“Healthy Women, Healthy World”, embodies the fact that as custodians of family health, women play a critical role in maintaining the health and overall well-being of their communities. The health of families and communities is tied to the health of women. The illness or death of a woman has serious and far-reaching consequences for the health of her children, family, and even community. Today, women’s health is taking on a higher position in society as in this date and age, there are multiple women health awareness programs and workshops being conducted across the world, improving women’s health by supporting unbiased medical research and right education. The health of women is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors.
While both men and women contract various conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. One of the many common health issues in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) a hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women, however, it is still often misunderstood and mismanaged, leading many women to suffer in silence.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. When in a woman’s body, the DHT and testosterone hormones are higher than they should be, it leads to PCOS.
The most common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
Irregular menstruation cycle
Acne
Oily skin and hair
Excess hair growth on the body
Hair loss
Weight gain/trouble losing weight
Darkened skin patches
Infertility issues
There are mainly 4 types of PCOS
(i) insulin-resistant: This is when there are higher levels of insulin than normal – also known as hyperinsulinemia.
(ii) Adrenal PCOS – This occurs during a massive stressful period. Marked indicators are high levels of cortisol and DHEA – a hormone produced by your body’s adrenal glands.
(iii) Post-pill PCOS: This occurs in some women after they stop taking the oral contraceptive pill.
(iv) Inflammatory PCOS: This is connected with a major elevation of multiple markers of inflammation including CRP, IL-18, MCP-1, and white blood count.
Living with polycystic ovary syndrome is baffling for many women and even though there is no cure for PCOS yet, there are many ways you can decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms and feel better through lifestyle changes and hinder further complications. Apt management of PCOS can greatly reduce the symptoms and the long-term effects on your health.
Managing PCOS should involve positive changes in your lifestyle with the right inputs. A healthy diet, physical activity, regular medical suggestions play a significant role in managing PCOS successfully and shrinking the severity of symptoms.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you want to prevent or lessen the impact of PCOS in the long run, start with losing weight. Obese women are more likely to suffer from the effects of this condition. Loss of weight will reduce the insulin and androgen levels in your body and possibly also restore ovulation, thereby reducing the symptoms.
Good diet matters
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”, the same implies in the management of PCOS. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and foods rich in Omega-3 in your daily diet. Diminish the consumption of carbohydrates. Say no to processed food, gluten, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. Besides, incorporate oregano, olive oil, sprouts, lentils, nuts in your meals. Know that Overeating fiber doesn’t help but consuming healthy fats and optimum amounts of carbs can work magic!
Yoga to alleviate symptoms
Eliminating stress from daily lives especially while you are living with the condition, might not be possible but one can surely build up the capacity to deal with it. This is where natural treatment alternatives like yoga help. According to reports, practicing yoga may help decrease testosterone levels. Various Yoga asanas help open up the pelvic area and promote relaxation.
Be physically active
Exercise is crucial in managing PCOS. It has been shown to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of developing related long-term health conditions. Today, there are various types of exercise for PCOS and weight loss. Consult the expertise in fitness training and get one step closer to reducing the PCOS-related complexities.
Good sleep is important
Ensure you get at least six-eight hours of sleep every day. This allows your body to restore its health and maintain optimum hormonal levels.
Effective treatments in PCOS include a healthy lifestyle, psychological/counseling support, and medications as suggested by a medical professional. PCOS may be a threat to a regular lifestyle but if managed correctly with a balanced lifestyle and routine, it can be managed without any hassles.
All you have to do is understand the physical and nutritional needs of your body on the journey of successfully managing PCOS and living healthy in the long run. Opt for the lifestyle management course in PCOS by the renowned health & nutrition coach Dr. Laxmi Pandey in association with Nudge Passion; which is a one-day online course for 2 hours; so that you can learn in-depth and control the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome to lead a healthy and happy life.