PCOS- Polycystic ovary syndrome has become very common among women in their reproductive age and is caused due to an imbalance of hormones. Symptoms of PCOS may begin shortly after puberty or can be seen in their teen years or early adulthood.
PCOS is a condition in which ovaries start producing an abnormal amount of androgens- male reproductive hormone.
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As the name describes, in polycystic ovary syndrome– numerous small cysts are formed in the ovaries. Sometimes, some women with this disorder do not have cysts while some without this disorder develop cysts.
In some cases with PCOS, women can’t produce enough hormones required to ovulate. So, ovulation cannot happen and because of this, ovaries develop many small cysts. These cysts make androgen and so women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens. A higher level of male hormone androgen can disturb women’s menstrual cycle. And it causes many symptoms related to PCOS.
We have asked a nutritionist, Mrs. Brinda Upadhyaya, to throw light on PCOS, its causes, and treatments.
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. Many women with PCOS develop insulin resistance. And because of this, Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Insulin levels are also increased by obesity and make PCOS symptoms worse.
It is also believed that PCOS can run in heredity too. You are more likely to have PCOS if your mother or sister has it. You are also more likely to have it if you have insulin resistance or are obese.
40% Indian women suffer from PCOS. And many of them don’t even know that they are suffering from it! So, today I will enlighten some of the symptoms that can be associated with PCOS. That will help to understand PCOS easily.
If you are experiencing one or more symptoms from the below list, you need to contact your gynecologist for further diagnosis.
People with PCOS normally suffer from irregular or missed periods as a result of not ovulating. Infrequent periods is a very common sign of PCOS.
Hirsutism is very common among women suffering from PCOS. Most areas affected by excess hair growth include the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen. Hirsutism is due to the elevated levels of androgens.
Hair thinning and hair loss related to PCOS is very common and affect hair quality badly.
More than half of people with PCOS will have weight gain and obesity issues that is very difficult to manage with a normal diet and workout.
Many people with PCOS experience increased fatigue and low energy levels
Hormonal changes due to high androgen levels can lead to acne problems. Male hormones can make the skin oilier and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.
Because of hormonal imbalance, some may suffer from thick, dark, velvety patches of skin underarms or breasts, or on the back of the neck.
PCOS can increase the possibility of mood swings, depression, and anxiety. This led to frequent complaints of severe headaches too.
This is also one of the very common symptoms. Pelvic pain may occur with periods, along with heavy bleeding. It may also occur when a woman isn’t bleeding.
With sleep apnea, a person will stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This means that you do not feel well-rested after you wake up. You also have trouble falling asleep. This is very common with people suffering from PCOS.
Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety.
In PCOS, ovaries might enlarge and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility. Some people need the assistance of fertility treatments, others are able to conceive naturally.
If you feel you have some or all of these symptoms, better to check with your gynecologist. The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. But early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Your gynecologist will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. A doctor can also suggest some physical examinations such as Ultrasound tests and blood tests. Such tests check the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body.
Traditional treatments include some Birth control pills to cause ovulation and thus control hormonal balance. A change in diet and activity is also suggested by most doctors. But Lifestyle interventions are the best treatments for PCOS, and they often work well. Some mindful lifestyle changes worked well with my clients with PCOS. Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the chances of getting pregnant.
Including more varieties in your diet. Add at least 5-7 different colors of fruits and vegetables in your daily routine.
This definitely affects our bodies and hormones. Avoid watching screen 1-2 hours before bed.
Make a proper routine for everything and follow it. If you can’t sleep properly at night for a day, don’t think that you can sleep till late and disturb your routine the next day. Wake up on time and Stick to your routine!
It’s not 100% proved for all that dairy products stimulate hormones and can affect PCOS, but most of my clients got some good results after they reduced their dairy intake. So, reduce dairy intake- especially whole milk- have plant-based milk instead.
And same with gluten! Reduce gluten intake. Most people suffering from PCOS are gluten intolerant and get great results when u reduce or cut gluten completely from diet.
Definitely adding more millets gives good results. Keeps you full for longer and gluten-free!
Eat more local food and vegetables than looking for exotic ones! This doesn’t mean exotic vegetables are not good but as much as you eat local, it is more beneficial as it’s naturally harmonized with the environment.
Definitely, exercise is most important to regulate body hormones. Focus more on physical exercise! A 45-50 minutes intense workout 4-5 times a week is really beneficial. Just a simple walk for 10 minutes doesn’t count here.
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Thanks for the information, it was need of an hour
Well researched one. Good job
The article is quite informative. Lot of woman have pcos problem and they have no information about this
Great knowledge ! I'm gonna keep coming back
I love the easy way you have explained all the symptoms great indeed
I will say it’s job well done . Very simple language used & extremely informative & I believe very relatable. Not only the article talks about problem but the good n natural solutions as well ! I enjoyed a read.
Most people dont know about pcos. Its so good that you are raising awareness
Such a detailed information in an important topic. Many women suffer from pcos but they don’t have any idea about it and your this type of informative blog helps to bring the awareness. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Darkening of skin and facial hair is one of the most prominent symptoms that is seen right in the beginning of PCOS! Very informative article
Your article on PCOS will be a life changer for women who are dealing with it right now. This is a serious issue which needs gentle attention and care. Very aptly written and summarised