Is your lifestyle increasing the risk of PCOS?

 Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS as it is widely known has grown increasingly in the recent years. It is contradictory that the rate of disease is increasing even with the advancements in medical technology. Studies in Andhra Pradesh found that 9.13 percent of Indian adolescents had PCOS. It is estimated that 105 million girls between the ages of 15 and 49 globally suffer from this condition. It affects approximately one in every ten women of childbearing age. 

    This is indicative of a deeper problem; let's start with understanding the definition of PCOS. PCOS affects the level of female reproductive hormones and typically begins at the age of puberty. Women with PCOS produce higher than normal levels of androgen, a male hormone that can prevent ovulation, making it difficult to have regular menstrual cycles. In PCOS, ovulation is hampered and the follicles may turn into cysts. As a result, the body fails to produce progesterone hormone, causing menstrual periods to be delayed. Females also generate more estrogen, which is a female sex hormone; long-term, unopposed estrogen may lead to uterine lining build-up, which is a significant risk factor for uterine cancer. Other effects of the hormone include insulin, which may have a role in increasing androgen production in the body. 

This disease has a growing need for early detection and treatment since it may lead to hypertension, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, MI/CAD, Endometrial cancer, hypercholesterolemia with low HDL, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, and depression.

While the exact cause of PCOS is unclear, one thing is certain: You are not to blame. PCOS is more common in overweight or obese females, but it may affect women within a healthy weight as well. PCOS is not caused by a single factor, but a combination of factors, including genetics, a family history of type-2 diabetes, and poor eating and exercise habits. It is a common misconception that females may get rid of PCOS by reducing weight. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PCOS, although reducing weight may help regulate hormone levels. 

    There is also a misconception that PCOS exclusively affects overweight people. It is true that many PCOS women are overweight or obese. It's also true that weight may exacerbate PCOS symptoms. PCOS, on the other hand, does not discriminate and may afflict women of various shapes and sizes. The connection between weight and PCOS is due to the body's failure to utilise insulin correctly, which may result in weight gain. As a result, getting into the habit of eating a balanced, nutritious diet, and exercising on a regular basis is advised as part of the treatment plan for the majority of women. 

By distinguishing between truth and fiction, you may empower yourself to live a full, productive life with PCOS. There is a common misconception that women with PCOS cannot get pregnant. This is not true for all women. Talk to your doctor about fertility therapy to give your body a chance. A variety of medicines may promote ovulation, which is the primary problem that women with PCOS encounter. 

    Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation, are also available as fertility therapies for women with PCOS. On the other hand, if you have PCOS and are not attempting to conceive, it is not safe to omit the use of contraceptives. While PCOS makes it more difficult to get pregnant, many people still ovulate on a regular basis. As a result, it is critical to continue using contraception.

The question remains: how can you treat your PCOS? 

A broad variety of therapeutic alternatives may aid in the prevention of any possible issues. Healthy diet and regular exercise enhance the way your body utilises insulin and, as a result, better controls your hormone levels. Birth control tablets, which may regulate your menstrual cycle and lower androgen levels, might also be a suitable treatment choice if you don’t plan to conceive in the near future. Birth control pills seem to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by reducing prolonged uterus exposure to high levels of estrogen. Birth control tablets have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, particularly in obese patients and women over 40, so consult your doctor to determine the feasibility. 

    If you plan to conceive, fertility drugs may also assist you by promoting ovulation. In some instances, that may be enough to kick-start the process for women who suffer with infertility due to a lack of ovulation, which is the most common cause of PCOS. Ovarian drilling, a surgical technique, may also improve your odds of successful ovulation. While the procedure may temporarily decrease your testosterone levels, it does have the potential to cause scar tissue.

Lifestyle modifications like healthy diet and frequent exercise are always the best choice. Your symptoms may be managed more effectively if you eat proper meals and stay away from specific substances. When it comes to your hormones and your menstrual cycle, a healthy diet may assist. Inflammation and insulin resistance may be exacerbated by eating highly processed and preserved foods.

    In one research, Trusted Source, PCOS was characterised as "low-level chronic inflammation". Anti-inflammatory foods may help alleviate your symptoms. As an alternative, you may want to consider the Mediterranean diet. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, as well as tree nuts, are well known. Each body type is unique, and PCOS affects them differently. There is no treatment for PCOS that suits all, and you must first understand your body in order to conquer it. It's better to understand your system and get rid of PCOS.

Author - Neha Singh