In India, one in five women suffers from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a disturbing result of the increasingly sedentary lifestyles that have become the norm in our cities.
According to medical professionals and studies, most women affected by PCOS are between the ages of 15 and 30.
So, what is PCOS exactly? Let us break this down, then!
It is essentially a metabolic, reproductive, and endocrine condition linked to lifestyle choices that, if left untreated, can impair fertility and bring other complications. The unknown is the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Nevertheless, it is a metabolic condition with multiple underlying causes. This syndrome's genetic, dietary, behavioural, and environmental causes hormonal imbalances that result in PCOS symptoms.
Women with PCOS have many cysts that enlarge their ovaries, hence the name of the illness. These cysts are caused by eggs that linger in the ovaries without release. Even while they are not intrinsically dangerous, they can cause hormonal issues.
To learn more about PCOS, let us delve deeper into this topic.
What Happens During PCOS?
PCOS symptoms vary from individual to individual. The possible medical conditions are menstrual cycle irregularities, hirsutism, obesity, and hair loss. Moreover, PCOS can cause diabetes, cardiac problems, and possibly cancer in the long run (especially endometrial cancer).
Possible underlying symptoms include elevated testosterone levels, depression, difficulty conceiving or inability to conceive.
If left untreated for an extended period, PCOS increases the risk of serious health complications such as type 2 diabetes management difficulties (due to increased insulin resistance), uterine cancer, and a heart attack risk. However, these symptoms are not consistently present.
How Is It Diagnosis?
Ultrasound can diagnose PCOS, or hormone profile testing can assess oestrogen levels, luteinising hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, and other variables.
Contributing Factors To PCOS
Women are more susceptible to the polycystic ovarian syndrome, an endocrine disorder (PCOS). In general, this condition is characterised by an imbalance of sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), leading to several small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is characterised by depression, irregular menstrual cycles, and acne.
Although the specific origins of PCOS are unknown, experts believe the following factors may play a role in its development:
1. Enhancement Of Insulin Secretion
Insulin-resistant women may develop PCOS because their bodies cannot effectively utilise insulin, causing the pancreas to release more insulin.
In turn, this causes the ovaries to produce more androgen (the hormone associated with male sexuality), which makes ovulation difficult.
2. Minimize Inflammation
Through an inflammatory process, your body's WBCs gain resistance to pathogens. As reduced levels of inflammation promote polycystic ovaries, which produce more androgens, this condition is exacerbated.
3. Genetic Variable
If you have a history of PCOS in your family, you are more likely to get the disease because it is genetically determined.
Recommended Therapy
Unfortunately, PCOS has no known cure. Nonetheless, by alleviating symptoms, it can be effectively managed. Women with PCOS should prioritise exercise and a balanced diet to regulate their menstrual cycle and reduce blood sugar levels.
By lowering blood sugar levels and sluggish digestion, high-fibre diets can help combat insulin resistance. Women with PCOS may benefit from this.
Broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, red leaf lettuce, green and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, almonds and walnuts, olive oil, fruits such as blueberries and strawberries, and fatty fish such as salmon that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are excellent sources of fibre.
Even though they lack fibre, lean protein sources like tofu, poultry, and fish are fulfilling and a wise choice for PCOS patients' diets.
They should have five little meals per day instead of three large ones to aid digestion and weight maintenance.
Fertility drugs may be prescribed to assist a woman with PCOS in ovulating. However, if a woman does not want to become pregnant, a doctor may offer birth control pills.
Taking anti-androgens is indicated to control excessive hair growth and reduce acne. While many women have been counselled to exercise regularly (at least 30 to 45 minutes per day, five to six days per week).
5–10% weight loss improves symptoms, hormonal balance, and menstrual cycle regularity. However, PCOS in women, particularly adolescents, necessitates a full evaluation, prompt intervention, and appropriate treatment.
Other therapies include metformin for symptom management, hormonal tablets and oral contraceptives for menstrual cycle regulation, and anti-androgens to prevent excessive hair growth (for hirsutism). Occasionally, laparoscopy is utilised to perform a minor surgical procedure to puncture cysts.
Recommendation Of A Dietitian
As stated previously, PCOS cannot be treated, but it can be effectively managed with a healthy diet and frequent exercise. Therefore, to better understand and treat PCOS, I recommend that women with PCOS pay close attention to their health, receive regular examinations, and keep a record of their medical history, diet, and physical activity.
-Dietitian Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
PCOS is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases among Indian women and, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues.
To provide a full solution to the PCOS problem, it is essential to encourage healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, and PCOS awareness programmes.
The most important thing for women with PCOS is to keep composure. To control PCOS, you only need to be aware of and attentive to your condition.
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