My daughter, aged 20, has had Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS) for the past several years. The gynaecologist and endocrinologist we consulted have told us that regular exercise and moderate diet are the only ways to reduce overweight and regulate periods, problems she has developed as result of PCOS. Along with these, do Insulin sensitisers help to ease the severity of symptoms? Are anti-androgen drugs safe? And effective?

To explain all of PCOS in this column would be very complicated. Also, you have not sent details regarding your daughter’s height and weight. But the advice you have been given is correct: Control her weight, have her take up regular exercise — at least 1 hour of walking daily. And put her on a restricted carbohydrate diet, as in, she should avoid bread, biscuits, also chocolates, sweets, etc., The only sweet foods to be allowed are fruits, and even then, she should choose the high fiber, low glycemic index kind like apples, oranges, semi ripe guavas, etc.
PCOS causes the over production of insulin which is why insulin sensitizing agents are recommended. A gynecologist and/or an endocrinologist should regularly monitor your daughter’s health. Keeping a menstrual cycle diary, frequent checks on blood sugar and serum insulin levels are also essential, as many women with PCOS will go on to develop either impaired glucose tolerance(a prediabetic condition) or diabetes by age 40.

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