Living With PCOS
Attention, women! Do you see symptoms of irregular menstruation, unwanted facial growth, weight gain, skin problem, infertility? Then it is time to get yourself analysed for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs in women of reproductive age. Polycystic literally means "many cysts" and PCOS often causes clusters of small, pearl-sized cysts in the ovaries. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances. The ovaries produce a tiny amount of male sex hormones called androgens. In PCOS, du
e to elevated androgens, the signs and symptoms include no menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess body hair, hirsutism, acne, pelvic pain and infertility.
PCOS happens because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because the symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families, the syndrome is probably caused, at least in part, by a change or mutation in one or more genes.
Causes:
e to elevated androgens, the signs and symptoms include no menstrual periods, heavy periods, excess body hair, hirsutism, acne, pelvic pain and infertility.
PCOS happens because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because the symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families, the syndrome is probably caused, at least in part, by a change or mutation in one or more genes.
Causes:
- Unknown root cause
- Heredity
- Stress
- Insulin resistance (excess insulin boosts androgen production)
- Low grade inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Irregular periods
- Excessive hair growth on face (hirsutism) and around lower abdomen
- Weight gain
- Thinning of hair
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Infertility
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Depression and mood swings
- Breathing problems while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea)
- Medical history: Includes symptoms like changes in weight, skin and menstrual cycle or any family history of hormone problems, including diabetes
- Physical examination: Includes thyroid gland, skin, hair and belly
- Ultrasound: Polycystic ovaries either 12 or more (2-9 mm. in diametre)
- Lab tests: Gonadotropin, testosterone, prolactin and TSH tests
- Insulin test: Glucose tolerance and insulin levels, which can show insulin resistance is also tested
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Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrate foods with fibre such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables are usually the best to eat to keep your insulin level down. Include vegetables such as spinach, ladyfinger, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, fenugreek, lettuce and broccoli. Choose fruits such as apple, pear, papaya, guava, pineapple, muskmelon, watermelon and plums.
- Proteins: Protein has a stabilising effect on the sugar released from carbohydrates into the blood. Protein can be found in lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products and nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds.
- Fats: Limit intake of fats, fried and oily foods. Select good sources of fats for food preparation such as rice bran oil and olive oil.
- Avoid sugars: Sugars increase the insulin level so avoid simple sugars or sugary food products.
- Limit salt: Use spices and herbs to flavour your food. Avoid use of canned and processed food to limit the intake of salt.
- Tags: a healthy diet acne elevated androgens excess body hair genetic and environmental factors heavy periods heredity hirsutism hormonal disorder infertility insulin resistance irregular menstruation Lifestyle Disease low grade inflammation no menstrual periods not smoking PCOS pelvic pain polycystic ovary syndrome Regular exercise reproductive age skin problem stress unwanted facial growth weight control weight gain women
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