Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can affect you in many ways.
PCOS effects are highly noticeable during menstrual days, where you may experience severe discomfort and irregular bleeding.
But it may also put an adverse impact on your physical, mental and emotional health.
The most common PCOS problems are:
Absence of periods: You may have alternate phases of excessive bleeding and amenorrhoea.
Hair growth: May develop hard and thick hair on the face, back, buttocks or chest.
Poor skin quality: Recurrent acne, patches, dark spots, and excessive facial oil production are common signs. They can make your skin look dull with time.
Weight gain: Fat accumulation around the abdomen region occurs in the later stages. It increases your risks of PCOS-related disorders.
Poor fertility: Women with PCOS find it difficult to conceive or sustain a pregnancy to its final term.
What are the 4 types of PCOS?
Even though they show similar symptoms, the types of PCOS can vary from person to person.
The 4 major types are, Insulin-resistant PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, Hidden-cause PCOS, and Post pill-induced PCOS.
Adrenal-type and Lean-type PCOS are two other subtypes rarely found in patients.
Insulin-resistant PCOS: Most common. Caused by improper lifestyle and dietary practices. Consumption of excess sugars, fats and addictive substances can promote testosterone production, thereby leading to PCOS.
Inflammatory PCOS: Triggered by intake of inflammatory food items like gluten, dairy products and stimulants. Gets aggravated by emotional disturbances like stress, anxiety etc.
Post pill-induced PCOS: Contraceptive pills and medicines interfere with the natural ovulation process. Using them for a long period of time can disrupt the hormonal balance and inhibit egg formation.
Hidden-cause PCOS: Prolonged vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorder and vegetarian diet may generate PCOS symptoms. They can be reversed by supplementing the diet with appropriate nutrients.
What is the main cause of PCOS?
Despite all the medical research conducted in this area, PCOS causes are still not known.
Family history, insulin resistance and inflammatory disorders are believed to predispose an individual towards PCOS.
Poor weight management is also a silent PCOS reason and trigger.
In general, it is led by improper lifestyle and poor dietary practices.
Is PCOS serious?
PCOS is a fairly common disorder, affecting 6-12% women between the age of 20 to 44 years.
While the immediate symptoms are manageable, PCOS side effects are the major cause of concern in every case.
Polycystic ovaries can gradually decrease your reproductive health.
This in turn may reduce your fertility and decrease the chances of conception.
Over a long period of time, PCOS can pave the way for chronic disorders like hypertension, Diabetes, obesity and uterine cancer.
What happens if PCOS is untreated?
It is a common misconception that bilateral polycystic ovaries may cure on their own as you approach menopause.
But it's quite the opposite which is true.
While menopause may put an end to your menstrual woes, it does not resolve PCOS-related health disorders.
As time progresses, you may experience severe hormonal imbalances.
It can increase your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disorders and sleep apnea.
So, it is advised to opt for an effective PCOD solution as soon as it is diagnosed.
Can PCOS be cured?
As such, there is no sureshot PCOS cure available today.
But minor changes in lifestyle, hormone medicines and herbal remedies offer much relief.
Lifestyle changes: Putting a limit on your sugar intake and following an active routine has helped many women to reduce PCOS symptoms. Stress management is also an essential part.
Hormone medicines: These are chemically-synthesised pills which supplement the body’s hormone cycle. Even though they provide immediate relief, such medications can leave lasting side effects.
Herbal remedies: Ayurveda is the leading form of PCOS natural treatment which offers a holistic solution. It uses dietary regulations, lifestyle changes and natural herbs to curb PCOS symptoms.
Ayurvedic treatment strategies are the safest and most effective alternative for PCOS.
What's the best treatment for PCOS?
Birth control pills are commonly used by women to correct hormonal imbalances.
Thin in turn relieves the PCOS symptoms like menstrual irregularities, hot flashes etc.
However, using contraceptive pills on a regular basis can reduce your chances of pregnancy.
PCOS natural treatment is the best alternative if you’re seeking to conceive, while controlling PCOS troubles.
Natural therapies regularise the ovulation process and decrease the concentration of male hormone in the blood.
They also help to maintain a healthy weight, promote metabolism and improve physical strength for normal pregnancy.
How can I reverse PCOS naturally?
Start with whole grains: The first step towards PCOS weight loss is a balanced diet. Refined flour, white rice and fried items are a big NO! Replace your breakfast cereals with oats, barley, brown rice etc.
Upscale protein and iron: Increase your consumption of plant based iron and protein sources legumes, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and nuts.
Away with Tea and Coffee: Limit your intake of caffeine as much as possible. You can replace it with herbal or green tea.
Watch Your Weight: Perform physical exercises for at least 30 minutes every day. Yoga and Pranayama are great options.
Sleep on time, every time: Get at least 7-8 hours of bed rest during the night. It is best to follow a strict sleep schedule.
Plan Your Day: It helps to cut down end minute anxieties and reinstate the work-life balance.
What should I not eat with PCOS?
Refined flour: Bakery items, white bread/rice and refined carbs are the biggest enemies of healthy BMI. They should be avoided as much as possible.
Unhealthy animal proteins: Red meat, hamburgers, steaks and sausages contain high amounts of salt and oil. They can lead to inflammation of soft tissues.
Bitter sweets: Soft drinks, desserts and gluten-based items can aggravate your PCOS symptoms.
Fried items: From processed wafers to french fries - everything prepared with refined oil can add on to your body’s trans fat.
How can I get rid of my PCOS belly?
Polycystic ovary syndrome weight loss can be as hard as hiking a mountain.
But the right diet plan and exercise routine can help you accomplish it within weeks.
Here are some pro-dieting tips you can try at home:
High fibre fab: Add whole grains, green veggies and fruits to your everyday diet. Their high fiber and vitamin content can help to stimulate insulin production and promote fat breakdown.
Choose the right fats: Unsaturated fats and omega3 fatty acids are rich in antioxidants that cut down cholesterol. You can get them from coconut oil, avocado, olive oil and nuts.
Say yes to probiotics: Fermented foods like plain yoghurt, curd and kefir boost your metabolic strength. They’re needed for the upkeep of gut activity.
Don’t skip meals: Try to consume healthier foods like veggies, natural proteins and fibre instead of shunning meals.
Train hard and sleep harder: Perform any physical activity of your choice like walking, swimming, strength training etc. for at least 30 minutes every day. Also get adequate rest at night.
How can I get pregnant fast with PCOS?
It is important to identify the underlying cause and type of PCOS to determine your pregnancy chances.
For instance, if a PCOS patient has a normal ovulation cycle, she may get pregnant within a year by using appropriate preventive measures.
Your physician might conduct a PCOS ultrasound and blood test to check your hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.
Accordingly, you can calculate your ‘fertile window’ to increase the chances of conception.
However, you may have to undergo a thorough fertility treatment if you’re facing PCOS-related complications like obesity, Diabetes etc.
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