Are you facing trouble conceiving despite several efforts? Have you considered the most common reason for infertility in women? Well, we are talking about PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a hormonal imbalance disorder, which impairs fertility by affecting menstruation and ovulation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects as many as 1 out of 15 women, often in the reproductive age (12-45). It is genetic and has no cure; it needs to be managed by diet, lifestyle and medication to prevent further complications.
Let us find out more about this condition in detail.
What Causes PCOS?
Now let us have a look at the polycystic ovarian syndrome causes. You will be surprised to know that both, male and female hormones are secreted in a woman’s body.
In the case of obese women, overweight disturbs this hormonal equilibrium, converting estrogen (female hormone) into testosterone (male hormone). The excessive androgens levels impact production of eggs and menstrual cycle.
In this condition, excessive secretion of male hormones known as ‘androgens’ results in impaired production and release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation.
Researchers also suspect insulin to be linked to polycystic ovary disease.
Women with PCOS are typically “insulin resistant” — increased production of insulin to deliver glucose from the blood into the muscles.
The excess insulin reaches the ovaries, where it triggers the production of testosterone, thereby impairing fertility.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms To Check Out For:
Here are some of the polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms that can help you identify get the condition treated earliest.
- Cysts on ovaries. This is one of the most common signs of polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual periods: menses within 25-35 days with three to five days of bleeding is normal. Anything on and off, early or after this period is considered as irregular menstrual cycle.
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes.
- Acne, oily skin, or dandruff.
- Increase in weight or obesity, usually with extra weight around the waist.
- Male pattern baldness or thinning hair.
PCOS And Complications :
Apart from conception difficulties, it causes hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.
According to the recent studies,
- More than 50 percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) before the age of 40.
- The risk of heart attack is 4 to seven times higher in women with PCOS than their counterparts.
- They are at greater risk of high blood pressure.
- Women with PCOS have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Women with PCOS can develop sleep apnea. This is when breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep.
- Women with PCOS are also at risk for ovarian cancer.
Managing PCOS :
It involves the kind of polycystic ovarian syndrome diet, lifestyle changes and polycystic ovary syndrome treatment.
A recent research has found diet and lifestyle modifications to be more effective than medication – Clomid and Metformin in managing PCOS. The exciting news is that it showed diet and lifestyle changes resulted in a 20% pregnancy rate!
So, even slight changes can beat you off your infertility blues. And the best option to go for is the polycystic ovarian syndrome natural treatment.
Your well-balanced diet, exercise and weight management greatly influence your chances of being able to get pregnant.
You need to manage your insulin levels to manage your testosterone and your PCOS symptoms.
If on the heavier side, the first thing you got to do is to lose those extra pounds and switch to a slimmer body.
Diet:
- Have a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
- Avoid highly refined foods and opt for lower GI (Glycemic Index) foods.
- Say no to dairy products.
- No added sugar and if possible avoid sweeteners as these have been shown to raise insulin levels even though they have a very low caloric value.
- Include all of the amazing green vegetables for folic acid, vitamin-C rich fruits such as orange, lemon, sweet lime, grape fruit, lean meats and whole foods.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol as they lead to nutrients deficiency.
A researcher has found that meal timing can help women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) manage their glucose and insulin levels to improve overall fertility.
A study published in clinical science, found that a low-calorie weight-loss plan focusing on larger breakfasts and smaller dinners resulted in 56% decrease in insulin resistance and a 50% decrease in testosterone, which further led to a 50% rise in ovulation rate.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment includes ovulation inducing drugs, anti-diabetic drugs and birth control pills.
Do not neglect irregular menses. Consult a renowned gynecologist as early as possible and do not get low or freaked out if you are diagnosed positive with PCOS. You can get through it!
Finally, few wise words – whether you want to conceive or not, keeping fit should be the top most priority for every woman right from the initial stages of their lives.
This will help in negating any abnormalities from time to time and also continue to be a strong asset in dealing with serious complications that may arise in their later stages.
We daughters grow up imitating our mothers. So, it’s high time for all the mommies to teach their juniors the discipline to keep fit and feel responsible towards their health.
Share this post with those lovely ladies among your family and friends as a token of your love and care.