Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health defect in every 1 out of 10 women who can give birth. The condition refers to a hormonal imbalance in women. Most women are not even aware that they might have it as there are no significant diagnoses. But those diagnosed with PCOS suffer, from higher than average amounts of male hormones in their bodies. However, it is not a disease that has been newly discovered. It has been around for centuries. Yet unfortunately, no proper treatment is dedicated to it.
Below we have explained the condition of PCOS in detail, along with simple ways to deal with it. Happy Reading!
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is elaborately known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It directly affects the ovaries of a woman and ovulation. These reproductive organs produce female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. The female hormones regulate the menstrual cycle of a woman. Furthermore, the reproductive organs also produce a tiny amount of male hormones, such as androgens.
Now, if you’re suffering from PCOS, there is a lack of ovulation, which means the ovaries turn polycystic. These cysts are follicles that contain an immature egg. The eggs do not mature to bring forth ovulation. As a result, the reproductive organs produce a lesser amount of estrogen and progesterone, while androgens are produced in a higher quantity.
To sum up, PCOS has three main features:
- The ovaries turn polycystic, meaning, contain multiple cysts.
- Androgens, the male hormones, are produced in larger quantities.
- Irregular or no periods at all.
Along with these, its symptoms also include excessive hair growth on the face and the body, while it also risks baldness. Moreover, also trigger lifelong health problems such as diabetes and heart diseases.
5 Authentic Ways To Deal With PCOS
1. Calorie Intake Should Be Planned Accordingly Throughout The Day
According to certain studies, PCOS can be kept in control via strategic control of your calorie intake. Keeping track of when and how many calories are taken can affect your insulin, glucose, and testosterone. Low insulin levels help in controlling PCOS. It is essential to take most of the calories for the entire day in your breakfast. This improves the levels of insulin, glucose, and testosterone levels in the body. It is advisable to avoid more calorie intake at dinner. Furthermore, low insulin levels help in infertility issues.
2. Increase Intake Of Vitamin D And Calcium
Improvements were seen in PCOS symptoms, like menstrual abnormalities and BMI, after studying an increase in the intake of Vitamin D and Calcium. But these vitamins and minerals were added to their diets along with the medication, metformin, used to treat the symptoms. A maximum of 1000 mg of Calcium daily was added to their diets. Thus, it further proves that a higher intake of vitamin D and Calcium improves the condition of PCOS.
3. Increase Magnesium Intake
Women suffering from PCOS are at a higher risk of diabetes and other heart diseases. They are also prone to symptoms like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which also act as threats for prolonged life diseases. Individual researches show that a daily intake of magnesium helps in insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, results in an improved symptom of PCOS. It is recommended that at least 300mg of the mineral be taken at bedtime by women suffering from insulin resistance, a PCOS symptom.
4. Alter Lifestyle And Implement A Healthy Routine
For women suffering from PCOS, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A particular routine should be followed, along with some alteration in the diet and daily activities. The following are some tips for a better lifestyle, which help improve the condition of PCOS:
- Remain fit while maintaining a healthy weight. Losing weight helps in achieving low insulin and androgen levels in the body. It, in turn, helps in proper ovulation.
- Avoid excess amounts of carbohydrate intake. Diets with high-carbohydrate and low-fat intakes may risk an increase in insulin levels in the body, which, as mentioned before, is a risk to diabetes and other lifelong diseases.
- Increase your daily activities. It is essential to be active throughout the day. Implement daily exercise routines to your lifestyle. Activities help with lower blood sugar levels. It further helps in insulin resistance, which is a significant symptom of PCOS in some women. Moreover, it helps in obtaining a healthy weight and avoids the risk of diabetes.
- Another essential factor for PCOS control is to follow a good sleeping pattern and hygiene.
- A maximum of eight to ten hours of sleep per night is a must.
- A particular bedtime routine should be followed. A specific time should be set, as well.
- It is advisable to avoid rich fatty foods right before going to bed.
- Aim to reduce stress, and remain calm.
- Breathe in the fresh air, and every once in a while, invest in self-care.
5. Consume Chromium In A Higher Quantity
Chromium, like other minerals, helps in the balance of insulin and blood sugar levels in the body. Furthermore, chromium supplements also help people with diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. According to certain research, the mineral acts as PCOS medications used for its treatment.
In conclusion, PCOS is a condition that most women, from the estimated age of 14 to 44, suffer from it. No such treatments have been discovered to cure the syndrome completely. But certain methods and treatments help in controlling the symptoms of PCOS.
