Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I just learned about a month or two ago that my mom has had cysts in her ovaries. Her doctor found this out a few years after she had my brother and I(cesarian sections for both)( she also had a hard time getting pregnant although that could be attributed to her age 37 when she had me). Why do people get cysts? Is it something that goes away after menopause? I need to add that my mom eats a very high carb diet. Rice is the main staple(I wont say the country but we are from the continent Asia),she loves bread, vegetarian(well pescetarian) since young, vegetable oils, doesn't have enough fat in diet except the oil used to cook with and not even alot. After she told me this I asked her when she still had her period, how regular was it? She told me that sometimes she would get her period 10 days apart sometimes 15 days and I was shocked. What is this exactly and is it gone now that shes now in menopause. She is 56 years of age right now. She says she doesnt have diabetes but she hasn't been to the doctor in YEARS. Another reason why I am curious is because I want to prevent anything like that happening to me. Also want to add that my mom's weight is all in the midsection and she has very high blood pressure. Have any of you experienced anything similar? If any of you that are not in menopause who has had it and fixed it, how did you do it? Sorry for the really long question.

edited Jan 31 at 5:42

asked Apr 27 2012 at 5:09

Soul
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	Even though the menstrual irregularities go away at menopause, the disease as a whole doesn't magically go away then, and can lead to type 2 diabetes if the insulin resistance is not kept in check. I've been trying to control my own PCOS for almost a decade now (although I've been aware that something was not right for about 20 years). The most helpful things for me have been to go pretty low carb, getting lots of beta carotene and animal fat, and supporting the thyroid with supplements. Keep your mom away from bread if you can it isn't helping. – Happy Now Apr 27 2012 at 7:01
	Thanks, what kind of supplements do you take for your thyroid? – Soul Apr 27 2012 at 8:04
	I take something called 303-T by Integrative Therepeutics that has small amounts of calcium, iodine, zinc, copper, l-tyrosine, and thyroxine free dessicated thyroid. – Happy Now Apr 27 2012 at 18:39

me · Answer 1 · 2012-04-27 06:40:32Z UTC

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You and your mother probably both have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It's a surprisingly common hormone imbalance and can be linked to insulin resistance. Reproductive endocrinologists can talk with you about it all day long.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423

answered Apr 27 2012 at 6:40

me
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Can I have PCOS without showing any symptoms? I have had regular periods all my life, 28 day cycles, never had acne, my mom didnt either etc.? – Soul Apr 27 2012 at 6:58

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It is possible, I've had regular periods too. I think there are varying levels of severity. If you only feel like you have extra hair on your arms, I'd guess it isn't very severe, or you don't have it. It takes a doctor to make a diagnosis, so why not get it checked out? – Happy Now Apr 27 2012 at 18:44

Chris · Answer 2 · 2012-04-27 13:24:32Z UTC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovarian_cyst

Most women have ovarian cysts and have no adverse symptoms. From what I understand, everytime your ovary releases an egg (aka you ovulate), there is a small release of fluid as well. That fluid often collects and can form a cyst, or multiple cysts, I think on the outside of the ovarian wall. Sometimes these cysts burst and can be only moderately painful or very very painful. Sometime they don't burst, or the fluid just disperses. Not a big deal.

PCOS and Endometriosis are quite different and are quite serious. If you're concerned, go to a doctor. If there's nothing wrong (aka you have no adverse symptoms), quit worrying and just be as healthy as possible.

Haley · Answer 3 · 2012-04-27 12:52:29Z UTC

I don't know if everything fits but the cysts and frequent periods could also be endometriosis. Endometriosis is also a cause of infertility. You can't "prevent" endometriosis because it is partly hereditary and for a lot of women (the majority who have it, maybe?) it is already present at the start of menses.

Cysts in the ovaries?

3 Answers