Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects women of reproductive age all over the world, causing irregular periods, acne, excess body hair, and weight gain, as well as fertility issues.
PCOS may be identified with ultrasound and hormonal blood testing, and it seems to be a cluster of grapes with many cysts, but they are tiny immature follicles. PCOS is very controllable, depending on the stage at which it is identified, and the first step is to begin bringing it under control and breaking the cycle of symptoms.
Symptoms of PCOS
These highlighted symptoms may not be present in all women with PCOS, but they are frequent in the majority.
- Weight Gain,
- Hair Loss,
- Acne,
- Facial Hair Growth,
- Erratic to No Menstrual Cycle,
- Skin Discoloration,
- Mood Swings (More Depressed),
- Cravings,
- Fertility Issues,
- Sleep Disorder,
- High Blood Pressure,
- Insulin Resistance, and
- Type 2 Diabetes.
The aforementioned symptoms should not be viewed as frightening; rather, they are necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis and begin making lifestyle changes.
Causes of PCOS
Because so much is dependent on the environment, it is increasingly more common in adults than teens. The outside environment, which is made up of air, water, and is severely polluted, has an impact on the food we eat, creating digestive and reproductive issues.
Normal menstrual cycles and pregnancy are not ruled out by PCOS. Hormonal imbalance is the leading cause of concern, and it causes a wide range of symptoms that differ from person to person.
Although the actual cause of PCOS is unknown and research is continuing, numerous studies show that diet and lifestyle have a role. In women, poor nutrition and lack of exercise are the two most prevalent causes of PCOS exacerbation. PCOS is divided into four categories:
- Insulin resistance PCOS – Although the body generates Insulin, the cells have perished, preventing it from being utilized, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Weight gain, a sweet tooth, and fatigue are some of the symptoms.
Should consult a gynecologist for advice and treatment, as well as engage in functional exercise, restrict sugar consumption, and concentrate on eating healthy and making dietary changes. Finding stress-relieving strategies, like breathing exercises and meditation, as well as obtaining adequate sleep, which is essential for keeping insulin levels in check.
- Adrenal PCOS – High-stress levels are the cause of adrenal PCOS. As a result, levels of cortisol and DHEA rise. Stress causes adrenal PCOS. It causes cortisol and DHEA levels to increase. Yoga, meditation, and improving sleep quality are all things that should be included to reverse the process.
- Inflammatory PCOS – Chronic inflammation leads to inflammatory PCOS. A rise in testosterone levels as a result of poor diet and lifestyle causes inflammatory PCOS. Frequent headaches, a rise in C reactive protein, lethargies, and skin issues are just a few of the signs and symptoms.
To ensure a healthy stomach, it is strongly advised to include a diet that encourages the growth of good bacteria in the stomach and the generation of digestive enzymes, which helps to cure a leaky gut.
- Post-Pill PCOS – This can happen when there is persistent inflammation and no contraception has been utilized. PCOS is a curable disorder with a short duration. Sound Sleep, like keeping yourself stress-free, is a natural healer.
How to treat PCOS
- Working out on body fat: Maintaining your weight and improving your insulin levels can be as simple as working out regularly and focusing on strength training.
- Enhance insulin sensitivity: To ensure that PCOS does not increase insulin involvement in the body, special precautions must be taken, as there is a significant danger of diabetes and other health issues.
- PCOS may be treated and cured with a well-balanced diet and a few lifestyle adjustments, one must believe. Eating in Moderation, learning to control hunger and avoiding processed foods, attempting to cook meals at home and consuming freshly prepared food, and avoiding junk food are all good ideas. To treat PCOS effectively, take incremental efforts to eliminate drinking and smoking.
- Take Vitamin B8, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Zinc supplements, as well as Omega Fatty Acids, Chromium, and Magnesium supplements. Avoid foods that cause inflammation and replace them with natural anti-inflammatory agents like turmeric and ginger, as well as anti-oxidants like N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which will help to regulate insulin and increase fertility.
- Eating edible seeds is one of the therapies for which there is a lack of knowledge in today’s world. Seeds work as a natural healer, regulating hormones and reducing the symptoms of PCOS.
- Focused meal plan makes it more organized which has to be – a combination of more protein intake, with a balance of fiber, and keeping carbohydrates in moderation will ensure a cure of PCOS and also lead to symptoms getting less aggravated.
To summarize, while PCOS might make you feel unwell, with the help of a health advisor, you can alleviate your symptoms and reverse your condition. Following and sticking to a list of must-have foods and foods to avoid will be a lifesaver for PCOS sufferers.
Each person is unique, and the body reacts to them in different ways. Rather than following blind advice, it is always preferable to contact a nutritionist and a doctor and implement the steps recommended.
Stay Happy & Healthy!
Contributed by Tanya S Kapoor, Dietician & Nutritionist, Wellness By Tanya
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