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NOTICE: This document should not be used to replace medical advice or your own judgment. If you suffer from any serious medical problems or take any prescription drugs you must determine for yourself if there is any potential conflict with the requirements of these diets. After your own doctor, your primary source of information about your lowcarb diet should come from one of the reputable books which have been published on the subject. This FAQ merely contains facts and opinions accumulated by many people who follow the low carbohydrate way of life. This information may or may not be useful or applicable to your particular situation.
Your comments are welcome, but please understand that we are not qualified to dispense medical advice, and are not expert on lowcarb diets. This document reflects information accumulated from the readings and experiences of participants in various lowcarb discussion groups. If you ask a medical question, our response will be "consult your doctor." However, We won't try to discourage you from sending us such questions, as they may raise issues that should be addressed in the FAQ.
It may. Some women have reported that a low-carbohydrate diet alters their menstrual cycles. Women who have not had regular menstrual cycles may find that reduced carbohydrates help to bring on regular cycles. Other women may find variations in their menstrual cycles, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations that generally occur during weight loss.
There have been some studies that suggest that reducing insulin may help treat the symptoms of polycystic ovaries (PCO), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Since a low-carbohydrate way of eating is designed to reduce insulin levels, it may also help PCO symptoms. Some women, who have been unable to regularly menstruate due to PCOs have found that regular menstrual cycles return when they follow a low-carbohydrate diet. Others have reported a reduction in PCO related acne and facial hair growth.
Perhaps. Although there have been a few studies that evaluate the effects of insulin reducing medications on PCOs, we can't tell whether these results would apply to a low-carbohydrate diet that does not include insulin reducing medications. Of course, we are always pleased to hear the stories of women on the list who believe their low-carbohydrate way of eating has helped them treat their PCO symptoms and related infertility. However, there are many other factors that could affect fertility. The link between low-carbohydrate diets, PCOs and fertility has not been sufficiently studied.
Then speak with your ob-gyn. Just make sure that he or she knows you're on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
Treament of PCO with insulin reducing drugs and other things
Some of the NIH info re: insulin and PCO
PCO and treatments of one individual
Another perspective identifying that a small group of women with PCO's have insulin resistance