Q: I have polycystic ovary syndrome. Can you recommend any self-help suggestions?

A: Women with PCOS can experience a number of symptoms including weight gain, few periods, acne and excess body hair. Over the last few years, the nutritional approach to PCOS has revolutionised the treatment of this problem. Studies have shown that when women with PCOS lose weight, testosterone levels fall, insulin levels go down and hair growth is less and in one study, 92% of women with PCOS who were not ovulating conceived naturally after reducing their weight.

Eat a good diet and avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates (like white flour) and caffeine, as all these will cause blood sugar fluctuations and the release of excess insulin. Insulin makes the ovaries produce more testosterone.

Also add in a good multivitamin and mineral and extra chromium (to help control blood sugar fluctuations), B vitamins for efficient metabolism and co-enzyme Q10 to help weight loss (The supplement called NutriPlus I use in the clinic has all these nutrients combined). For more information on PCOS, see my book The Nutritional Health Handbook for Women.