Introduction to PCOS
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s a condition which affects a woman hormone level. Women who are suffering from PCOS produce more amount of hormones than male. This hormone imbalance can lead to abnormal menstrual periods and can also make it hard while getting pregnant.
PCOS can cause facial hair growth and can lead to some abnormal hair growth in some part of the body. This can also lead to some long term health problem like diabetes and heart disease.
Let’s take an overlook of the PCOS in detail.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal problem which affects a woman during the age of 15 to 44. Most of the women are not aware of the PCOS problem and because of this, they are not able to get treatment in an early stage. 2.2 to 26.7% of women are diagnosed with PCOS.
PCOS is a syndrome or includes a group of symptoms which can affect the ovaries and ovulation. The three main symptoms are:- Cysts in Ovary
- High levels of the hormone
- Irregular or skipped periods
Causes of PCOS
Excess Insulin
Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas and allows cells for using sugar that the body’s primary energy supplies. If the body cells become resistant with the action of insulin then blood sugar level can increase and the body can produce more insulin. Excessive secretion of insulin can increase androgen production which will lead to difficulty in ovulation.
Low-grade Inflammation
The term is used for describing white blood cells, production of substances for fighting with bacteria. Research has shown that women with PCOS may have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates the production of androgens by the ovaries, which may lead to problems with the heart and blood vessels.
Excess Androgen
Abnormally, the ovary produces very high levels of androgen and it results in hirsutism and acne.
Symptoms
Women can start seeing symptoms in the first month of the menstrual period. But mostly they will discover PCOS when they have gained a lot of weight and had trouble while getting pregnant.
Most of the common PCOS symptoms are:Irregular Period
Lack of ovulation can prevent the uterine lining from shedding every month. Women who are having PCOS get less than eight periods a year.
Heavy Bleeding
Hair Growth
More than 70% of women with this condition will get facial hair and abnormal hair growth on the rest part of the body; it includes the back, belly and chest. Excessive hair growth is called hirsutism.
Acne
Male hormone can make the skin more oily than the usual and it leads to breakouts on areas like face, chest and upper back.
Weight Gain
Darkening of the Skin
Headaches
How PCOS affects the body?
Infertility
For getting pregnant a woman has to ovulate. Women who are not ovulating regularly don’t fertilize the amount of eggs they need to fertilize.
Metabolic Syndrome
Up to 80 % of women with PCOS are overweight. Both obesity and PCOS can increase the risk of high blood sugar, high blood pressures, and high cholesterol.
These factors are called metabolic syndrome and this can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Sleep Apnea
The condition will cause some repeated pauses in breathing during the night that can interrupt sleep.
Women who are overweight sleep apnea is very common for them. However, the risk of sleep apnea is 5 to 10 time higher in obese women with PCOS than the woman without PCOS.
Endometrial Cancer
During ovulation uterine lining sheds and when a woman doesn’t ovulate every month the lining can build up. If there is a thickened lining form then it can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Depression
Diagnosis of PCOS
Normally doctors diagnose PCOS in women who are having at least two to three symptoms such as:
- High androgen levels
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Cysts in Ovaries
The doctor may also ask for some other symptoms like acne, facial and body hair growth and overweight. Also, the doctor may ask you to perform a few tests such as a pelvic exam, blood tests and ultrasound for examining the disease very carefully.
How to solve PCOS naturally?
Change in Diet
Change in diet is the most essential part for managing PCOS. Women who have PCOS tend to have a high level of insulin and hormone that the body uses to reduce high blood sugar.
When a person starts consuming foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar then there is a high risk that insulin and blood sugar levels can rise.
Try to eliminate carbohydrates and sugar from your diet that will help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and will lower insulin levels.
| White bread | Whole grains |
| White pasta | Whole- wheat bread and pasta |
| White rice | Brown rice |
| Cereal | Fenugreek |
| Cookies | Cinnamon |
| Chips | Flax seeds |
| Soda | Tulsi |
| Juice | Honey |
| Granola bars | Bitter gourd and Ivy gourd |
Weight loss
Maintaining a healthy weight plays an important role if you want to control POS symptoms. Women who are having extra weight have a high risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other issues that are associated with metabolic syndrome.
Losing 5% of body weight will help in receiving PCOS symptoms. Changing lifestyle will help in reducing the risk of PCOS. Eating a balanced diet which contains healthy foods and getting into more physical activity will help in weight loss and also helps in reducing the risk of some serious health complications.
Exercise
In the process of weight loss exercise plays a very important role. Regular exercise will help in lowering the insulin levels and will also keep the blood sugar levels low.
PCOS exercises are also beneficial for some health problems and doing proper and daily exercise will help in improving mood and regulating sleep patterns.
Following a proper PCOS, exercise period does not only mean hitting the gym but in fact a normal yoga can also effective for the treatment of PCOS.
Maintaining a stable Ovulation cycle
PCOS will affect the ovulation cycle. For controlling PCOS symptoms a stable ovulation cycle is very important. Women can avoid non-prescription medicines. If a woman is taking pills for postponing the menstrual cycle then that should be minimized or should be avoided completely.
Keeping your body and mind stress-free
“ Step out from the madding crowd.” Especially women with PCOS symptoms should follow these symptoms.
Do yoga and pranayama daily such as Surya namaskar. This helps in burning excessive fats. Try to do some regular yoga poses at home at least for 30 minutes.
Try to be a nature-friendly person and spend your most of the time with nature for soothing your mind.
Meditate for 15 minutes by inhaling some fresh air which will help in inducing fresh ideas and a different outlook towards your life.
Spend a lot of time with your friends and families. This can help you in changing the real perspective towards your life.
Try to engage yourself into some social activities; it will work as a stress buster.
Good Sleep
Sleep affects the stress levels and can help in regulating cortisol for balancing the hormones. Women with PCOS are habituated to getting sleep disturbances. Maintain your sleep hygiene by following these steps:
- Sleep for at least 8 to 10 hours
- Maintain a regular bedtime routine
- Avoid stimulants, rich and fatty foods before going to sleep.
When to visit a Doctor
After following the above natural treatment options for PCOS if you are not getting rid of it try to talk with the doctor. Some of the herbal supplements and therapies can help with PCOS treatment but they are not the best option or substitute for customized or medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are facing any serious problem.