What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused due to a hormone dysfunction that affects women. Polycystic: poly=many + cystic= related or characterized by cysts (adjective), which mean many cysts on the ovaries. We have two ovaries, and both are responsible for producing sex hormones. Women with PCOS produce an excessive number of male hormones which disrupt the menstrual cycle. Another function of the ovaries is to shelter and protect the eggs every woman is born with until they are ready to be used. From puberty we begin to release an egg each month (in a healthy menstrual cycle.) With PCOS the egg may not be released or if it is, it rarely gets mature enough to continue the ovulation process. It causes those tiny cysts on the surface of the ovaries because instead of growing to be released the egg stops in the middle of the process. PCOS is one the most common causes of infertility.

Main of PCOS

PCOS can vary from woman to woman. Each woman will have different manifestations; for example, you can have a couple of these indicators mentioned below, a combination of them or even all of them together. Also, PCOS changes throughout a woman’s lifespan. You can stop having one symptom and another symptom suddenly appears, such as your cycle possibly becoming regular at some point and the period pain getting worse. There are other symptoms, but the most common ones are:

Acne on the face, chest, and upper back

Irregular menstrual cycle, women with PCOS have fewer periods or missing periods. Some women even stop having periods.

Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight; some women can have eating disorders such as bingeing as well as an excessive craving for sugar and carbs

Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts

Depression and/or anxiety, women with PCOS are more likely to experience these mental issues

Hair growth on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair.

Strong PMS symptoms

Small cysts on the ovaries which can be detected with an ultrasound

How to Diagnose PCOS

Diagnosing PCOS is not that simple, and there is no single test. You need to have at least two symptoms, and also a range of tests, such as an ultrasound and blood test (to check your hormones levels). It is important to emphasize that it is possible for a woman to have a polycystic ovary without developing the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS affects around 1 in 10 women of the reproductive age between adolescence to menopause. However, many cases remain undiagnosed.

Treating PCOS

A life-style change including exercise and a healthier diet can help to regulate the hormones. Allopathic medicine generally uses hormonal birth control, anti-androgen medicines and metformin. Unfortunately, regardless of the efficacy of those medicines on PCOS, they all can have side-effects which can vary from mild to severe. Alternative medicine also offers a range of natural options, which when combined have shown positive results. Yoga has also been shown to regulate hormones. No wonder why Yoga classes are full of women!

Yoga For PCOS

Managing stress is an important part of the possible treatment of PCOS as well as any other condition. In our modern society the sympathetic part of the nervous system (which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response) is often over stimulated. The over stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system for an extended period of time cause an imbalance in our system which can result in a number of health issues. Stress makes your body produce an excess of cortisol which creates an imbalance in your hormonal function. Yoga integrates mind and body, and during a typical class we hold postures, we use breathing techniques and many different types meditations which naturally stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the “rest and digest” response). It is been proven that simple conscious breaths can activate your parasympathetic system. The stress sometimes deeply stored in our system gets released promoting relaxation which helps to balance hormones and manage blood sugar and insulin levels.

Conclusion

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can affect many parts of our lives from personal to professional. Treatment is not simple due to the complexity of this condition. Reversing this condition or having a significant improvement in your symptoms and quality of life is possible. However, it requires a whole life-style change and a deep commitment to your self-care and your health. Changes are certainly not easy but by using a method that respects your body, like Yoga, they can become easier and even fun.