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From:	Clo (t150.virl.bc.ca)
Subject:	Re: Soy and PCOS
Date:	July 3, 2007 at 3:26 pm PST

In Reply to: Soy and PCOS posted by Kim on June 30, 2007 at 8:05 pm:

This is from a site about PCOS, http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/

"Q: "Since people with PCOS already have long menstrual cycles and their uterus and breasts are subject to longer exposures to estrogens, thus increasing their risk of cancer, should they avoid foods high in phytoestrogens, e.g., soy products?"

A: "Phytoestrogens" is the name given to a family of plant compounds that have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties. Flaxseed, soy, alfalfa are examples of plants containing phytoestrogens.

Research indicates that these plants, and isolated lignans (proteins) from these plants, have many protective effects in the body. Consumption of flaxseed and its lignans increases SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) synthesis, as well as reduce breast tumor formation and growth. SHBG inhibits the action of testosterone. Excessive testosterone contributes to infertility, hirsutism, and acne.

Hundreds of research studies demonstrate that soy foods are safe. Soy has a moderating influence on both estrogen and testosterone.

There is some evidence to suggest that the more the food has been processed to be drug-like, the more likely there could be adverse effects. Therefore, eating soy beans in chile, putting ground flax seed in your smoothie, or having a tofu scramble for breakfast, is preferable to taking capsules of isolated soy proteins."

I had heard that a diet low on the glycemic index can help with PCOS, and this site had a page about that. here's a quote:
"Chronically high insulin is a problem for women with PCOS, because insulin profoundly alters overall hormone balance, and causes your metabolism to go awry. For example, hyperinsulinism (excessive insulin) contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. A requirement for controlling polycystic ovarian syndrome is to dampen your insulin response after food or drink is consumed."
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/glycemic-index.html

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