PCOS Awareness Month: Facts And Tips To Manage PCOS By Expert

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly called PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women across different reproductive age groups. Infertility and pregnancy complications such as premature delivery and gestational diabetes are some of the adverse effects that a person having PCOS suffers.

Almost 1 in 5 women are diagnosed with PCOS, making it one of the most widespread conditions in the country. It causes infrequent or extended periods by disrupting the hormone balance by increasing the production of male hormones (androgens). In this condition, the ovaries produce more androgen than usual. This interferes with the development and release of eggs. Some of the patients develop multiple cysts in their ovaries, these cysts are little sacs filled with fluid. Instead of an egg being released during ovulation, these cysts build up in the ovaries and at times even get enlarged and no egg is released.

We spoke withDr. Meenu Vashisht Ahuja, Gynecologist and Consultant Birla Fertility & IVF to understand more about PCOS. She shared some useful tips that can help manage PCOS and some facts that you need to know:

Tips To Manage PCOS:

1.Manage weight:Since many women suffering from PCOS become insulin resistant, where the body does not use the insulin hormone effectively, it is advised to eat minimal sugar-containing foods and simple carbs, like fruits and vegetables. This imbalance can also be responsible for overweight and obesity. That is why it is necessary to have a healthy diet with low-fat components.

2.Exercise regularly: Physical exercise has many benefits in dealing with PCOS. It helps in building muscle mass and burning calories which further helps in decreasing insulin resistance in the body.

3.Water intake is a must: It is advised to drink three to four litres of water every day. The proper amount of water consumption helps in cleansing the internal body and detoxifying it.

4.Meditation: Stress is one of the biggest contributing factors in disturbing the balance of the body. It is also associated with increasing weight. It is advised to meditate on a regular basis to keep stress at bay.

5.Proper sleep: One must sleep for at least six to eight hours a day. Improper sleep can cause irritation and mood swings. Sleeping well helps in relaxing mind and body.

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Facts You Need To Know About PCOS

• PCOS affects between 5–10% of women in the reproductive age bracket. Unfortunately, less than 50 percent of women have accurate diagnoses, which prevents them from getting the right care.
• There seems to be a hereditary tendency for PCOS. It is more frequently diagnosed in women whose mother or sibling also has the same illness.
• PCOS can occur at any point, however, the condition is typically identified in a woman's twenties or thirties.
• Insulin resistance has a significant role in the development of PCOS. Diabetes is likely due to insulin resistance. By the time women reach the age of 40, almost 40% of PCOS-afflicted women have either prediabetes or diabetes.
• PCOS is among the most common causes of infertility in females. Women with PCOS are more prone to miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm delivery and gestational diabetes.
• Around 50% of women with PCOS suffer from obesity. Control of diet and regular physical activity by women with PCOS can control weight gain to some extent.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has also been noted in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS should therefore get their liver functions checked to detect fatty liver at the earliest.
• Women with PCOS are likely to reach menopause 2 - 5 years later than women without PCOS.

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