In the recent times, 1 in 8 or half a million, women of childbearing age suffer from Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and seek PCOD Problem Treatment options. Thanks to medical advancements and scientific natural inventions, through which PCOS can be cured easily.
Most women don't even know that they have PCOS and those who do often suffer in shame and silence. Understanding PCOS and getting treated at right time can save one’s life and fills bliss.
What is PCOD/PCOS?
PCOS is known as one of the major causes of infertility with its effects on cardiovascular health. In a few western countries, it also contributes to one of the causes of death.
This condition usually is seen in women of childbearing age due to hormonal imbalance. It causes problems with menstrual periods and makes it hard to conceive. It also makes unwanted changes in the way you look.
If it is life untreated, it may lead to severe health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancers.So, Consult experienced best gynecologist in yashoda hospital to get complete treatment for PCOD
In women with PCOS, many small cysts are witnessed on their ovaries. Thus, it is known as polycystic ovary syndrome. Though cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.
What causes PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS continue even when both the ovaries are removed, which means the root cause of the problem is not in ovaries but in the metabolism. According to the sources, the precise cause of PCOS is not clear, but there exist several abnormalities recognized in women with PCOS.
Women suffering from PCOS results in producing excessive insulin which results in the production of androgens - a male hormone, that interrupts in the menstrual cycle & impaired fertility. Also, insulin hinders the normal growth of follicles in the ovary resulting in PCOS condition.
The existence of small cysts in ovaries is not explicit for PCOS, as women who don’t have PCOS may also have ovarian cysts. Thus, the occurrence of cysts is not expected to be the cause of PCOS symptoms.
How to diagnose if a person has PCOD?
Usually, doctors diagnose PCOS in women who experience at least two of the below symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- High androgen levels
- Ovarian Cysts
Moreover, your doctor must ask whether you’ve had symptoms such as unplanned weight gain, unwanted face & body hair growth, and acne.
The pelvic exam assesses problems related to ovaries or other parts of the reproductive tract. During this test, doctor inserts gloved fingers into vagina &looks for any growths in ovaries or uterus.
Blood tests are performed to check whether the male hormones are higher-than-normal levels. Further, blood tests are performed to check a patient’s insulin, cholesterol, & triglyceride levels to assess the risk related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
An ultrasound is done to check any abnormal follicles & other problems related to ovaries and uterus.
{ Also Read: Top 5 Home Remedies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome }
Most common symptoms of PCOD
In a few cases, the symptoms of PCOS is seen around the time of their first period itself. Whereas in others cases, it is discovered after gaining a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble in conceiving.
Below are the most common symptoms of PCOS:
Irregular periods: Improper ovulation prevents uterine lining from shedding at every month
Unwanted Hair growth: Over 70 percent of women with PCOS witness unwanted hair growth on their face and body - subsuming on their belly, chest, and back.
Heavy bleeding: The period of uterine lining builds up is more, because of which your periods may be heavier than normal.
Acne: Presence of male hormones makes the skin oilier than usual and results in breakouts on areas like the chest, face and upper back.
Weight gain: Being overweight or obese
Hair loss or baldness: Hair on scalp get thinner & fall out.
Skin Darkening: Formation of dark patches of skin especially in body creases such as the neck, in the groin, & under the breasts.
Headaches: Due to hormonal women may even experience a headache.
Exams and Tests to identify PCOS
Blood tests are performed to assess the levels of male hormones, such as testosterone and DHEA, as well as gonadotropins. Also, levels of hormones produced by thyroid & adrenal glands can also be assessed to overcome other causes of PCOS symptoms.
Though the presence of cysts in the ovaries is not definite for PCOS, several affected women will have polycystic ovaries. However, the presence of cysts in ovaries is a common finding even in women without PCOS.
PCOS is also identified by performing imaging studies like ultrasound, which uses sound waves to generate an image of the ovaries. In a few cases, especially when other conditions like ovarian or adrenal gland tumors are assumed, CT and MRI scans can be ordered.
Who can get PCOS?
