PCOS: All you need is a helping hand
A startling number of women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Disorder (PCOS/PCOD) and a majority of them find out about their condition long after they have been suffering from it. Why? Because though the overarching symptoms of PCOS reflect some uniformity, the symptoms themselves vary diversely from one woman to the other. This blog fills you in with the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding PCOS, and what changes you can make to your routine and diet to successfully tackle the struggle of living with PCOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, as the name suggests, impacts the female reproductive system and hormonal levels. Simply put, women suffering from PCOS produce more male hormones than normal, which adversely impacts the menstrual cycle. This leads to irregular periods and fertility issues in addition to other issues caused by hormonal imbalance, such as acne, excessive facial and body hair, insomnia, weight gain, along with mental health struggles (anxiety, depression, mood swings, stress).
Since PCOS adversely affects the menstrual cycle, its prognosis plays out in the duration of the cycle, anywhere between the ages of 15 to 45. The reason behind the over-production of male hormones in women suffering from PCOS is not concretely determined by doctors and health specialists. The onset of the condition is attributable to genetics, inflammation, and insulin resistance, the three of which combine to produce excess androgen, a group of sex hormones that are produced more prominently by men.
A majority of women suffering from PCOS also suffer from obesity and being overweight. A low Basal Metabolic Rate (which we discussed in detail in our previous blog), results in an unhealthy diet and lifestyle that inevitably cause poor metabolism. As our body is not able to burn energy effectively due to a lack of useful nutrients and calories, it starts to collect more and more fat. Poor metabolism, in fact, is a precursor to the emergence of PCOS symptoms.
But can PCOS be stopped? Yes. If you’ve paid attention to the preceding paragraph, you can draw a connection between metabolism and PCOS. Taking steps to improve metabolism, or more importantly, retaining good metabolism rates right from adolescence can greatly help in preventing the onset of PCOS.
PCOS has a mix of natural and supplementational remedies that adolescent as well as adult women can resort to. Something as simple as making lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on hormonal regulation. Including high-carb, unprocessed foods and protein-rich foods such as salmon and chicken, as well as vegan sources such as apple, avocado, blueberries, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Evenly spaced cups of Green tea and Spearmint tea between meals can also have a good effect on reducing insulin resistance and testosterone. Collectively, these foods are highly beneficial in increasing insulin production and stabilising hormonal activity within the body.
As we’ve already made clear, treating PCOS and metabolism is an overlapping process. This means that the supplements which help support healthier metabolism, such as the Swisse Ultiboost Metabolism+ tablets, indirectly help curb PCOS symptoms since it contains Chromium, which is an important element in maintaining glucose and insulin balance. Berberine, magnesium, omega 3, and vitamin D supplements also work to the same effect.
You can also rely on natural supplements such as Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon as they improve blood sugar, insulin release, reduce inflammation, and assist in ovulation.
For a more targeted supplement, the Swisse High Strength Cranberry Extract is a must. This supplement contains Pacran, a powdered form of Cranberry that is scientifically proven to support urinary tract health. Pacran is also a rich antioxidant, very effective in reducing inflammation, and eliminating free radicals from your body, compounds that can cause cancer, diabetes, and heart disease when present in high amounts.
It goes without saying, however, that you consult a well-informed health professional before incorporating multiple supplements into your diet.