While PCOS cannot be cured, exercise and a healthy diet can help you manage your condition. A regular exercise program may also make you feel more in control of your life and symptoms.

Exercise

Exercise helps the body's cells use glucose for energy, reducing blood glucose levels. Research has shown that for people who have type 2 diabetes, even mild (but regular) exercise may help the body use insulin more efficiently and gradually reduce insulin levels. In addition, regular exercise:

• improves circulation
• reduces blood pressure
• increases levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or "good cholesterol”)
• builds muscles
• can help you lose weight

Weight Issues

Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Whether obesity is a cause or a result of PCOS is unclear. Researchers have developed a clinical distinction between the "lean" and "obese" PCOS patients. A greater distribution of fat in the centre of the body (sometimes called an "apple" shape), as opposed to the thighs and hips (a "pear" shape) is associated with a greater risk of hypertension, diabetes and lipid abnormalities.

Many metabolic disorders improve with weight loss, but PCOS is not "cured" by weight reduction. The symptoms of PCOS may be lessened by weight loss, or increased by weight gain, but the syndrome is not caused solely by weight or body mass. Weight issues can be tremendously frustrating for women with PCOS and are similar to the challenges faced by women with type 2 diabetes. You may wish to visit the pages on body image in the Diabetes Health Centre for more information on this topic. Some women with PCOS also experience changes in their hair and skin. To learn about strategies for coping with these symptoms, click on the link below.

• Healthy eating for women with PCOS
• Coping with PCOS symptoms

You can also join Le Club and receive support from other women in our moderated online discussion groups.