Cutting out dairy

I have read many times from different sources that we should be cutting dairy products from our diets.
If only it was that easy!  I love my dairy!  I love cheese and cream and milk and yoghurt.  After 37 years of consuming dairy, I can't imagine trying to give it up :-(
But today I finally found out WHY it is important to kick dairy products to the kerb:

Milk, cheese and butter contain a substance called insulin-like growth factor ( IGF-1), which is similar in structure to insulin.  Its insulin-like properties mean it can stimulate storage of glucose in fat cells and can trigger increased production of testosterone.

We all produce a certain amount of IGF-1 in our bodies, with levels peaking in puberty (when we tend to get acne) but usually declining as we get older.  However, tests have shown that women with PCOS are more sensitive to IGF-1.  IGF-1 is involved in the maturing of the follicles on the ovary and stimulates the production of male hormones from the ovaries, increasing androgen production from the adrenal glands.  It specifically stimulates an enzyme called 5 Alpha Reductase, which converts testosterone to its stronger form DHT (dihydrotestosterone), causing acne and hirsutism in people with PCOS.

(page 50-51 of Natural Solutions to PCOS by Marilyn Glenville PhD)

In summary:

• Women with PCOS are more sensitive to IGF-1
• We all produce a certain amount of IGF-1 in our bodies. 
• When we consume more IGF-1 than our bodies need, it stimulates the production of male hormones
• IGF-1 specifically stimulates production of an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase
• 5 alpha reductase converts testosterone into its stronger form DHT
• DHT causes acne and hirsutism

This Youtube video also explains IGF-1 and dairy.  It also has some interesting info on Soy and why soy can be good for us if we eat the right type.  I will do a separate post on soy soon: