In a nutshell women with PCOS are suffering from a complex metabolic and hormonal disorder that raises the risk for diabetes, heart disease and infertility. It affects 5-10% of American women from the teens through childbearing years when high levels of male hormones interfere with normal ovulation and metabolism.

The long term consequences include increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and infertility, but it's the cosmetic effects that usually bring women to the doctor: severe acne, excessive facial hair and persistent weight problems.

Not all women will experience the same PCOS symptoms.  Here are the most common:

Infertility for > 1 year

Hair Changes

• Moderate to severe hair loss
• Severe hair thinning
• Increased hair on face, chest, stomach, thumbs or toes
• Dandruff

Obesity

• Usually extra fat in the stomach area
• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
  

Skin Changes

• Severe acne
• Skin tags in the armpit or neck area
• Thickened or darkened skin in armpits or neck area
  

Menstruation

• No menstruation within 2 years of breast development
• Skipped periods or periods 6+ weeks apart
• Periods are irregular, infrequent or absent
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic pain
  

Other symptoms can include sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or depression.



Though the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t yet known, evidence points to a genetic defect. Sisters and daughters of PCOS sufferers share a higher risk.

Changes in the growth pattern of your hair or the development of acne may be enough for your doctor to determine that you have a high level of testosterone hormones. If not, blood tests can detect high levels. A blood test may also be used to check the level of prolactin, which is a hormone produced in the brain's pituitary gland. Very high prolactin levels can be caused by a pituitary gland tumor, and this problem can cause symptoms that resemble those of polycystic ovary syndrome.


Weight loss, diet and exercise are recommended for all women with polycystic ovary disease to prevent obesity and to help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Other treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome depends upon your symptoms and whether you want to become pregnant.

It is important to restore normal menstrual cycles to reduce the risk of cancer in the uterus. This can be accomplished using pill supplements of progesterone for 10 to 14 days each month.

It is now possible to help about 75% of women with this condition to become pregnant. Researchers haven’t yet found a cure for PCOS, but getting treated as early as possible greatly reduces symptoms like acne and hair growth and may reduce the long-term health risks of the condition.


Lose Weight: A diet low in carbohydrates and exercise are important. Exercise helps control insulin production. [Coincidentally, the lowfat Kimkins diet is low in carbohydrates.]

Birth Control Pills: These protect the ovaries by decreasing androgens and balancing hormone levels.

Insulin Lowering Meds: Metformin shows promise in reducing insulin and androgen levels in women with PCOS.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
• National Women's Health Information Center

Grab a beta carotene boost with this vibrant and delicious soup!

Ingredients (makes 8 servings)

• 1 lb carrots diced
• 2 cup celery diced, strings removed
• 1/2 cup onions chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh ginger minced
• 2 tbsp light cream
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chives or green onion minced
  

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger. Cook until the onions become translucent. Add the diced carrots and celery, then add enough chicken stock to cover them. Simmer for for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are very soft.

Place the carrots, cream, celery and chicken stock into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Season with pepper & salt, garnish with chives and serve.

Who couldn't use a quick on-the-go breakfast smoothie in the morning?  Take it with you!

Ingredients (makes 1)

• 1 can diet orange soda
• 1 oz light cream
• 1 scoop low carb vanilla protein powder
• 1-2 packets Equal
• 8 ice cubes or 2 cups crushed ice
  

Mix everything in a blender. Add orange soda last because it fizzes. Blend on HIGH for 1-2 minutes until ice is evenly chopped and shake looks creamy.

Nutritional Info
calories: 142
protein: 18
carbs: 3 grams
fat: 6 grams

Recently we had a post in the Kimkins Newbie Support forum about whether we're missing important vitamins and minerals from restricting high carb fruit during weight loss.

Take a look at these nutritional values from Fitday. We selected several popular fruits and several Kimkins friendly vegetables. Veggies win hands down in every category.

By the way, did you know bell peppers and zucchini ARE fruit?


