Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

dietitian Services in oh, AL, MO, NC, SC, CA, AZ, CO, & VA

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder impacting individuals with ovaries during a reproductive age that is characterized by:

  1. High levels of androgens: elevated levels of testosterone can result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair, acne, and/or hair loss. 

  2. Irregular menstruation: Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods

  3. Cysts around the ovaries: Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be observed during an ultrasound. 

Complications of PCOS can include:

  • Infertility

  • Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

  • Miscarriage or premature birth

  • Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease

  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

  • Sleep apnea

  • Depression, anxiety

  • Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

  • Increased risk of disordered eating, specifically binge eating disorder

  • Dietitians can assess current nutritional intake, status of malnutrition, weight goals, gastrointestinal symptoms, and safe vs fear foods to create personalized nutrition recommendations.

  • RDs can provide education to clients and their families to challenge eating disorder thoughts and societal misinformation regarding food. RDs can help support clients to fact check thoughts on food to reduce anxiety experienced during mealtime. They can also provide education on the impacts of eating disorders on the body. Through counseling, clients can develop a healthier relationship with food.

  • Regular follow ups to track progress, adjust recommendations, and offer encouragement and support throughout recovery journey.

  • Dietitians can work with primary care physicians to determine appropriateness for level of treatment needed and to provide specific nutrition recommendations based on findings during PCP appointments.

    • Podcast: Food Psych with Christy Harrison

    • Podcast: Body Image with Bri

How Dietitians Can Help

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