Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Women these days are susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases which come due to heavy stress. Gone are the days when women find themselves restricted to the kitchen. Women want to go places and be independent. But in the journey of balancing their personal and professional life, sometimes women encounter certain alterations in their bodies that could lead to some health issues.
What women need at such times is support and for people around them to understand what she is going through. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome affects approximately 18% of women (PCOS). Another health survey found that one in every four women in India has PCOS, a disorder that causes infertility in women.
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The term "poly" means "many/multiple," and a syndrome is a collection of symptoms. Many small cysts form inside the ovaries in PCOS. As a result, it is known as polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormone imbalance is caused by these cysts.
Causes of PCOS
Many theories exist regarding the causes of PCOS and its risk factors.
● Age\sStress\sObesity
● Lack of physical activity
● Alterations in eating habits
● Diabetes and other pre-existing conditions
Diagnosis of PCOS
A simple cervical ultrasound can be used to diagnose PCOS. A woman may exhibit the following symptoms:
● Extra facial hair
● Breast size has shrunk.
● a deeper tone
● Acne
● Depression or anxiety
● Thinning hair
● gaining weight
● Pelvic discomfort
● Infertility
Treatment for PCOS
Weight loss or a low-calorie diet can be one solution to alter the PCOS condition. Even a small weight loss — for example, losing 5% of your body weight — may help your condition. Losing weight may improve the effectiveness of PCOS medications prescribed by your doctor and may help with infertility. Your doctor and a registered dietitian can help you determine the best weight-loss plan for you.
Medication to regulate periods
Combination pills: Pills containing both estrogen and progestin reduce androgen production while also regulating estrogen. Hormone control can reduce your risk of endometrial cancer as well as irregular bleeding, excess hair growth, and acne.
Progestin treatment: Progestin taken for 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months can help regulate your periods and protect you from endometrial cancer. This progestin therapy has no effect on androgen levels and will not prevent pregnancy. If you also want to avoid pregnancy, a progestin-only minipill or a progestin-containing intrauterine device is a better option.
Things you can do at home to regulate PCOS
● Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss has been shown to lower insulin and androgen levels. It may also help to restore ovulation. If you need one, talk to your doctor about starting a weight-loss program. Consult a registered dietitian for assistance in achieving weight-loss goals.
● Limit your carbohydrate intake. High-carbohydrate diets may raise insulin levels. If you have PCOS, ask your doctor if a low-carbohydrate diet could help. Choose complex carbohydrates to slowly raise your blood sugar levels. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and cooked dry beans and peas all contain complex carbohydrates.
● Take action. Exercise aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily activity and exercising on a regular basis may help you treat or even prevent insulin resistance. Being active may also aid in weight loss.