GRAPES, 20 each

• <5% of any vitamin or mineral
  

8 carbs
0 fiber

PEACH, 1 medium

• 9% Vit C
• 5% Vit E
• 7% Copper
• 6% Niacin
  

9 carbs
1 fiber

APPLE, 1 medium

• 8% Vit C
  

19 carbs
3 fiber

ORANGE, 1 medium

• 93% Vit C
• 5% Calcium
• 7% Copper
• 7% Panto Acid
• 5% Potassium
• 5% Riboflavin
• 10% Thiamin
  

15 carbs
3 fiber

BANANA, 1 medium

• 33% Vit B6
• 14% Vit C
• 10% Copper
• 10% Magnesium
• 18% Maganese
• 6% Niacin
• 8% Panto Acid
• 9% Potassium
• 8% Riboflav
  

27 carbs
3 fiber

MANGO, 1 medium

• 11% Vit A
• 21% Vit B6
• 76% Vit C
• 15% Vit E
• 25% Copper
• 6% Magnesium
• 9% Niacin
• 7% Pano Acid
• 7% Potassium
• 11% Riboflavin
• 11% Thiamin
  

35 carbs
4 fiber


ROMAINE LETTUCE, 2 cups chopped

• 5% Vit 6
• 30% Vit C
• 5% Copper
• 5% Iron
• 8% Manganese
• 5% Potassium
• 6% Riboflavin
  

3 carb
2 fiber

BELL PEPPER, 1 cup raw chopped

• 26% Vit B6
• 160% Vit C
• 11% Copper
• 5% Magnesium
• 10% Manganese
• 5% Niacin
• 6% Potassium
• 8% Thiamin
  

7 carb
3 fiber

BROCCOLI, 1 cup florets

• 11% Vit A
• 15% Vit B6
• 83% Vit C
• 9% Vit E
• 7% Copper
• 6% Magnesium
• 10% Manganese
• 12% Panto Acid
• 9% Phosphorus
• 6% Potassium
• 11% Riboflavin
• 18% Sodium
• 6% Thiamin
• 5% Zinc
  

7 carbs
3 fiber

SUMMER SQUASH, 1 cup cooked (zucchini/courgette)

• 9% Vit B
• 13% Vit C
• 5% Calcium
• 20% Copper
• 13% Magnesium
• 21% Manganese
• 7% Niacin
• 5% Panto Acid
• 10% Phosphorus
• 7% Potassium
• 7% Riboflav
• 34% Sodium
• 7% Thiamin
• 9% Zinc
  

8 carbs
3 fiber

SPINACH, 1 cup cooked

• 141% Vit A
• 35% Vit B6
• 25% Vit C
• 26% Vit E
• 26% Calcium
• 37% Copper
• 38% Iron
• 51% Magnesium
• 98% Manganese
• 7% Niacin
• 5% Panto Acid
• 15% Phosporus
• 19% Potassium
• 41% Riboflavin
• 5% Selenium
• 35% Sodium
• 16% Thiamin
• 18% Zinc
  

7 carbs
5 fiber

• Kimkins Original is the most generous option because there is no protein limit. Kimkins focuses on low fat protein and minimal healthy fats.

• K/E [Kimmer Experiment] is the original supercharged low carb stall buster! Also excellent for discovering "carb creep". Often used as a springboard to drop 10+ lbs before switching to other Kimkins options.
  

• Kimkins Boot Camp provides very quick results if followed strictly. Portion control and 30 minutes of physical activity required daily. Kimkins 14 day Boot Camp is our most popular option!
  

• Shake It Good meal replacement shake option provides very quick results when followed strictly. Endless shake varieties can be explored by switching brands and flavors or experimenting with several Kimkins homemade low carb protein shake recipes.
  

• Flex Cycling is perfect for those who desire the utmost in diet flexibility. One week you'll follow your favorite Kimkins option and the following week you’ll switch to an alternate diet. Maintain this rotation until you reach goal.
  

Your one time membership fee includes all Kimkins options. Mix & match, switch back & forth – it’s up to you! Click here and start today!

Not sure? Want more info? Click here for 10 reasons to join and free recipes!