Many women struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and its effects impact most areas of life, with fertility being the most prominent.
However, the reproductive system is not the only party involved. The increase in androgens secreted by the ovaries leads to multiple symptoms, such as irregular periods, thinning hair, and hirsutism which is excessive hair growth in areas where men usually have it.
Not to mention hormonal acne, which affects the quality of life for many women as it can be painful and lowers their confidence. You can discuss your skin and aesthetic concerns with a dermatologist in a trusted Aesthetic Clinic In Sharjah, where you will get the best care possible.
In addition to that, women with PCOS have insulin resistance, the hormone responsible for metabolizing the sugar we eat and entering it into cells. Insulin resistance increases the production of this hormone, leading to higher levels of insulin and putting these women at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Most women won’t get diagnosed until they face trouble getting pregnant; however, PCOS doesn’t necessarily start at that time, as it could happen at any age after puberty. However, most symptoms (like difficulty losing weight) are mistaken as something else.
Enough theory! Let’s talk about action. We’ll walk you through some life-changing habits you can follow to make noticeable differences in how PCOS symptoms affect your lifestyle.
1 – Don’t Restrict, but Follow a Suitable Diet
Eating healthy is brought up almost every time a health issue is mentioned, and there’s no wonder why. Research has repeatedly proven that people who follow healthy diets have better overall well-being than those who don’t.
But how is nutrition significant in your journey with PCOS? Well, the answer lies mainly in the quality of the food you consume.
Refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats all pose a risk to a person with no health conditions; then what about someone with PCOS who already has slowed metabolism and trouble controlling their blood sugar levels?
Fried foods and processed sugars increase inflammation, worsening the symptoms and increasing the risk of complications.
If you have PCOS, you should consult your doctor on the type of diet that suits you best. Generally, it should be rich in fiber, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, with limited sodium intake.
2 – Find a Workout Regime That Works for You
When it comes to finding the best exercise style for you, it’s all about trial and error, and that is especially true when you have PCOS.
Certain exercises have shown to be effective not only for weight loss but also for reducing insulin resistance and regulating hormone levels for women with PCOS.
And since PCOS is mainly caused by hormonal irregularities, workouts that regulate hormonal levels naturally help manage other symptoms, like excessive hair and obesity.
Weight loss also helps break the loop of PCOS, as having a healthy BMI means improved metabolism and better management of symptoms.
It is important to stay aware of how you’re feeling during the workout, listen to what your body tells you, and make changes after consulting with your trained coach to find the best for you in the long run.
3 – Consider Medication
Many doctors prescribe medication to manage the visible symptoms of PCOS, such as hirsutism, or hidden ones, like irregular periods.
Although oral contraceptives help you lose stubborn weight and significantly reduce facial and body hair, their effects last for as long as you take them. They also may cause a wide array of side effects, including headaches and migraines.
Also, birth control may not be the best option for all women with PCOS, as many of them can have regular periods, and the pill’s primary aim is to regulate the menstrual cycle. So, the side effects won’t be worth it for women with regulated menstruation.
On another note, diabetes medication is also prescribed often by doctors to stabilize blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, speed up metabolism, and in turn, break the loop of obesity, increasing the severity of PCOS symptoms.
It’s important to look for an Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic in Sharjah that follows a holistic approach to your treatment, as talking about all your options with your gynecologist is essential, don’t leave any worrying matters undiscussed.
Although lifestyle changes may be hard to instill, in the long run, they are more rewarding than depending on quick fixes and polypharmacy.