The Not-So-Secret Life of PCOS

You might have experienced irregular periods at some point in your life. But have you ever found them extra painful? Were you stressed throughout the cycle? If you aren’t aware of what causes these irregular bouts of periods, then it’s time take a closer look and figure out the reason.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where there is an imbalance in the level of sex hormones in women. This leads to the growth of cysts in the ovaries, which disturbs the entire hormonal axis and in turn aggravates the condition by forming more cysts. PCOS can take a toll on a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance.

What causes them?
As the exact cause of this disease is unknown, it is said that hormonal imbalances and genetics play an important role. And in most cases, the hormones that are impacted are:

• Increase in androgen levels (male hormone)
• Decrease in progesterone levels
• Resistance in the production of insulin (poor sugar control)

Women suffering from PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen that can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

Symptoms
It is seen that the symptoms typically start right after the woman begins to menstruate. Due to the disturbance in the hormonal levels, the symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular menstruation 
• Excessive hair on the face and body 
• Male pattern of baldness
• Weight gain/obesity
• Anovulation
• Inability to conceive or a higher likelihood for miscarriages
• Irregular and painful periods
• High cholesterol and blood pressure

Women with PCOS tend to gain weight and find it difficult to lose that weight. And because it forms a vicious cycle, it is important and significant for them to lose weight, as it helps in bringing the hormonal level under control. Weight loss is so important that even losing 10% of the weight brings down the severity of PCOS.

It is important to remember that the serious nature of these symptoms makes it very important to get treated in a holistic way and at the earliest possible.

Diet and guidelines to control PCOS
If you’re suffering from PCOS, it is vital that you get yourself diagnosed by the doctor at the earliest possible. It is even more important to follow guidelines and maintain a diet to control PCOS.

• Cut down to simple sugar, as complex sugars bring about a surge in the blood sugar levels, leading to poor control of blood sugar and weight gain 
• Include complex carbs in your diet such as whole wheat products, barley-natural diuretics, oats, fruits and vegetables, pulses and legumes, and lean meat
• Regulate your blood sugar and insulin levels by eating certain fruits such as apple, jamun, grapefruit and vegetables such as bitter gourd, fenugreek and herbs (cinnamon
• Limit yourself to monounsaturated foods (olive oil, almonds and walnut), polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils), and omega 3 fats (salmon and flaxseeds) as they help correct the lipid profile
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day. Regular intake of water will help with detoxification, avoid water retention, keeps you hydrated throughout and helps you lost unnecessary fat in the body
• Exercise regularly as it will help in: 
• Maintaining your metabolic rate
• Reducing weight
• Bringing down stress levels with the release of hormones like serotonin and dopamine. 
• Quit smoking as it stimulates the androgen hormone production and is the main cause of PCOS
• Avoid alcohol as it affects the liver and is responsible for the entire body metabolism

Women suffering from PCOS have a good prognosis for conception. All it requires is a little patience, dedication, time, and the will to modify your lifestyle. Along with the regular check-ups with the doctor, it will help in enhancing your fertility naturally. With the proper treatment, PCOS can be managed in the long run and the patient can live a relatively symptom free life.