Treating PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovarian syndrome causes irregular menstrual, excessive body or facial hair & poly-chromatic ovaries as its main symptom. The symptoms of PCOS that one patient experiences can be different from the symptoms of another patient. If you have two or more following symptoms you need to have a thorough checkup to determine if you need PCOS treatment.
Symptoms Include:
- Irregular/Missing Periods.
- Infertility
- Excess Body/Facial hair growth.
- Thinning of Hair on the Scalp.
- Weight Gain problems (often around waist).
- Skin problems like darkening especially around neck, acne, skin tags.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment starts with a proper diagnosis. Treatments are then chosen based on a woman’s symptoms, age and future pregnancy plans.
Treatments Include:
- Birth control pills to regulate menstruation.
- Insulin-sensitizing medications.
- Ovulation induction to treat infertility.
- Androgen blocking medications.
- Topical anti-hair growth medications.
- Other excess hair removal treatments.
- Treatment for hair loss.
- Acne treatments.
Health Tips
Pregnancy should be excluded before therapy with oral contraceptives or androgen blocking agents started.
Apart from all above one of the best treatments for PCOS is a healthy lifestyle. A healthy low or completely no in refined carbohydrate & high fiber is important as this can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Foods to include in a PCOS diet are low glycemic index fruits like apple, pear, oranges, kiwi, papaya, muskmelon etc. with twice a meal raw freshly cut salads or vegetables unstrained cold pressed juice. Also, green tea twice to thrice a day will add antioxidant & help to boost metabolism of the body.
Instead of refined flour whole grains or Multigrain work additional benefit to regulate insulin functions & aid in weight loss along with High biological protein such as Eggwhites, lean chicken, skimmed milk, soya bean etc.
Exercise or physical activity (30-45 mins) daily is also a part of lifestyle & prevention to regulate insulin & keep excess weight off. Losing weight is challenging with PCOS but doing so can help reduce male hormone levels in the body. Some women will begin to ovulate naturally.
Conclusion
Treating PCOS is a complicated and confusing syndrome & one of the best way we can help ourselves is become proactive and make sure we find the best & knowledgeable caregivers.