Women during their childbearing age i.e. between 20’s and 35’s may experience PCOS and find difficulty in getting pregnant.
Complications with PCOS
Presence of higher-than-normal androgen levels affects fertility as well as other aspects of health. Following are the aspects that affect due to PCOS.
Infertility
PCOS is one of the major causes of infertility in women. Due to PCOS, they don’t ovulate regularly and don’t release required eggs to be fertilized, thus it is difficult for them to get pregnant.
Metabolic syndrome
Women with PCOS are obese, which increase the risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. All these factors together called as metabolic syndrome.
Sleep apnea
Frequent pauses in breathing at night, which interrupt sleep is called sleep apnea, which is more common in women who are obese-especially if they have PCOS.
Endometrial cancer
At the time of ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If a woman doesn’t ovulate every month, that lining can build up and increases the risk for endometrial cancer.
Depression
Hormonal changes and unwanted hair growth show negatively effect on emotions, which may end up experiencing nervousness and depression.
{ Also Read : Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women That You Should Not Ignore }
When to seek treatment for PCOS
See a doctor immediately if:
- You have missed periods, but not pregnant.
- You experience PCOS symptoms, such as unwanted hair growth on body or face.
- You have diabetes symptoms, such as excess hunger or thirst, unexplained weight loss, or blurred vision.
- You have been trying to conceive for over 12 months but haven’t been successful.
If an individual suffering from PCOS, plan regular visits with primary care doctor and have regular tests to check for high blood pressure, diabetes, & other possible complications.
How to Prevent PCOS
As the cause of PCOS is rarely understood, it is difficult to prevent PCOS. However, maintenance of a healthy weight & hygienic lifestyle is vital to prevent and control several conditions that associate with PCOS.
Ayurveda Treatment for PCOS
PCOS Problem treatment in Ayurveda involves the blend of powerful herbs that reinforces the reproductive system. Also, these herbs treat hormonal imbalance and inflammation which are at the root of PCOS. Below are few herbs that help in treating PCOS naturally.
Shilajit (Purified Asphaltum): Shilajit contains anti-inflammatory effects which boost immunity & energy levels and restores the female reproductive system
Shatavari (AsparagasRacemosus): Shatavari, rich in several steroidal saponins, which acts as antioxidants & protect the female reproductive system. It also helps in improving fertility.
Karavellaka (MomordicaCharantia): It has potent anti-diabetic properties, and it regulates periods and assists in weight loss.
Haridra (Curcuma Longa): It reduces acne, improves complexion, detoxifies the female reproductive system, which aids in weight loss, & improves insulin resistance.
Drusilla (Tweak) (CinnamomumZeylanicum): It develops insulin sensitivity & boosts fertility.
Guduchi (TinosporaCordifolia): This is not only an immune booster but also boost female sex drive
Ashoka (SaracaIndica): It helps in regulating estrogen levels and its antimicrobial & antifungal activity assists in protecting urinary tract from bacterial & fungal infections.
Lodhra (SymplocosRacemosa): It helps in regulating ovarian hormones &develops fertility.
Ayurveda: Do’s & Don’ts
The following are the Do’s and Don’ts
- Reduce the intake of dairy products, subsuming curd & other milk products. Can drink buttermilk.
- Avoid sleeping at the daytime & try to get incessant sleep at night.
- Avoid junk food and white sugar
- Avoid non-vegetarian food.
- Use herbs such as garlic, fenugreek, and cinnamon in your daily diet.
- Prefer herbal teas such as green tea or spearmint tea
- Eat healthy fats such as ghee
Yoga Asanas For PCOS
- Bhadrasana (Butterfly Pose)
- Naukasana (Boat Pose)
- Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja’s Twist)
- Shalabhasana (The Locust Pose)
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
- Sarvangasana (Reverse Body Or Shoulder Stand Pose)
How to overcome PCOS problem naturally
PCOS problem treatment usually onsets with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and diet. 5 to 10 percent of weight loss helps in regulating menstrual cycle & improve PCOS symptoms. Also, losing weight improves cholesterol levels, reduce heart disease, lower insulin and diabetes risks.
