PCOS weight loss

by Mrs. kiran Bambrah
(Dubai, UAE)

Hi Gemma,

I have not been diagnosed with PCOS by my Dr. yet, however, in Feb 09 when I went to my Dr. due to odd brown discharge before periods, she got an ultrasound done which showed polycystic ovary and the radiologist stated that even though I was around my ovulation time, the follicles were not matured enough for ovulation.

To our surprise, I conceived in Mar 09 only to miscarry on 1st June 09. I was really depressed and shaken by the miscarriage. The Dr. was awaiting my periods after the miscarriage for any other tests to be followed. I got my periods on 3rd july.

The Dr. has however told me to reduce my weight. I am 28 yrs old,5'1" and 65 kgs. I would like to add that I have never missed a period (except while pregnant). I have always had a 26-30 day cycle with periods lasting for 4 days approx. Thought weight loss has always been a problem with me, I was however around 100 kgs when I was 15 yrs old and have since then started exercising to lose weight.

I want to have a baby soon. Please help me to understand how I can achieve the weight loss goal and conceive soon. Also I don't want to get into any medicine circle. I have started eating sensibly however my most troublesome thing is the heavy dinner as being a joint family we have dinner together. I have started doing a 20 min walk after dinner also.

I have heard that women who wish to have babies shouldn't jog or do skipping exercise as it puts pressure on the uterus, is it true?

Sorry for such a detailed question.....

Awaiting your reply,

Mrs. B

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Editor's comments: Hi Mrs. B, I'm forwarding the exercise part of your question to Gemma.

Polycystic ovaries do not necessary mean that you have PCOS.

What you eat will influence the extent to which you will have polycystic ovaries.

A recent study from the Institute of Research Pharmacology in Italy analyzed the diet over a ten-year span of 225 women with benign ovarian cysts and 450 women who did not have ovarian cysts.

The researchers discovered that the type of food eaten influenced the development of cysts. For example, they said that women who consumed the most beef and cheese developed the most ovarian cysts. In contrast, consumption of green vegetables provided a strong protective effect. This study makes it clear that what you eat will influence whether or not you develop ovarian cysts.

A healthy diet should also help you to reduce risk of miscarriage in the future.

As for the family dinners, try to eat mostly vegetables and protein (meat, eggs, fish, etc.). Minimize refined carbohydrates such as breads, rice, etc. Be moderate with starchy vegetables. You can eat all the non-starchy vegetables you want. You can also have some nuts, if available. Also some fresh fruit. You can be social and still be selective in what you eat. It's advisable to have some protein at each meal.