Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS also known as
Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder or PCOD is a recently surfaced yet ever-so-common
ailment affecting 1 women with pcos in every 5 women worldwide.
But what is so common yet uncommon about this
condition? Let’s start from the basics, It all starts in small, almond-shaped
secretory structures called OVARIES.
Ovaries
That's some Hogwarts magic right there! These
hormones in unison with several others in the body perform interactive
functions to maintain proper physiological as well as overall reproductive
well-being.
But what would happen if there were a production of Cysts or large outgrowths on such an important organ?
The result will be impaired functions and inefficiency in regulating its secretions, difficulty in release an egg. These cysts, mostly, are small and can go away on their own after proper care and necessary lifestyle changes. But sometimes, they are large requiring surgical intervention.
SYMPTOMS OF PCOS:
Symptoms of this particular ailment are
widespread and can easily be mistaken as a common unease. However, some of the
most prominent ones, which can differentiate it from a normal concern are given
below:
1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles.
2. Severe Globular or Cystic-Acne,
Hyperpigmentation around the mouth or other creased or hidden body surfaces.
3. Overgrown and thick male-pattern facial hair
and body hair.
4. Hair growth and acne related problems could be
seen, Loss of hair from the scalp resulting in thinning of scalp, balding or
increased dandruff.
5. Weight gain, obesity, decreased satiety,
higher levels of sugar and food cravings.
6. Insomnia, mood swings- mild or extreme,
headaches, hyper-anxiety, depression.
7. Difficulty in conceiving or maintaining
pregnancy which is also an effect of this condition.
What causes PCOS?
The accurate reason for the above is
unclear. But this condition is a cumulative vicious circle of all the
mishaps below:
1. Poor lifestyle choices such as staying up
late, irregular sleeping patterns, low Quality or Quantity of sleep, Insomnia cause of many health problems , polycystic ovary syndrome pcos one of them.
2. The worst enemy of good mental health -
'Stress' of any kind such as
Mental, Physical, Emotional.
3. Alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse,
substance abuse.
4. Sedentary lifestyle coupled with little or no
exercise outside work profile.
5. Not getting enough sunlight necessary for
Melatonin balance - an important hormone for maintaining the circadian rhythm
and thereby virtually all human cycles including the Menstrual Cycle.
Have you noticed! Most of the causes are lifestyle-related. A famous dietitian rightly said, 'Humans are the only animals prioritizing convenience over health!'
What are the different types of PCOS?
Broadly there are 4 types of this condition
depending upon the cause:
1.INSULIN RESISTANCE PCOS:
Insulin resistance, the most common type in the
group which accounts to about 70% of the cases. Insulin is a very essential
'Glucose Regulating Hormone' of the body that acts as a bridge between
blood-glucose and the cells that require it. It facilitates cells to absorb
glucose and thereby helps to keep the blood sugar level low and cells satiated.
But what would happen if this bridge is broken?
That is exactly what happens in this type. Cells become numb to the effect of Insulin levels giving rise to a condition called 'INSULINOMA'.This results into inflammation leading to 'Simulatory Stress conditions' in the body and thereby hormonal imbalances.
The effect
Abdominal weight gain, obesity, increased sugar
cravings and appetite, reduced satiety, fatigue, prolonged headaches, insomnia,
the list goes on.
This explains why some people are never full or
they eat until they throw up! The best way to deal with this type is what we
dread the most- EXERCISE! Regular movement, Cardio and Strength training ,
avoiding foods having high sugar and glycemic index, in some cases avoiding
dairy and processed flour like MAIDA can really help in easing the
symptoms.
Rightly so, Sugar and Maida are regarded as White Poisons by Ayurveda. In addition to this vitamin and mineral supplements consisting Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-complexes have also shown great results in improving this condition.Diet Regulation and Regular exercise is a must for uprooting this type.
2.ADRENAL PCOS
Prolonged stressful periods and anxiety can trigger this type. Adrenal glands located at the top of our kidneys -like a cap- are important producers and regulators of the main stress hormone of the body called - 'CORTISOL'.
The secretion of this hormone alerts the body
and sends it into a flight-fright-fight situation similar in response during
stress, thus affecting our digestive system as well as cyclical processes
including our menstrual cycles.
