PCOS: Do you know what are PCOS?

Fatima Naeem
5 min readDec 10, 2020

A common disease among women.

What are PCOS and what are the symptoms?

A common hormonal disorder among women because of reproductive age is known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS may lead to an infrequency or prolonged menstrual cycle or maybe an excess of male hormone levels (androgen). There would be numerous small collections of fluid that may develop in ovaries and fail to regularly release eggs. What is the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Diagnosis of early-stage and right treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of complications for the long-term which can be diabetes and heart disease. Each one varies in signs and symptoms of PCOS. The ability to have a child can be affected by it which is called your fertility. Your periods can be stopped or make it hard to foresee, also can be cause acne and it can be caused by the unwanted body & facial hair. Many other health issues can arise from it which also can disturb the shape of the body with unnecessary weight gain. There is treatment available for all the symptoms and you can be normal as before and by improving your fertility you could be able to get pregnant.

What is PCOS?

It is a hormonal issue among women that may disturb your menstrual period and some females can have cysts on their ovaries. Which is the reason it is called polycystic. But many women do not have cysts, just names are misleading.

Hormones and PCOS

When reproductive hormones are out of balance, the female can have PCOS. Which can lead to other problems with your ovaries, such as not getting or having periods on time. Different things happen through the making of hormones.

Here are the hormones which play a role in PCOS:

  • Androgens
  • Insulin
  • Progesterone

Androgens

These are the male hormones, but women have them on a very low level. But women with PCOS have higher levels.

Insulin

This is the hormone that manages sugar in the blood. In females who have PCOS, their body might not react to insulin the way it should.

Progesterone

Females who have PCOS might not have enough of this hormone. Females might miss their periods for a long time.

Symptoms of PCOS

Irregularity, infrequent or missed or prolonged periods are the most common symptoms of PCOS. Excess androgen hormones can cause hair loss and can cause facial hair or unwanted hair which is unlike by all women. Like as if women have less than fewer nine periods in a year, more than 35 days between having their next periods or unusually heavy periods.

Polycystic Ovaries

In it, ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. And ovaries might fail to function regularly as a result.

The darkness of the skin or excess of skin tags on the neck or in the armpits

Changing of Mood

Feeling pain in pelvic

If your mother or sister has PCOS you might have more chances to get PCOS.

PCOS Diagnosis

PCOS cannot be diagnosed with a single test. About the symptoms and medical history, by doing a physical exam or possibly after a pelvic exam your doctor will diagnose. A blood test might be recommended by your doctor for the measurement of your hormone level, level of blood sugar, and cholesterol level. Pelvic ultrasound can also check the ovaries cysts, check tumors, and the lining of your uterus measurement.

Treatment for PCOS

Treatment for it depends on the symptoms, age. If you are going through being overweight with a normal diet. But losing weight 5% to 10% can make you feel better. It is also helpful with your medications and the improvement of your fertility. If you are not planning to get pregnant in the coming times, hormonal birth controls may be prescribed by your doctor. With these medications you can lower down the risk of endometrial cancer, getting your periods back on track, it also clears up acne, and lessens excess body hair.

Natural way to help in the treatment of PCOS

Avoiding certain ingredients and eating the right foods may help to manage the symptoms.

A diet full of nourishment can help to regulate your hormones and menstrual cycle.

By avoiding processed and heavily preserved foods that contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance would be helpful in the improvement of PCOS

Raise your iron intake, increase taking those fruits and vegetables which have iron in them. Which can fight against your anemia and increase your red blood cell.

Raise your magnesium intake which are almonds, cashews, spinach and bananas have a high quantity of magnesium which are PCOS friendly foods.

Adding Seeds to your diet is incredibly healthy for PCOS. There are so many seeds like Flax, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds that contain a rich amount of magnesium.

What you have to do if you are thinking you are going through it.

First of all, you have to list down the symptoms you are observing for so long.

Write down the medications, drugs, and vitamins you have taken.

Write down your complete medical information and also try to write all the reasons as well which cause stress in your life.

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

Keep a record of your period’s monthly cycles.

Home remedies and lifestyle

For improving your life and helping you to decrease the effects of PCOS:

Maintain your healthy weight. You have to maintain your weight according to your age and height. If you are going through obesity try to lose and reduce your weight. Ask your doctor how you can maintain and overcome your weight. Try to make walking your daily routine.

Reduce the carbohydrates in your diet. Take a low-fat diet. Low fats and reductions in carbohydrates can help you to improve your fertility health.

Try to make exercise the most important part of your life. If you are facing PCOS try to increase your daily activities.

What foods help get rid of PCOS?

All kinds of fruits and vegetables.

Brown rice, whole wheat which is also known as whole grain

Poultry (chicken, turkey) and fish especially salmon fish

Peanuts, chickpeas, peas which also known as legumes

Seed diet and nuts

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