POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS

What causes PCOS

Diagnosis

Treatment

Right foods for PCOS

PCOS exercise program

Living with PCOS

Preventing pcos







IS PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disease that causes enlarged ovaries with tiny cysts on the outside margins. It is a health issue that affects one out of every ten women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have hormonal imbalances and metabolism issues, which can have an impact on their overall health and attractiveness. Infertility caused by PCOS is also a prevalent and curable condition.

The ovaries are affected by hormonal imbalance. The ovaries are responsible for producing the egg that is discharged each month as part of a normal menstrual cycle. In PCOS, the egg may not mature properly or may not be released properly during ovulation.

PCOS can result in missed or irregular menstrual cycles. Period irregularities can result in: -Infertility (inability to get pregnant). PCOS is one of the most common reasons for female infertility.

-Cyst formation (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries

The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown, but it may be caused by a mix of hereditary and environmental factors.

PCOS affects between 5% and 10% of women aged 15 to 44, or during the years when they can have children. Most women discover they have PCOS in their twenties and thirties when they have difficulty getting pregnant and visiting their doctor. Yet, PCOS can occur at any age following puberty.

PCOS can affect women of all races and ethnicities. Obesity and having a mother, sister, or aunt with PCOS may increase your risk of developing the condition.

SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

- Irregular menstrual cycle is one of the signs of PCOS. Women with PCOS may experience missed periods or have fewer periods (fewer than eight in a year). Alternatively, their cycles may occur every 21 days or more frequently. Some PCOS women experience a cessation of menstruation.

-Excessive hair on the face, chin, or other areas of the body where men typically have hair. This is known as "hirsutism." Hirsutism affects up to 70% of PCOS women.

-Face, chest, and upper back acne

-Hair loss or thinning on the scalp in men

-pattern hair loss

-Weight gain or trouble losing weight

-Skin darkening, especially around neck creases, in the groin, and beneath breasts

-Skin tags, which are little extra skin flaps in the armpits or neck.

WHAT CAUSES PCOS

The precise cause of PCOS is unknown. Most scientists believe that genetics, among other things, play a role:

-High androgen levels. Androgens are commonly referred to as "man hormones," although all women produce tiny amounts of androgens. Androgens influence the development of male characteristics, such as male-pattern baldness. Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens than normal. Elevated androgen levels in women can hinder the ovaries from producing an egg (ovulation) throughout each menstrual cycle, as well as produce excessive hair growth and acne, all of which are symptoms of PCOS.

-Excessive insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that regulates how food is converted into energy. Insulin resistance occurs when the cells of the body do not respond appropriately to insulin. As a result, your insulin blood levels rise above normal. Many PCOS women have insulin resistance, particularly those who are overweight or obese, have poor eating habits, do not receive enough physical activity, and have a family history of diabetes (usually type 2 diabetes). Insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes over time.

-Low-grade inflammation: PCOS patients frequently experience persistent low-grade inflammation. Blood tests can be performed by your healthcare practitioner to detect levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body.

DIAGNOSIS

There is no single test that can be used to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor may ask you about your medical history as well as do a physical exam and various tests to help diagnose PCOS and rule out other explanations for your symptoms.

-Physical examination. Your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size will be measured by your doctor. They will also examine your skin for excess hair on your face, chest, or back, as well as acne or skin discoloration. Your doctor may examine you for symptoms of hair loss or other health problems (such as an enlarged thyroid gland).

-Pelvic examination. Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to look for symptoms of excess male hormones (such as an enlarged clitoris) and to see if your ovaries are big or swollen.

Ultrasound of the pelvic region (sonogram). This test uses sound waves to inspect your ovaries for cysts and the endometrium (lining of the uterus or womb).

-Three blood tests. Blood tests measure your androgen hormone levels, also known as "man hormones." Your doctor will also look for other hormones associated with other common health issues that can be confused with PCOS, such as thyroid illness. Your doctor may also perform cholesterol and diabetes tests on you.

After ruling out other illnesses, you may be diagnosed with PCOS if you exhibit at least two of the following symptoms:

-Irregular periods, including those that occur too frequently, insufficiently, or not at all.

-Indications of elevated androgen levels:

Excessive facial, chin, and body hair growth (hirsutism)

Acne

Hair loss on the scalp

androgen levels in the blood that are higher than typical

-Several cysts on one or both ovaries

TREATMENT

There is no treatment for PCOS, however, the symptoms can be managed. You and your doctor will devise a treatment plan based on your symptoms, plans for having children, and risk of long-term health concerns including diabetes and heart disease. Many women will require a combination of treatments, including: -home remedies to alleviate symptoms

-Medicines

What can I do at home to alleviate my PCOS symptoms?

You can help your PCOS symptoms at home by doing the following: -Losing weight. Regular physical activity and healthy eating habits might help relieve PCOS symptoms. Reducing weight may aid in lowering blood glucose levels, improving insulin use, and restoring hormone levels to normal. Even a 10% weight decrease (for example, a 150-pound woman shedding 15 pounds) can help your menstrual cycle become more regular and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. 3 Learn more about maintaining a healthy weight.

-Hair removal. To eliminate extra hair, you can use facial hair removal products, laser hair removal, or electrolysis. Hair removal lotions and treatments are available at drugstores. Laser hair removal and electrolysis must be performed by a doctor and may not be covered by health insurance.

-Reducing hair growth. A prescription skin treatment (eflornithine HCl cream) can help decrease the rate of new hair growth in undesirable areas.

What medications are used to treat PCOS?

PCOS and its symptoms are treated with the following medications: -Hormonal birth control, which includes the pill, patch, shot, vaginal ring, and hormone intrauterine device (IUD). Hormonal birth control can help women who don't want to get pregnant by Increasing the regularity of their menstrual cycle; lowering their risk of endometrial cancer; and helping to improve acne and remove excess hair on the face and body (Ask your doctor about birth control with both estrogen and progesterone.)

