By Dr. Beverly Yates, Founder PCOS Weight Loss

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In this discussion you’ll discover how to achieve PCOS weight loss success by managing your stress levels…

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Stress can be a silent player in the success or failure of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) weight loss.

How Does Stress Affect Hormonal Imbalances?

Stress magnifies the existing hormonal imbalances that make losing weight difficult for those with PCOS.

In particular, stress magnifies the body’s already impaired response to eating carbohydrates, sugars, starches and grains; what is known as insulin resistance. Cortisol is a key stress response hormone, which increases cravings for certain foods and interferes with weight loss.

Interestingly, there is no significant difference in how someone with PCOS responds to stress and the normal response.

How Does Stress Affect Weight Loss?

Weight loss success is greatly reduced by the body’s response to chronic stress. The resulting hormone imbalances make weight loss harder for anyone, especially women with PCOS.

Stress makes it more likely that the body stores calories as fat instead of burning them to make energy. In addition, stress causes cravings for carbohydrates, sugar, sweets and grains. Because of the insulin resistance produced by stress, those carbohydrates and sweets get turned into fat more easily.

It’s important not to confuse cravings with willpower issues. In stressful times, the body seeks quick energy sources, such as carbohydrates and sugars. Eating them gives your blood sugar a fast rocket ride up and then, shortly afterwards, you experience a sugar crash, leaving you tired, crabby and bloated. This cycle contributes to the belly bloat associated with PCOS and is one of the factors behind the weight gain associated with PCOS.

Those who are experiencing the “happy stress” (eustress) associated with upcoming good events (such as weddings, graduations, or job promotions) will be happy to hear that, generally speaking, this kind of stress is not harmful.

The other kind of stress, negative stress or upset stress, has a negative impact because it increases anxiety and depression. For some people — with or without PCOS — this sort of stress can disrupt the hormonal system enough to cause them to gain weight even without overeating.

Techniques for Dealing with Stress

Remember: stress is an unavoidable part of life, but we can control our responses. For example, we can choose unhealthy coping strategies, such as binging on food or turning to alcohol and drugs. Or we can choose healthy coping strategies which include but are not limited to:

• Exercise, which helps burn the chemicals released in response to stress.
• Relaxation, such as deep breathing or stretching, which help melt away stress. You can stretch virtually anywhere, even while standing in line.
• Massage is another great stress reliever. Look at what types of massage are available in your community and try different varieties to see which is the best fit for you. If you’re on a budget, look for a massage school offering massages, which tend to be less expensive.
• A warm bath, especially with Epsom salts or scented oil, can have a healing affect.
• Or, instead of a smoking break, take 10 to 15 minutes for a tea break.
• It may seem obvious, but sexual intimacy can release stress, provided it’s part of a healthy relationship.
• And of course, meditation helps to calm and focus the mind. Even three to five minutes of meditation can help.

The most important point to remember is to create an active, realistic plan for dealing with stress in ways that are healthy and sustainable. Figure out what works for you, and remember to forgive yourself if you get off track. Just be kind to yourself and resume your coping strategies as soon as possible.

Stress can also be minimized by using specific herbs and supplements, along with wise nutrition and diet choices, good sleep habits and other lifestyle elements.

For more PCOS weight loss tips and secrets, visit PCOSWeightLossTips.com. There, you can sign up for the email list or get the Ultimate PCOS Weight Loss Herbs and Supplement Guide.

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PDF Summary

Dr. Beverly Yates is an expert on weight loss and women’s health including PCOS Weight loss. She has over two decades of clinical experience, and she uses her problem solving skills to help other women solve their weight loss problems. For more FREE PCOS Weight Loss Tips and Secrets, and to buy the Ultimate PCOS Weight Loss Herbs and Supplements Guide, check out http://www.PCOSWeightLossTips.com.

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