewinski’s group are often surprised how simple changes make such dramatic differences, especially in reducing their cravings for carbohydrates.
The majority of women who attend the group have been coping with PCOS for years and are trying to lose weight and/or get pregnant. Holewinski also helps younger women develop healthy eating patterns to prevent problems later in life. The group is open to females 17 and older.
Find out more by visiting the "Gaining Control of PCOS" web page or by calling 734-998-5679. or $138, participants attend two 1½ hour group sessions and a 30 minute individual dietitian consultation.
prepared for the Women's Health Progam web site 11/09
