PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is an extremely common health problem amongst women of childbearing age. In fact, it is so common that in an effort to raise awareness about this condition, the month of September has been declared “PCOS awareness month”. Awareness is the first step in the fight against the spread of this condition. Let us educate ourselves about PCOS and take a closer look into this syndrome, its impact and how diet & exercise can help in stopping this condition from taking over our lives.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known simply as “PCOS” is a condition characterised by an increased production of male sex hormones (androgens). The three main characteristics of PCOS are:
Every month, the ovaries release a mature egg for fertilisation. This process is called ovulation. If the egg is not fertilised, it is released from the body (periods). In some cases, women may experience irregular periods, indicating problems in ovulation.
Small quantities of androgens or “male” hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries and fat cells. They are vital to normal reproductive function, emotional stability, cognitive function, muscle function and bone strength. High levels of androgens can result in abnormal hair growth (especially facial hair), acne and male patterned baldness.
Polycystic ovaries are characterised by enlarged ovaries containing large number of cysts (fluid-filled sacs). These cysts surround the eggs making it difficult for the ovaries to release the eggs. This results in anovulation.
Women with PCOS experience at least two of the above characteristics.
Read: First period post pregnancy: what is normal and what is not?
Earlier, PCOS was considered to be a simple endocrine disorder, causing hormonal imbalances. However, today with advances in research, we have a better understanding of this syndrome. It is now treated as a complex condition with metabolic, hormonal and psychological factors. Patients too are treated holistically by addressing the phycological impact of the disorder as well as the physiological one.
PCOS can be devastating for women in their childbearing years. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility. For many women, giving birth is an important aspect of their identity, and they face judgment by their partners, family and society if they are unable to do so. It is important to educate the family as well so that they can give the required emotional support to the patient.
Studies also indicate that women with PCOS have higher levels of psychological distress. This can be in part due to symptoms of PCOS such as obesity, hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and infertility.
PCOS is also known to increase the risk of several complications such as developing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Early intervention, lifestyle changes and long-term monitoring is key to relieving the symptoms of PCOS.
Read: Pregnancy and Polycystic ovary syndrome
Many women mistakenly feel that something they did cause PCOS. This adds on to the psychological impact of this condition. The exact cause of PCOS is still not known, it is believed that it is caused by a combination of several factors including genetics and having insulin resistance. Obesity is also known to increase the likelihood of developing PCOS.
The symptoms of PCOS depends on the severity of the condition. In a large number of PCOS cases, diagnosis is made when the woman experiences difficulty in conceiving. This is because the symptoms may not be severe enough to cause the patient to seek medical help. Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS are:
As the symptoms need not be evident all the time, especially in the early stages, routine gynaecological check-ups are advised as soon as you start menstruating, especially if you are at a higher risk of developing PCOS.
Read: What to do when you suspect infertility
Home remedies for PCOS are usually the first line of defense against this condition. This can further be classified into two categories i.e.: Dietary changes & Lifestyle changes. Let us take a closer look into home remedies for PCOS management.
Diet tends to influence our health to a great extent. Women affected with PCOS are likely to have higher levels of insulin than the ones without PCOS. This is because insulin resistance is one of the symptoms of PCOS. Insulin resistance indicates that the insulin produced by the pancreas is not utilized for digestion of the sugar in the body, resulting in excess blood sugar.
In addition to this, due to insulin resistance many affected women find it difficult to lose weight, especially around their abdomen. Excess insulin is also linked to increased production of androgens (male hormones) causing male patterned baldness and hirsutism.
Keep the following guidelines in mind while coming up with your own unique PCOS diet plan.
Regular physical activity and weight management are important aspects of PCOS management. The following exercises will help you relieve PCOS symptoms.
In more severe cases, medication can be used to manage PCOS symptoms. Following a healthy lifestyle and managing your weight with regular exercise is the best way to minimise the impact of PCOS.