Any diet that aids in losing weight can assist in PCOS condition. According to the studies, including fruits, vegetables, & whole grains assists in regulating the menstrual cycle. Along with proper diet, doing exercise for at least three days a week help women with PCOS in losing weight. Weight loss also improves insulin levels and ovulation.
A proper diet with sufficient exercise shown great results in PCOS recovery.
Research about diet and PCOS
According to the latest studies, the most effective ways of managing PCOS is having a proper diet plan and lifestyle changes. The first and foremost thing one has to take care when diagnosed with PCOS is changing diet plan. Though there are many medications prescribed by the doctors to treat PCOS, even proper diet and lifestyle changes are vital for effective results.
Diet for PCOS
Whole foods: These are rich in fiber and take longer for the body to metabolize, which means they are absorbed gradually into the bloodstream and consumes less insulin. Less insulin means less testosterone.
Foods rich in fiber are as follows:
- Greens include Red Leaf Lettuce & Arugula
- Cauliflower, Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts
- Beans & Lentils
- Almonds
- Green & Red Peppers
- Berries
- Winter Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Pumpkin
Anti-inflammatory foods: Women suffering from PCOS have low levels of chronic swelling, which makes individuals more resistant to insulin, constantly fatigued & prone to gaining weight.
- Include, dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach in your diet
- Intake of blueberries, blackberries, and cherries is also good for PCOS
- Eat as much as dark red grapes
- Even nutrition-dense vegetables, like broccoli as well as cauliflower, must be included in the diet.
Other Anti-inflammatory foods include green tea, beans, and lentils, red wine, in moderation avocado and coconut, olives, extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds, cold water fish, subsuming salmon, cinnamon and turmeric, dark chocolate, spices and herbs
PCOS meal plan Diet
Below is the sample diet plan for PCOS sufferers.
Breakfast
Breakfast options include,
- Green smoothies prepared with avocado, almond butter, spinach, apple & some fresh berries
- Have avocado, eggs, and bacon or boiled egg in breakfast
- Grain-free granola
Lunch
For lunch, opt for:
- Fresh Salads
- Soups
Dinner
For Dinner prefer:
- Chicken thighs with roasted veggies and sweet potato wedges
- Sausages, veggies and mashed sweet potatoes
- Have salmon, steamed baby potatoes & a salad.
Do’s and don’ts in PCOD diet:
- Your daily diet must include lots of fruits & vegetables.
- Try to avoid dairy products.
- Intake lean cuts of chicken & fish, however, avoid red meat.
- Drink more water to remain hydrated i.e. at least 2-3 liters per day. Fluids such as coconut water, vegetable soups, buttermilk, & smoothies can also be consumed.
- Avoid aerated drinks & sugary foods.
- Avoid saturated & hydrogenated fats from diet and eat unsaturated fats.
- Binge on whole wheat products such as wheat poha, and wheat pasta
- Avoid maida and suji
- Instead of white rice include brown rice in your diet. Even including red rice as a substitute for white rice is also a good option.
- Add natural herbs in diet such as flax seeds, coriander, methi seeds, cinnamon.
- Have millets such as barley, quinoa, ragi, and oats in your diet.
- Eat nuts such as walnuts and almonds but not cashews
- Whole pulses such as skinned green moong dal, yellow moong dal, chana dal, whole pulses should be included in the diet.
- Eat smaller meals often throughout the day; Have salads but not pickles and papads. Do regular exercise at least for 30- 40 minutes.
- Never skip breakfast.
- Sleep right & avoid stress.
PCOS disrupts woman’s menstrual cycles and makes it harder to conceive—a dream of every woman at least once in their lifetime. Consult the best doctors with well-expertized hospitals Yashoda hospital somajiguda doctors they can suggest proper treatment and precautions which can make wonders and even rejuvenates your reproductive system and relieve PCOS symptoms
Don’t delay! Get precise diet plan from plus100years dietitians either to kick out PCOS or its symptoms.
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