ALL ABOUT PCOS

What is it?

PCOS happens when women’s ovaries or adrenalin glands produce more male hormone than normal.PCOS causes cyst fluid filled sacks to grow on the ovaries.

PCOS is a common hormone imbalance that affects around 1 out of 10 women. It is characterized by elevated androgen levels, menstrual irregularities, and/or small cysts on one or both ovaries.

How will I know that I have PCOS?

• ·         No, irregular or heavy periods.
• ·         Hair on face,chest,stomach and thighs (Hirsutism)
• ·         Infertility
• ·         Pelvic Pain
• ·         Patches of thickened skin
• ·         Thyroid
• ·         Black band around the neck(Acanthosis)
• ·         Oily skin
• ·         Obesity/Weight gain
• ·         Acne

Who is prone to PCOS?

• ·         Women who are obese
• ·         A mother or a sister with PCOS
• ·         Women who have amnohhrea.

Are PCOD and PCOS same?

PCOS: Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder      PCOD: Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Both these terms are usually used as synonyms but there is a thin line of difference.

PCOD and PCOS are the conditions linked to malfunctioning of ovaries. Symptoms like irregular periods are common in both cases, but PCOS leads to thinning of hair whereas in PCOD a female develop hair pattern like males. Both are caused by hormonal imbalance but for PCOS there is no exact known reason for this disease but we can link it with inheritance, like PCOD. PCOD is not very serious if we compare it with PCOS, which is more severe form of this syndrome. Both contribute to the infertility, and hormonal pills and injections are used to treat both.

Are there any other health ailments that I’m now susceptible to?

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for many other diseases and there can be further complications. Women with PCOS are 7 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes or have a heart attack. Obesity, elevated insulin levels, mood disorders are some other ailments one can be susceptible to .Thus, it is important to get diagnosed and treated soon.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnoses of polycystic ovary disease is made on the basis of your medical history, blood test, examination, ultrasonography of the ovaries and hormone assays.

What should you do once diagnosed?

The treatment for PCOS begins once the diagnosis has started. The best treatment for PCOS is a healthy and active lifestyle. Weight loss is the only way of correcting PCOS, even 10% reduction in weight can improve overall condition in PCOS.

DIET

Weight loss is the only way to manage PCOS and its other effects, special supplements and its fruits incorporated in this programme shall be essential in regularizing the monthly cycle thus increasing chances of conception, maintaining blood sugar levels and losing weight. Taking small frequent meals with protein would help. Opting for whole fruits rather than drinking juices is a better option. Choosing whole grains, cereals and brown rice over refined or white carbohydrates (maida and rice) ensures stability of hormone and especially insulin.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

In physical activity indulging in both, resistance training and cardio vascular training has shown effective results in normalizing hormone levels.

With a healthy lifestyle, a proper diagnosis and PCOS treatment, this condition can be controlled and releaved.