Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which women have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or secrete male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small follicles and fail to regularly release eggs.
Although, exact cause of PCOS is still unknown but early diagnosis and treatment reduces the long-term complications like type II diabetes and heart problems.
The main problem experienced by women with PCOS is the range of symptoms that occur and currently there isn’t a cure and only the symptoms can be cured. The symptoms also differ from person to person due to different eating habits and lifestyle.
Some of the common symptoms include irregular, infrequent and non-existent menstrual periods. While few women experience other symptoms like emotional instability, pelvic pain, infertility, excessive hair growth, weight gain, hair loss and acne.
With expert advises from Doctors, Nutritionists and testimonials from real women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, this article covers the best ways suggested to help relieve the mental and physical strain of PCOS.
Diet
While the word diet may strike fear to many, it’s more about finding a balance in eating habits. Refrain yourself from the intake of refined carbohydrates in any form like white bread, potatoes, cakes and pastries etc. Choose from high protein options like chickpeas, avocado, eggs to balance blood sugar levels, reduce cravings and balance an idle weight. The stress should be avoided and eat nutritious diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, healthy fiber supports the micro biome diversity and reduces inflammation.
Exercise
Women face anxiety and depression in PCOS. Exercise helps to overcome mental afflictions such as depression. The right combination of diet and exercise acts as the best tool to manage PCOS.
Exercise of most types helps to increase metabolic rate, reduce insulin resistance and stabilizes mood. A mix of different exercise proves useful in PCOS.
Cardio: – Brisk Walks, Jogging, Cycling, Swimming are four cardio workouts that should be done for at least 30 mins everyday.
Strength Training: – Simple strength exercises like squats, press ups and core exercises help to increase your muscle mass and therefore the function of insulin in the body. While a routine seems hard to begin and stick to, the overall benefits are worth the effort.
Supplements
Although, supplements don’t replace food still some of the supplements are used to increase the levels of what your body requires soon. Some of the commonly recognized supplements that are beneficial for PCOS are
- Vitamin D
- B12
- Omega 3
- Zinc
- Chromium
Along with diet and exercise, supplements make up a larger approach to deal with PCOS. If your body demands the intake of supplements then take some time out to consider any type of changes required emotionally or physically to ensure that you’re only making changes for good.
Prescriptions
Some of the prescription medicines are also available for cure PCOS symptoms. Anti-androgen drugs are prescribed for hair growth and cyclical progestogen drugs to regularize the periods.
All of these drugs should be taken only when prescribed by a medical health practitioner.