Post by Angie on Oct 26, 2008 14:05:31 GMT -5
PCOS and Stress
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Stress is often a factor in the onset of Insulin-Resistance-related PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), also known as polycystic ovaries.
In people who are "stress-eaters", particularly women, the more they eat food that is high in fat, sugar and carbohydrates in response to stress, the more fat they store and the more insulin they secrete. This, in turn, elevates glucose levels and causes even more fat to be stored, thus beginning a vicious cycle that contributes to the development of obesity-linked PCOS.
This condition is the most common endocrine (or hormonal) disorder and is characterized by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries. Most women who seek medical help for PCOS do so because of a number of disorders, ranging from irregular periods and infertility problems to acne and other skin conditions, excessive hair growth and male pattern baldness.
"I want to thank you for answering all my questions. I am very pleased for your quick response and for the wonderful service you have provided me with. I am happy now that I know what to do and how to help my wife with her problem."
- JG
Orlando, FL
PCOS displays many of the same underlying symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome, a disorder that substantially increases the chances of developing Cardiovascular Disease. Symptoms include excess abdominal fat, high LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low HDL ("good") cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides and hypertension (high blood pressure).
If neglected, PCOS is a clear precursor to a variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease and liver and kidney disorders, as well as Alzheimer's Disease and premature aging. While the underlying cause of PCOS is Insulin Resistance, the disorder is also influenced by such factors as a poor diet and overeating as well as a lack of regular exercise.
Insulin sensitivity decreases after certain stressful experiences, such as surgery. Decreased insulin sensitivity is also associated with work-related mental and emotional stress. As glucose levels rise in the body in response to stress, they stimulate increased insulin production, which has a number of negative effects. It raises noradrenalin levels which, in turn, can induce Insulin Resistance; it promotes the synthesis of atherogenic lipids (cholesterol); it is associated with kidney dysfunction and hypertension; it favors atherosclerotic plaque formation; and it stores fat.
Interestingly, noradrenalin (the hormone that increases in response to excess levels of insulin in the body) is a stress-related chemical, released under conditions of emotional upset. Further, glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) are also stress-response chemicals in some women and these hormones are also responsible for increased storing of abdominal fat and raising blood glucose levels. One study demonstrated that individuals with elevated levels of serum cortisol (caused by chronic stress) developed abdominal obesity, Insulin Resistance and lipid abnormalities.
Clearly, management of stress factors is a critical component to addressing the symptoms of PCOS. But just as clearly, no single approach will effect all the components of this syndrome.
What is required is a complete system, including nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs and minerals that are disease specific), a realistic exercise program, nutritional guidance and a support network that will help you change unhealthy lifestyle choices.
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Stress is often a factor in the onset of Insulin-Resistance-related PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), also known as polycystic ovaries.
In people who are "stress-eaters", particularly women, the more they eat food that is high in fat, sugar and carbohydrates in response to stress, the more fat they store and the more insulin they secrete. This, in turn, elevates glucose levels and causes even more fat to be stored, thus beginning a vicious cycle that contributes to the development of obesity-linked PCOS.
This condition is the most common endocrine (or hormonal) disorder and is characterized by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries. Most women who seek medical help for PCOS do so because of a number of disorders, ranging from irregular periods and infertility problems to acne and other skin conditions, excessive hair growth and male pattern baldness.
"I want to thank you for answering all my questions. I am very pleased for your quick response and for the wonderful service you have provided me with. I am happy now that I know what to do and how to help my wife with her problem."
- JG
Orlando, FL
PCOS displays many of the same underlying symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome, a disorder that substantially increases the chances of developing Cardiovascular Disease. Symptoms include excess abdominal fat, high LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low HDL ("good") cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides and hypertension (high blood pressure).
If neglected, PCOS is a clear precursor to a variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease and liver and kidney disorders, as well as Alzheimer's Disease and premature aging. While the underlying cause of PCOS is Insulin Resistance, the disorder is also influenced by such factors as a poor diet and overeating as well as a lack of regular exercise.
Insulin sensitivity decreases after certain stressful experiences, such as surgery. Decreased insulin sensitivity is also associated with work-related mental and emotional stress. As glucose levels rise in the body in response to stress, they stimulate increased insulin production, which has a number of negative effects. It raises noradrenalin levels which, in turn, can induce Insulin Resistance; it promotes the synthesis of atherogenic lipids (cholesterol); it is associated with kidney dysfunction and hypertension; it favors atherosclerotic plaque formation; and it stores fat.
Interestingly, noradrenalin (the hormone that increases in response to excess levels of insulin in the body) is a stress-related chemical, released under conditions of emotional upset. Further, glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) are also stress-response chemicals in some women and these hormones are also responsible for increased storing of abdominal fat and raising blood glucose levels. One study demonstrated that individuals with elevated levels of serum cortisol (caused by chronic stress) developed abdominal obesity, Insulin Resistance and lipid abnormalities.
Clearly, management of stress factors is a critical component to addressing the symptoms of PCOS. But just as clearly, no single approach will effect all the components of this syndrome.
What is required is a complete system, including nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs and minerals that are disease specific), a realistic exercise program, nutritional guidance and a support network that will help you change unhealthy lifestyle choices.
