Living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a condition that affects a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands to produce more androgens—a hormone similar to testosterone—than normal. Although all women produce androgens, too much of this hormone can lead to more hair growth, irregular periods, or lack of periods — and even problems conceiving a child.

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine problems in women at a child-bearing age. This type of disorder doesn’t discriminate either. All women—regardless of race and nationalities—could develop PCOS. Scientists could not pinpoint the real cause of PCOS but some studies suggest that genetics could be a factor in developing the disorder. Women who have relatives suffering the same condition could also develop PCOS in the future.

Coping With PCOS

Change Your Diet

Because PCOS is a type of hormonal imbalance, certain types of foods could aggravate the condition. By changing your diet, you could cut the risk of developing PCOS. Ideally, you want a diet low in carbohydrates. Cutting back on foods rich in refined sugars can also reverse glucose and insulin imbalance in the body. Insulin and glucose imbalance are compounds known to cause PCOS flare-ups.

Exercise Regularly

You can also manage your condition by exercising regularly. And you don’t even need to enroll in a hardcore fitness class or get membership at the local gym to get fit! A regular 20-minute walk is a great way to get some exercise. You can take your dog for a walk, do sports with friends, and even do yoga at home to burn off excess calories and boost your metabolism! A faster metabolic rate is known to control insulin level in the body. Daily exercise not only helps trim your wait, it can also prevent diabetes — a health risk for women living with PCOS.

Avoid Certain Types of Drinks and Foods

Certain types of drinks and foods could stimulate the body to produce more male hormones. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages stimulate insulin production in the body. This could aggravate the condition of women who are already suffering from PCOS. If you want to control PCOS, you have to start at managing your insulin level. Cut back on coffee and sodas to prevent PCOS flare-ups and avoid other serious symptoms of the disorder.

Have Yourself Checked

Do not self-medicate! Get yourself checked for proper diagnosis. If you’re suffering from PCOS, make sure you go to your doctor for regular exams. By monitoring your health issues, you’d be educated on which type of lifestyle to adapt, how you can stay healthy, and keep PCOS symptoms under control.

De-Stress

PCOS could be at its worst when a person suffering from the condition is always stressed out. Women suffering from PCOS are prone to depression and severe mood swings. When dealing with such disorders, it’s important to know when to stop and take a break. Don’t overwork yourself because it will only cause the body to release more androgens. After a long day at work, take a long bubble bath or do something you really enjoy doing to chill out.