Tests involving high amounts of Cortisol and
DHEA in blood is a pathological indicative of the above.
Regular Yoga, Meditation, Maintaining your
stress levels, avoiding vigorous exercises, listening to music - basically
taking a break from work and being happy is the best medicine for this kind.
Moreover, Magnesium, vitamins B5 and viatmin C supplements have also shown an excellent effect in dealing with this type.
3.INFLAMATORY PCOS
This type is caused by a chronic inflammatory
condition most common of which is the gut. This condition mainly arises due to
high testosterone levels in the body, the reason for which being poor diet,
eating food high in preservatives or allergens and is packaged for a long time,
the reasons all arising from the convenience food culture. This type requires
extensive diet modulation.
Eating fresh homecooked food, Avoiding foods
high in fats and carbs, including seasonal fruits in your health regimen,
helping yourself with a good cup of green tea, and getting those necessary
antioxidants are some of the ways that can really help with this condition.
let me tell you something if you are AN INDIAN YOU WILL BE PROUD OF THIS- Indian spices are actually the best anti-inflammatory substances, and the jewel in the crown is our very own Turmeric or Haldi!
Along with these omega3 fatty acids found in Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Walnut are also proven to reduce inflammation and thereby this type.
4. POST-PILL PCOS
This condition arises after discontinuing
contraceptive pills or birth control pills. When we supply these hormones
artificially to our body, our ovaries do not get triggered to secrete them and
enter into a kinda-like-a hormone dormancy period.
But as soon as we stop taking them, the ovaries
are not able to cope with the sudden requirement, thus causing hormonal
imbalances. Think of this as a skilled Pilot who hasn’t hit the wheel in years
and now suddenly has to ride an airplane. It’s quite literally about to 'GO
DOWN'!! The same goes on with our ovaries The good news is this condition is
mostly temporary. It heals itself when our pilot gets some practice! Now the
most worrisome question which we girls struggle with a lot!
Are Acne And PCOS Related?
One of the most common side effects of PCOS IS:
'HORMONAL ACNE'. There is often a string of other problems followed by Cysts,
excess facial hair, hyperpigmentation or darkness around the mouth or forehead
or any general body surface. The list goes on.
HORMONAL acne is really difficult to treat. Most
common treatments include birth controls, estrogen pills and for worst-case
scenarios- drugs such as accutane. However, this approach of treatment only
treats the symptoms and not the actual problem. This brings us to our next
question in the line..
Is PCOS Incurable?
With this question lets bust some pcos myths
PCOS Is Incurable.
That's everything but the truth. Since this
disease arises due to poor lifestyle choices it is very - curable by
maintaining a proper and balanced lifestyle. Regulating sleep and wake cycle,
trying to eat less junk food, and choosing home-cooked food over takeaways,
Meditation, Yoga aabhyas.
Basically a Vedic Lifestyle in a nutshell. While
this does sound like a lot of work we must all remember,
'OUR BODY IS OUR TEMPLE
AND IT SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE ONE'
It Is Difficult To Get Pregnant With PCOS
While it is slightly difficult to get pregnant
or sustain pregnancy due to hostile hormonal imbalances, it is very possible to
get a baby belly even with this condition. Medical treatments oral or advanced
can be easily used to treat the imbalance and maintain the environment suitable
for nurturing a baby. You just need a good Gynac!!
PCOS Causes Breast Cancer
Again a very naive statement about the
condition. While the hormonal imbalance is associated with a higher risk of
breast and ovarian cancer, these two subjects are not DIRECTLY related. The
effects of this condition is very widespread and a certain organ cannot be
pinpointed as affected. But as well said,
'PREVENTION IS BETTER
THAN CURATION'
PCOS is a growing ailment but we can uproot it if we are just a
little responsible about our habits and understand the effects they have on our
bodies. Our eating and sleeping habits, thoughts, and stressing habits have a
far greater influence on our systems than we can fathom. And cumulative neglect
of all these causes a 'Dis-ease.'
After all
'HEALTH IS WEALTH!'
What myths do you want us to bust about PCOS? Do
let us know in the comments below, don't worry we are not done yet!