Symptomatic

Vaniqa-A cream- Applied for 4 hours twice daily may decrease hair growth after only 8 weeks of therapy.

Electrolysis- for permanent hair removal it involves insertion of sterile probes into the hair shaft followed by heat and/or chemical treatment. This necessitates frequent sessions and multiple treatments per follicle. Scarring, hypopigmentation, and skin puckering can result if not performed correctly.

Laser hair removal- uses treatment principals similar to electrolysis but with quicker and more effective long-term results. The laser utilizes light to heat melanin (the pigment in the hair) so the hair and the surrounding follicle structures are damaged and destroyed, sparing the skin.

Shaving or clipping with scissors- is the fastest temporary hair removal method and will not promote hair growth.

Tweezing and waxing - the worst techniques producing thicker, darker and denser follicles. Also the skin may develop acne, ingrown hairs, folliculitis and scarring.

PCOS Weight Loss, Nutrition Program

Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) struggle with being overweight. PCOS women often find it difficult to loose weight even with dramatic decreases in their food intake. Women with PCOS are at high risk for impaired glucose/insulin metabolism and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to follow a diet regimen appropriate to manage the condition and minimize the risk factors. At the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas, a nutritionist will tailor a specific program that will depend on the patient's individual goals.

Some nutritional suggestions are listed below:

• There is no 'ideal" diet, but there is some evidence to support reducing total carbohydrates to 40-44% of total daily calories. Our nutritionist recommends a MINIMUM of 130 grams of carbohydrates per day to support proper body functions.
• Ideally, you should eat three main meals and three snacks daily. However, the ideal regimen may not be appropriate for you, or fit your lifestyle. If that is the case, make sure your consume AT LEAST three meals per day with no more than 4 hours between each meal. If time between meals prolongs over four hours, make sure you have a snack in between.
• NEVER skip breakfast or other meals to reduce calories as this will increase your good cravings, decrease satiety, and result in weight gain.
• Eat breakfast within two hours of waking up. When you sleep, your body is in a fasting state, which if prolonged (by not eating breakfast), can result in poor glucose/insulin metabolism control and increased weight gain.
• Avoid consuming excess refined carbohydrates and sugars, usually present in processed foods, as these will lead to higher spikes in insulin and promote a more aggressive insulin response in your body.
• Fiber found in fruits, vegetables, oat bran, barley and legumes prevents constipation and diarrhea, allows you to eliminate toxins, and decreases cholesterol.
• A diet high in fiber (25-35 gm/day) can reduce insulin peaks and excess levels of estrogen which improves PCOS symptoms. Higher fiber contents can also help with weight loss and curb appetite by increasing your satiety.
• Include foods high in monounsaturated fats and high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which are found in "fatty fish", nuts, olive oil, and canola oil.
• There are micronutrients that improve insulin action and reduce insulin production. These include chromium, calcium, biotin, selenium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, and zinc. Other nutrients that improve insulin metabolism include: American ginseng, gymnema leaf extract, and green tea polyphenols. At the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas we have a pharmaceutical grade blend that combines some of these nutrients to optimize the management of insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Ask in our office for "CinnDromeX".
• We also encourage you to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week to better compliment your diet regimen and to maintain overall health.
• It has been demonstrated that a weight reduction of 5-10% of your body weight can help restore ovulation and improve insulin sensitivity. A weight loss regimen of MAXIMUM two pounds a week is recommended for effective long term success.
• It is strongly recommended that you seek professional assistance with a nutritionist or dietitian to better manage your symptoms and reduce risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. We highly recommend our center nutritionist who can be reached at: (713) 461-WELL (9355)

Learn more about PCOS treatment options at the Advanced Fertility Center of Texas or to schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please call (713) 467.4488.