I’m attached to the acne topic for a while now, but in this blog, I want to talk about another contributor to acne, PCOS. This is a topic I don’t see it being discussed a lot, but it affects and occurs in 10-30% of women with or without their knowledge of it. This is the first of 3 blogs I will write about PCOS. A brief description of what PCOS is, how it causes acne and foods to avoid if you have PCOS will do (you will come across this word a lot, so brace yourself... hehe).
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
- Note that it is the hormonal imbalance/disorder that causes the enlarged ovaries with small cysts and not the other way round.
Why does PCOS cause acne?
- Acne can be an external manifestation of testosterone levels. These acne lesions (tender bumps underneath the skin) often appear before menstruation commences, mainly in hormone-dependent areas such as on the cheeks, in the lower third of the face, on the neck, and, less commonly, on the chest and back.
- In these skin areas, enzymes convert free testosterone into a more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (i also don't know what this means). This causes the sebaceous glands to be more active and sebum blocks hair follicles and pores, which leads to pimples.
Foods to avoid if you have PCOS.
Balancing hormones is the most important task in treating PCOS. Women with PCOS should avoid high-carb foods like pastries, unhealthy snacks (chips, crackers), semolina, white rice, millet, potatoes, watermelons, melons, chocolate, sweet desserts, jam and honey. Not very pleasant, right? Well, if you have been diagnosed with PCOS, it is mandatory that you be very mindful of the food you eat. Here is how these foods trigger a chain reaction in the body;
- They cause glucose levels to spike, which stimulates the production of insulin.
- An excess of insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce male sex hormones, which contributes to the development of PCOS.
- Fast food, fatty and fried foods contain large amounts of cholesterol, which is unhealthy as women with PCOS already have high cholesterol.
A better approach is to split meals up and eat 5-6 times per day. Your diet should include sufficient amounts of protein (eggs, fish, lean meat) and fiber (legumes, nuts, green vegetables).
A brief of the next blog, physical activity and PCOS. Is there a connection?
Stay tuned.
*I have based the information provided on my research and personal experience in dealing with PCOS. This blog is not meant to diagnose or treat any health problems you may have. Consider visiting a doctor or your gynaecologist for a professional health checkup.*