Discuss the causes, symptoms and dietary management of polycystic ovary syndrome.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in two lines. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder of women with irregular ovulation and excess androgens. Insulin resistance drives it in most women.
2 · Diagnosis. Rotterdam criteria: any 2 of 3 features.
3 · Draw the insulin pathway. [Flow: insulin resistance → high insulin → more androgens → no ovulation → symptoms]
4 · Symptoms and risks.
Irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, weight gain, acanthosis nigricans, infertility.
Diabetes, high lipids, hypertension, endometrial cancer.
5 · Diet principles. Deficit for 5-10% loss, low-GI high-fibre carbohydrate, protein each meal, less saturated fat, omega-3, regular meals.
6 · Foods, menu and exercise. Include and avoid lists, a one-day menu, 150-300 minutes of activity a week.
7 · Close in one line. Lifestyle change is the first and longest-lasting treatment for PCOS.
Scoring tip: Draw the insulin-androgen chain; it explains every diet point you write after it.
