Lifestyle changes can help manage Polycystic Ovarian condition

Global studies peg the estimated prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) between five to 15 percent among women affecting them during their reproductive years, mostly in the age group of 14 to 45 years. Most are unaware of the condition until it is diagnosed in course of a routine check-up or an alternate health diagnosis. The good news is that lifestyle changes can help women to effectively manage the condition. However, societal stigma vis a vis PCOS needs to be addressed, says Dr Emanuel Gracias

Changes in lifestyle can help women turn the tide against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal condition affecting women during their reproductive years, mostly in the age group of 14 to 45 years.
While global studies peg the estimated prevalence of the condition at between five to 15 percent among women, most are unaware of the symptoms of the disease until it is diagnosed in course of a routine check-up or an alternate health diagnosis.
Lifestyle habits such as poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, among other allied reasons have led to an increase in instances of polycystic ovaries. The good news is that lifestyle changes can help women to effectively manage the condition.
Some of the eggs develop into cysts, which are little sacs filled with liquid. Instead of being released during ovulation, these cysts build up in the ovaries and at times even get enlarged.
Some of the common, but key symptoms of the ailment are irregular, delayed periods and reduction in periods. In addition, male pattern of hair distribution known as ‘hirsutism’, where girls witness hair grown on their upper lip, chin, chest and back – a result of excess androgens – can occur.
Such cosmetic related symptoms tend to have an impact on women, which can also affect them psychologically. Another symptom is acne, hair loss and darkening of skin over a period of time. In some cases, the ovaries become enlarged and secrete large amounts of androgens that interrupt the cycle of fertility in a woman’s body.
In many cases, women learn about their PCOS conditions when they visit fertility clinics for treatment, when they have trouble conceiving.
Infertility is one of the key issues that arise from polycystic ovaries. The condition can lead to anovulation, which is a lack or absence of ovulation (the release of an egg) and is another common cause of infertility. Anovulation is often the result of an imbalance of the hormones that cause a woman to ovulate and can arise from polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle changes including good eating habits, nutrition, regular physical activity and exercise can assist in managing the condition.

Intermittent fasting in particular is the gold standard treatment for the condition and can even correct the condition even without medication.
Small, yet significant lifestyle changes such as adopting a daily exercise routine, eating well balanced nutritious meals with a large portion of vegetables and fruits, being hydrated and being mindful about your health and wellness can go a long way in the recovery process. In terms of nutrition, we recommend dietary changes and put the patient on a healthy meal plan which includes meals eaten at fixed time intervals. Additionally, we encourage patients to adopt an exercise routine which includes cardio, stretches and activities like walking and cycling. There have been cases where PCOS tends to cure itself after pregnancy. We don’t know why, but we have seen such cases. Pregnancy, followed by another year or so of breastfeeding; during this process, the woman won’t get her periods for over a year or more. This probably allows time for the hormonal changes to settle and for the menstrual cycle to regularise once it resumes. In many cases the menstrual cycle is regular after pregnancy in cases where PCOS was evident before pregnancy. However, it is very important that an individual not look at pregnancy as a cure for PCOS. While there are no known causes for the developing PCOS, scientific theories point towards heredity or leading sedentary lifestyle, as causes for the conditions.
It is not that PCOS impacts the body alone, polycystic ovaries cause some psychological issues like anxiety in women, especially due to weight gain and cosmetic issues like male pattern hair growth, acne and hair fall, for which counseling is critical during the recovery process.
It is a condition which needs to be addressed and managed effectively. Many want a quick-fix pill which can help them feel better instantaneously. However, a more structured approach which includes diet and exercise is more effective. Once they start to lose weight and get healthier, the menstrual cycle tends to regularise.
The stigma attached to infertility also plays heavily on the mind. It should not be, because there are many who are going through similar conditions and attaching a stigma to it can cause one to get anxious. Often there are instances where parents bring in their young daughters who have irregular periods and parents are anxious to know if their daughter will be able to conceive as they grow older. It is the parents who are often more worried than the young girl. In order to specifically facilitate patients impacted by PCOS, it is important to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. The occurrence is so common that we have also designated one day of the week just to have a specialised OPD for our PCOS patients – specifically for this issue and take appointments so that patients feel comfortable to walk in for a diagnosis without being anxious or feel judged by other patients present.

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