-Anti-androgen drugs. These medications inhibit the action of androgens, which can aid in the reduction of scalp hair loss, facial and body hair growth, and acne. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them for the treatment of PCOS symptoms. Some medications can also create complications during pregnancy.

-Metformin. Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and may benefit some women suffering from PCOS symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS symptoms. Metformin enhances insulin's capacity to lower blood sugar levels and has the potential to lower both insulin and androgen levels. Metformin may help restart ovulation after a few months of use, although it usually has minimal effect on acne and excess hair on the face or body. According to new studies, metformin may offer additional benefits such as decreasing the body mass and improving cholesterol levels.

RIGHT FOODS FOR PCOS

What effect does nutrition have on PCOS?

Insulin levels in PCOS patients are frequently reported to be higher than usual. Insulin is a hormone manufactured in the pancreas. It aids the body's cells in the conversion of sugar (glucose) to energy.

Blood sugar levels can rise if you don't create enough insulin. This can also occur if you have insulin resistance, which means you are unable to efficiently use the insulin you do make.

If you have insulin resistance, your body may try to produce excessive amounts of insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. High insulin levels might lead your ovaries to create more androgens, such as testosterone.

A greater body mass index may also contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can make it difficult to lose weight, which is why patients with PCOS frequently have this problem. A diet strong in refined carbohydrates, such as starchy and sugary meals, might exacerbate insulin resistance, making weight loss more difficult to achieve.

What foods should I incorporate into my PCOS diet?

-High-fiber diets can help prevent insulin resistance by slowing digestion and lowering blood sugar levels. This could be advantageous for persons who have PCOS.

These are some high-fiber dietary examples:

Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are examples of cruciferous vegetables.

-greens, such as arugula and red leaf lettuce

-red and green peppers

-lentils and beans

Almonds, berries, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and pumpkin

-While lean protein sources such as tofu, chicken, and fish do not include fiber, they are a full and nutritious dietary alternative for those with PCOS.

-Foods that aid in inflammation reduction may also be beneficial. Among these foods are: -tomatoes

-Kale and spinach -almonds, and walnuts

-extra virgin olive oil -fruits such as blueberries and strawberries

-Omega-3 fatty acid-rich seafood such as salmon and sardines.

With PCOS, which foods should I limit or avoid?

Refined carbs induce inflammation and worsen insulin resistance, thus they should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Among these are highly processed foods such as: -white bread

-muffins

-pastries for breakfast

-sweet desserts

-anything containing white flour

Spaghetti noodles made with semolina, durum flour, or durum wheat flour are heavy in carbohydrates and poor in fiber. Spaghetti prepared from bean or lentil flour rather than wheat flour is a healthy alternative.

Sugar is a carbohydrate that should be avoided when following a PCOS diet. When reading food labels, keep an eye out for sugar's different names, such as:

-sucrose

-HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)

-dextrose

On a PCOS diet, you should limit your intake of sugary beverages like soda and juice, as well as inflammatory foods like fries, margarine, and red or processed meats.

But, before eliminating several foods from your diet, consult with a doctor. They can offer an eating plan that is appropriate for you and your specific demands.



PCOS EXERCISE PROGRAM

Certain lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS.

Exercise and daily physical mobility are among the modifications. Both, when combined with low consumption of refined carbs, can help minimize insulin resistance. Several experts think that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended.

Stress might be caused by the symptoms of PCOS. Stress reduction practices that help relax the mind and connect you with your body can be beneficial. Yoga and meditation are examples of these.

-Moderate exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, can all help with PCOS. This form of exercise improves insulin sensitivity, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Doing 30 minutes or more per day can also help with weight management, depression, and anxiety symptoms, and increasing menstrual cycle and ovulation frequency. If you're going to begin IVF, frequent gentle exercise can help you get pregnant.

-Bodyweight activities such as squats, push-ups, and tricep dips not only increase insulin function in your body, but they can also boost your metabolism by increasing muscle mass. Don't worry, you won't gain weight unless you use steroids! Greater muscle simply means burning more calories while exercising, as well as throughout the day, even when not exercising. Mixing strength exercises with cardio exercise is the most effective strategy to grow a lean body, maintain a healthy BMI, and lower your risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

-Intervals include alternating between short bursts of high-intensity labor and rest periods of lower intensity. It's a quick approach to improve your cardiovascular fitness, with added benefits for PCOS. Riding hard on the spin bike burns more calories and decreases belly fat more effectively than a brisk stroll. This can help you lose 5 to 10% of your body weight, which has been shown in studies to reduce PCOS symptoms by reducing excess testosterone and improving insulin resistance.

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Being overweight can result in lower back pain and poor posture, so including core exercise in your program is critical. These muscles support the spine, and knowing how to activate them prevents injury during activity. Start working on your pelvic floor muscles if you're attempting to conceive! These muscles, which are also part of your core, help avoid incontinence, promote sexual health, and increase pelvic stability, all of which contribute to a safe pregnancy.

Speaking with a therapist or other healthcare expert may also be beneficial.



LIVING WITH PCOS

According to research, PCOS symptoms such as excessive hair growth, hair loss, acne, weight changes, and fertility issues can have a negative impact on mood, self-confidence, and body image.

It has also been demonstrated that the longer a woman waits to be diagnosed with PCOS, the more likely she is to feel depressed or nervous.

Coping with PCOS symptoms can be difficult, especially if you don't know what's causing them.



PREVENTING PCOS

There is no established way to avoid PCOS, but you can lessen your symptoms by taking minor efforts. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight for your body, for example, can help you prevent the complications of PCOS.