PCOS: All You Need to Know to Fight it

PCOS is something that every women needs to be aware of. The reason why is simple, it is becoming more and more common each day. From young girls to elderly ladies, everyone can be a victim of PCOS. Studies show that one out of every 10 women is suffering from this condition and the numbers continue to go up each year.

The thing is, PCOS don’t come alone. It brings in a few other diseases with  like diabetes, heart condition, irregular menstrual cycle, obesity, adult acne, facial hair and even infertility. This is a nightmare situation for most women who want to conceive. Surprisingly, most find out when they are trying to have a baby.

So in order to fight back, you need to know a few facts about PCOS, why it occurs and what can you do to keep it at bay. Here is the information to give you better insight of PCOS.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is short for polycystic ovary syndrome. It occurs in the ovaries, where water filled cysts develop, making a sort of hindrance for your eggs to mature and be released. This is what gives way to irregular menstrual cycle or no periods at all. Sounds simple enough? It isn’t. PCOS is believed to be one of the most complex disorders that happen among women.

The diagnosis for PCOS is given when either there are cysts in the ovaries or when there is production of excessive male hormone, known as androgens, in the body. When this hormone range is too high, it causes thinning of hair, irregular menstrual cycle, acne on the back, face or chest, and weight gain.  The worst thing about PCOS is that it is very common. Doctors still haven’t been able to find an absolute cure.

Why Does PCOS Occur?

The actual reason has not still been discovered. Experts have different opinions on the matter. Some claim that PCOS is passed through the genes, from mother to daughter. Other experts believe that resistance to insulin and inflammation that takes place because of it, leads to the development of PCOS. Yet another group of researchers think that PCOS can happen due abnormal fetal development. There are another set of scientists who think that  hormonally grown food that we eat is the leading cause of PCOS among young girls.

But these are all conclusions based on limited research. There is yet no concrete evidence of why PCOS happens to some women, while others remain safe from it. How do you know whether or not you are at risk?

Look at some of the most obvious things. Did your mother, sister, grandmother or aunt have PCOS? If yes, the chances of you having them are pretty high. Are you overweight or obese? You automatically become more at risk. Do you have insulin resistance? Put a check on your acquiring PCOS. Have you been eating chicken and eggs that have been given hormonal injections? Yes, you are on the list of people who can develop PCOS.

If you think you or someone you love is at risk of having PCOS, check out your symptoms before letting things get out of hand.

Signs and Symptoms

The thing with PCOS is that not everyone has the same signs and symptoms. As mentioned before, most women don’t even discover they have them until they start having difficulty with conceiving. But doctors generally look at a few basic things before they test you for PCOS. Here are some things you can check to see whether or not you may have PCOS.

• Very oily skin with acne. The acne continues even when you have outgrown the age of puberty
• Excessive hair growth, mostly on the face
• Weight gain that is extremely difficult to lose
• Irregular menstrual cycle or no menses after a time
• Anovultion, means no egg is produced. This leads to infertility concerns
• Darkening of skin on the groin area, armpits and face
• Obesity
• Mood swings
• Miscarriages

Do you have two or more symptoms that persist? Well, you may have PCOS. Instead of making any self-diagnosis, get in touch with your doctor. They will do an ultrasound to determine whether or not there are any cysts on the ovaries and take the treatment from there.

PCOS Management

The sad reality of fact is, PCOS is pretty much incurable. Once you acquire, it cannot disappear just like that. This most certainly does not mean that all hope is lost. PCOS can be managed and treated in order to remain healthy. Some of the most common treatment methods include the following.

Weight Management

Yes it is true that losing weight with PCOS is very difficult, but it most certainly is not an impossible task.  With the right diet, you can get rid of the extra pounds. Keep in mind that the more weight you put on, the worse your PCOS will get and give rise to problems like diabetes, obesity, heart conditions and infertility.

So how can you lose weight with PCOS? First get this mantra in your head, even the difference of 5 pounds will help improve your PCOS condition. In order to get rid of the extra fat, get your insulin checked first. By controlling your insulin levels, you will see that your food cravings will reduce, but you are also able to make your diet and exercise programs work more effectively. You may also be a candidate for the DNA Uprint from Health Solutions Plus.

Diet and Exercise

Remember how hormones can allow you to develop PCOS? It is also increasing your weight. Opt for food items that have low calorie count, more nutrients and are not processed. Salads, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables are your best friend in your efforts for weight loss.

Exercise does not just speed up the process of weight loss, it also keeps the hormones in control. You will be surprised by how good you feel after a powerful day of exercise. Make sure you work out 3-5 days for at least 30 minutes. Don’t go for routines that are too strenuous. Instead participate in things like cycling, running, or swimming.

Stress is Making it Worse

Please know that the only thing stress is doing to you is taking things from bad to worse. Instead of worrying or getting anxiety about what to do, focus on practical things that will help you in getting the condition under control.  Adrenal gland function is key for cases like this.

Do not forget, PCOS is not hopeless. It can be managed. So see your doctor, and focus on improving your symptoms.  If you are looking for more of a holistic approach, please call Health Solutions Plus at 716-773-4707.

References

• https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/pcos-what-you-need-to-know/
• http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a43124/7-things-every-woman-should-know-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome/
• https://www.prevention.com/health/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-polycystic-ovary-syndrome