Do You Know The Signs, Symptoms And Solutions For Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
How much do you know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? This condition is estimated to affect between 1 in every 10 to 20 women in the United States and is often mis/under-diagnosed. While a diagnosis of PCOS can be challenging, the wonderful news is that at Pulling Down the Moon we have excellent success at treating women with this condition with yoga, acupuncture/TCM, nutrition and therapeutic massage. Take our quiz to test your knowledge of PCOS and learn more about holistic strategies to heal and minimize symptoms of PCOS.
This quiz is meant for educational and Read moreinformational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Use this quiz as a jumping off point for discussing any potential symptoms with your physician and exploring available treatment methods.
- 1.
Which of the following can be a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
- A.
Irregular or no periods
- B.
Acne and excess break-outs
- C.
Difficulty losing weight
- D.
Very thin, athletic build
- E.
Hair growth in a male pattern (chin, chest, abdomen)
- F.
All of the above
Correct Answer
F. All of the aboveExplanation
Women with PCOS are not all the same! That's what makes this condition difficult to diagnose and why women with PCOS thrive when they are treated as individuals with specific treatment plans and even diet and exercise programs tailored to their unique situation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following nutritional supplements are recommended for women with PCOS?
- A.
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
- B.
Vitamin D
- C.
Myo-inositol
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
PCOS is an inflammatory condition, which means that women with PCOS should eat an anti-inflammatory diet including lean protein, whole grains,healthy fats and ample vegetables and fruit. In addition, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can support the body's anti-inflammatory and hormonal processes. Myo-inositol, part of the B Vitamin family, has been shown to improve insulin resistance and restore ovulation in women with PCOS. Vitamin D is often low in women with PCOS. Vitamin D is a precursor to many hormones and low levels of D are associated with infertility and early miscarriage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Studies have shown that women with PCOS who are trying to conceive should:
- A.
Avoid whole grains
- B.
Eat a lot of red meat
- C.
Cut back on fats from avocado, nuts and seeds
- D.
Eat full-fat dairy
- E.
Avoid fruit
Correct Answer
D. Eat full-fat dairyExplanation
Harvard researchers looked at the dietary patterns associated with infertility due to ovulation disorders and found that diets rich in complex carbohydrates from vegetables, whole grains and fruit had the lowest rates of infertility. Their research also found that women who ate full-fat dairy had lower rates of infertility. Researchers hypothesize that there may be health benefits associated with the fat in dairy, and that full fat products may have lower levels of hormone-disrupting substances than skim and low fat diary.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Women with PCOS have higher levels of circulating stress hormones:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Yes, women with PCOS show a trend toward excess stress hormones which may in turn negatively impact health. Excess stress hormones can exacerbate insulin resistance, cause abdominal weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight. Research also suggests women with PCOS may have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Stress reduction training and treatment has the potential to therapeutic for PCOS.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Research has shown that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to:
- A.
Help restore ovulation in women with PCOS
- B.
Increase pregnancy success in women with PCOS when used in conjunction with the fertility drug clomid when compared to cycles using clomid alone.
- C.
Has been shown to lower circulating stress hormones in women with PCOS
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Working with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an effective tool for managing the symptoms of PCOS and may help improve a PCOS patient's chances of conception.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Women with PCOS tend to gain weight in a pear-shape, with curvy hips and buttocks and a narrow waist.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
How and where a woman gains weight may be a signal that she has PCOS. The excess "male" hormones associated with PCOS can cause weight gain in the waist/belly area in the characteristic "apple" shape. Weight gain in the "apple" pattern is associated with cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and infertility. Yoga has been shown to specifically promote abdominal weight loss and for this reason is recommended for women with PCOS.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the first strategy that doctors recommend for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive?
- A.
An ovulation-inducing drug like clomid or letrozole/Femara
- B.
Lifestyle program that includes dietary change, exercise and weight-loss (where necessary)
- C.
In-vitro Fertilization
- D.
Birth control pills
- E.
Metformin
Correct Answer
B. Lifestyle program that includes dietary change, exercise and weight-loss (where necessary)Explanation
While some women may require medical assistance for conception, lifestyle strategies including nutritional changes, physical exercise, stress reduction and certain nutritional supplements can restore ovulation for many women with PCOS. Physicians agree that lifestyle changes should be the FIRST treatment strategy.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies four kinds of PCOS patterns and treats each differently. Which of the following is not a PCOS pattern in TCM:
- A.
Damp
- B.
Classic
- C.
Overheated
- D.
Stuck
- E.
Sassy
Correct Answer
E. SassyExplanation
While sassy PCOS might be more fun, TCM classifies PCOS into four different patterns, each with a different treatment strategy. These patterns are Classic, Damp, Overheated and Stuck. The pattern is determined by a TCM practitioner using a series of questions, pulse and tongue assessment and health history. Once determined, acupuncture points, herbal therapy and diet/exercise recommendations are type-specific.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Hatha yoga has been shown specifically to do which of the following in women with PCOS:
- A.
Lower anxiety levels more than a program of conventional physical exercise
- B.
Lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels better than a program of conventional physical exercise
- C.
Lower testosterone more effectively than conventional physical exercise
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
While conventional exercise is important for women with PCOS, adding hatha yoga has the unique benefit of working on the central nervous system to reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation. Adding yoga to any PCOS-fitness program is a smart choice.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Big weight loss is essential for overweight women with PCOS if they want to achieve pregnancy.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
As little as a 5-10% weight loss can make a drastic difference in women with PCOS. Often a small weight loss is enough to jump start ovulation and menstruation.Rate this question:
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