Newspaper Gyno

Here is another article that ran in the paper this past Sunday:

When Weight Loss Fails, Your Ovaries May Carry Some Blame...

If you ever watch late night television, beyond say 11:30 pm, you will undoubtedly be exposed to advertising about weight loss. American’s have become obsessed with their weight, and rightly so. Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, affects approximately one-third of U.S. women today. Obesity is associated with a myriad of health problems, but for women, there are unique issues such as infertility and menstrual irregularities.
Besides being the source of big business, trying to lose weight for many women, can be a frustrating and discouraging uphill battle. When weight loss fails, women should turn to their physicians for help. That’s because the cause of obesity is a mix of environmental and genetic factors. Any reasonable person will admit the simplicity of weight gain: consume more calories than you use and you will gain weight. The complexity of our individual bodies however, makes that equation seem as difficult to solve as e = mc2! Queue the physician.
Making a conscious real lifestyle change toward eating a balanced, portion controlled diet and regular exercise are the foundation for weight loss. Nevertheless, there may be hormonal reasons why you struggle to lose those pounds. Many obese women have a condition known as “polycystic ovarian syndrome” (PCOS) that affects their weight management. Women with PCOS frequently experience irregular menses, infertility, and hair growth in places like the face, chest or abdomen. PCOS is caused by an overproduction or misuse of hormones like insulin, which makes losing weight more difficult, and male sex hormones called androgens which cause excess hair growth and acne. The condition tends to worsen as weight increases making it even more difficult to lose weight, thereby creating a vicious cycle of obesity.
PCOS is suspected in all women who have irregular menstrual cycles and physical signs of excess hair growth. It is diagnosed by history and exam primarily and by excluding other medical conditions. An ultrasound of your pelvis may reveal multiple small cysts on your ovaries which is where the condition gets its name (polycystic = many cysts). Obesity is not part of the diagnostic criteria, although it is frequently an observed consequence. In addition to the problems mentioned above, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type II diabetes later in life, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
PCOS is a lifelong condition but can be managed in a number of ways. Birth control pills will help control periods and unwanted hair growth which can then be removed by a variety of technologies. As little as a 10% weight reduction can improve the condition, making it easier to continue losing weight. Studies done with “insulin-sensitizing” agents (such as metformin) also show improved weight loss ability, improved fertility, and a reduction in the risk of diabetes. Ultimately, coordination with your gynecologist and an endocrinologist may be necessary to find the best management strategy for you.
As for weight loss programs out there, anything that encourages you to eat a balanced diet and control your portions while maintaining regular exercise is a sound program. Also, expect slow steady results. A healthy weight loss is 2-6 pounds per month. If, however, you find you still struggle, remember to blame your ovaries and see your doctor for help.
If you need additional information about treatments for obesity or PCOS, ask your physician, or contact Dr. Klingler or any of the qualified physicians of Laramie Physicians for Women at 307-745-8991.