A condition that has increasingly erupted as a lifestyle disease amongst women during their childbearing years needs our attention. This is because we need to create more awareness and better health achieved. So, what exactly is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS.
According to a study published in the Nature Journal, “PCOS is a heterogenous disorder of the endocrine system, which manifests itself as menstrual dysfunction, infertility, unwanted and excessive hair growth, acne and obesity. PCOS is usually only diagnosed when complications develop that significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life (examples being hair loss, acne, and infertility-related problems).”
The study also states that “the growing prevalence and burden of PCOS in the MENA region highlights the need to implement cost-effective preventive programs especially for women in their third decade of life.”
Well, unlike the symptoms and the causes; the diagnosis and the mode of treatment are quite simple to implement.
Your healthcare provider will need a hormonal assay through a blood test to check the status of your hormone levels, an ultra sonographic scan (USG) to determine the status of your ovaries, or a pelvic examination.
If you have higher weight gain issues, you may be asked for additional blood cholesterol, insulin, and blood sugar levels to rule out ramping risk of diabetes and heart disease.
In addition, the first step towards managing PCOS begins with improving diet and lifestyle. Try to shed off the extra kilos through sustainable weight loss programmes, and consume a nutritious diet.
Incorporate foodstuffs that are low in glycemic index (that release energy slowly and steadily in the body) in your diet. They help to manage insulin levels and take care of irregular menstrual cycles. Whole grains, chickpeas, lentils, beans, and most fruits, make some of the great choices to be a must-have on your platter.
And yes, white rice, white bread, potatoes, instant noodles, juices, and instant oats are a big no as they add on to the mess already created due to hormonal imbalance.
Next, “Incorporating simple moderate physical activity including structured exercise (at least 30 min/day) and incidental exercise increases weight loss and improves clinical outcomes in PCOS, compared to diet alone”; according to research published in PubMed Central Journal.
If you are looking to get pregnant with PCOS, the right diet and weight loss can pave your way towards success.
That being said, common medications include hormone pills, metformin to treat insulin or diabetes, and fertility drugs to assist conceiving.
Remember; if PCOS stems from lifestyle it can be taken good care through lifestyle!
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