Women who have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) battle with a difficult medical issue. It causes small cysts in the ovary, irregular periods, hormonal abnormalities, and increased amounts of the male hormone androgen in the female body. Androgen inhibits the natural release mechanism of eggs. Infertility issues arise because healthy eggs cannot be fertilised when they are not released.
PCOS is commonly characterised by irregular or non-existent periods, hirsutism, thinning and hair loss, weight gain, infertility or difficulties becoming pregnant and oily or acne-prone skin.
Despite being a common ailment, there is no surefire cure. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can be controlled with certain drugs related to daily living. Can it, however, be fully reversed?
Is PCOS Reversible?
Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, gynecologists, obstetrician, and IVF expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi, revealed in an exclusive interview with India.com that the percentage of females with PCOS has significantly increased over time. According to Dr. Archana, most women with PCOD can lead very normal, busy lives despite the fact that there is currently no treatment for the disorder. Making healthy lifestyle changes is advised in order to manage the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and prevent issues.
To optimise PCOS therapy and improve general health, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional before to making any dietary, activity, or medication changes.
4 Expert-Recommended Lifestyle Practices for PCOS Management
- Changes in lifestyle: Changing to a healthier lifestyle can make a major difference in PCOS management. Make obtaining enough restorative sleep a priority in order to maintain hormonal balance. To improve your overall health, stop smoking. Consider moderation when it comes to alcohol use and its effects on reproduction and fertility. Seek guidance from medical professionals who specialize in treating PCOS to get assistance.
- Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet for PCOS may consist of the following elements. Reduce your total calorie intake to promote weight loss. To assist manage insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, use low-GI carbohydrates. Reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase your intake of healthy fats from foods like avocados, almonds, and olive oil. Include high-fiber items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote fullness and support gut health.To reduce inflammation and increase omega-3 fatty acids, consider eating fish or other sources. In terms of hormone balance and weight loss, certain individuals may benefit even more from a ketogenic diet that places an emphasis on plant-based fats and restricts carbohydrates.
- Daily exercise: Among the strategies to help manage PCOS is exercise. Insulin sensitivity rises as a result of increased glucose transport and metabolism brought on by exercise. In those with PCOS, exercise intensity can have a major impact on body composition, insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise dramatically reduces BMI and insulin resistance, according to research. Strength training and aerobic exercise both increase insulin sensitivity and androgen levels in women with PCOS. The combination of food and exercise, particularly vigorous aerobic activity, results in greater reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. These advantages are not obtained from exercise alone.
- Weight management: It can be challenging to maintain weight loss, and many people end up gaining back the weight they originally lost. It is recommended to employ lifestyle changes to prevent weight gain and maintain health, such as eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. It is recommended that women diagnosed with PCOS adopt healthy lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and low-calorie diets.
Treatment with vitamin D improves lipid profiles, insulin resistance, and androgen levels in PCOS. Probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, quercetin, resveratrol, melatonin, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and probiotics have all been connected to better metabolic and reproductive outcomes in PCOS.
