Practical advice and information for living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones, and affects an estimated 10% of all women. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, acne, small cysts in the ovaries, difficulty conceiving, high blood pressure, and other problems. It is treatable, but not curable, and sufferers have to rely on themselves for the long-term management of their condition. If you're living with PCOS, this guide gives you the latest information concerning treatments and research into Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

PCOS For Dummies gives you a practical, plain-English guide to living with and managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. In addition to providing valuable information concerning the causes and symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS For Dummies gives you the facts about the various treatment options that are available, including both traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies.

• Discusses the causes and symptoms of PCOS
• Advice for dealing with this disorder
• Covers the treatments and medicine available in the United States

PCOS For Dummies is an invaluable resource for the millions who are suffering from this condition.

Sharon Perkins, RN, was a nurse coordinator for in vitro fertilization at the Cooper In Vitro Center for Hormonal Disorders. She is coauthor of Infertility For Dummies.

PCOS For Dummies is a practical, plain-English guide to living with and managing polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that affects 10 percent of women. You'll get the facts on treatment options, including traditional medical treatments and alternative therapies.

• PCOS 101 understand what PCOS is, what causes it, the symptoms that may accompany it, what to expect as you age, and how you can manage it
• Work it, girl find out how diet, exercise, medications, supplements, and keeping a healthy mind-body balance can help control PCOS symptoms
• It's okay to moan about hormones get expert advice and guidance on how to tackle PCOS-related difficulties with your hormones, menstrual cycle, and fertility
• Oh, baby discover the latest treatment options available to help you conceive (with or without medical help) and deliver a healthy baby

Open the book and find:

• Common symptoms and side effects
• Medications, supplements, and alternative therapies
• Rules for managing your PCOS with a healthy diet and exercise
• How PCOS can affect the menstrual cycle and fertility
• The various infertility treatments for PCOS
• Ten symptoms you can immediately take action on
• PCOS superfoods
• Places to go for information and support

Learn to:

• Understand the causes and symptoms of PCOS
• Manage your condition with diet and exercise
• Grasp the treatments and medicine available

Introduction 1

Part I: PCOS in a Nutshell 7

Chapter 1: Sensible and Straightforward Solutions for a Difficult Condition 9

Chapter 2: Knowing You Have PCOS 23

Part II: Taking Control of Your Symptoms 43

Chapter 3: Coping with Insulin Resistance and Its Effects 45

Chapter 4: The Glycemic Index and Diet 59

Chapter 5: Shedding the Extra Load 81

Chapter 6: Let's Get Physical 107

Chapter 7: Taking Medications 127

Chapter 8: Giving Alternative Treatments a Shot 143

Chapter 9: Balancing Body, Mind, and Spirit 157

Part III: Menstrual Cycles, Fertility, and Pregnancy 173

Chapter 10: Finding Your Periods: How PCOS Affects the Menstrual Cycle 175

Chapter 11: Getting Pregnant: Infertility Treatments for PCOS 187

Chapter 12: Pregnancy Complications and PCOS 207

Part IV: The Part of Tens 221

Chapter 13: Ten PCOS Symptoms You Can Take Action On 223

Chapter 14: Ten Signs to Avoid a Diet 231

Chapter 15: Ten PCOS Superfoods 241

Chapter 16: Ten Places to Go to Get Information and Support 249

Index 255