Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which causes the growth of cysts inside a woman’s ovaries due to estrogen and progesterone imbalance.
The cysts are painless however they interfere with normal menstrual flow, fertility and even pregnancy.
Ovaries play two important roles in the body.
- Produce ova which fuse with sperm to initiate conception.
- Produce female reproductive hormones which facilitate menstruation plus the development of breasts and hips.
Factors make the ovaries more vulnerable to PCO.
When the body contains excess insulin, the brain triggers hormone glands to produce more androgen. In a scenario where male hormones exceed normal requirements over a lengthy period of time, PCO sets in.
Obese and overweight women tend to have high blood glucose levels. This is because the body is relying on internal weight management processes to convert excess fat molecules into glucose. Heightened blood glucose levels leads to the brain compelling hormonal glands to produce extra amounts of insulin.
When consumed frequently, nicotine contained in tobacco causes the ovaries to secrete excess androgen. Androgen, is a male hormone present in both genders.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is a genetic disease attacks the hormone generating organ responsible for producing aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates androgen production in the body. Women with abnormal androgen levels suffer from a hormonal imbalance which triggers PCOS.
White blood cells combat harmful viruses and bacteria using various tactics. Inflammation, which is a common defense tactic white blood cells employ causes ovaries with PCO to produce unnecessarily high amounts of androgen.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
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- The unusual growth spurt of facial hair such as sideburns and mustaches.
- Irregular menstrual flow- Women with PCO may lack periods or have less than nine cycles for an entire year.
- Deterioration of scalp hair
- Infertility
- Acne on face
- Growth of visible chest hair due to high androgen levels.
- Depression that lasts over months
Infertility problems associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Ovulation occurs when the ovaries inside a woman’s reproductive system release ova during regular monthly cycles. As PCOS progresses, it hinders the ovaries’ abilities to produce healthy ova during required intervals.
PCOS interferes with normal ovarian functions. Overwhelmed with rapidly growing cysts, ovaries produce minimum estrogen and progesterone that’s barely enough to initiate normal monthly cycles. On other occasions, PCOS causes excess estrogen and progesterone production leading to excessive bleeding.
This syndrome not only targets the ovaries but also the uterus lining which supports a growing fetus during pregnancy. A weakened uterus may rupture since it cannot support the fetus’ weight or withstand its movements.
This leads to abrupt massive internal bleeding which is fatal to the unborn child. When undetected, PCOS rapidly develops into severe levels and may lead to ovarian cancer due to abnormal cell growth in the ovaries over a significant time period, usually more than 6 months.
Hormonal imbalance is known to cause mood swings. Women suffering from PCO may suffer from lengthy bouts of depression. In such situations, the body faces a new scenario of hormonal imbalance which negatively affects ova production.
Natural ways of managing PCOS symptoms
Adhering to the right diet will enable you to manage PCOS symptoms extensively. Most of the food types mentioned below are readily available at your nearest grocery store. Below are foods suitable for women with PCOS.
Wheat Germ
Wheat Germ is highly loaded with Vitamin B6 that promotes progesterone production. Since PCOS causes estrogen and progesterone imbalance, Vitamin B6 will boost progesterone to required levels.
Barley
Women with abnormally high insulin levels attributable to PCOS should avoid certain carbohydrate food groups such as bread and pastries.
When ingested, these carbohydrates are easily digested leading to sudden rises in blood glucose level, hence leading to insulin secretion. Barley requires plenty of time to be digested, and this is a great advantage to PCOS patients because they won’t have to worry about sudden insulin spikes.
Cinnamon
Hydroxychalcone, an active ingredient contained in cinnamon ensures the stomach retains ingested food for lengthy durations.
Consuming cinnamon will limit a sudden rise in blood glucose level thanks to Hydroxychalcone which slows the rate at which ingested food gets converted to glucose.
Chicken
Chicken is rich in vitamin B6 which restores hormonal balance through boosting progesterone production in the body.
Women with PCOS should avoid eating deep fried chicken because its high-fat content causes the pancreas to produce high levels of insulin, required to convert fat into glucose.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in vitamins A, D, E and K that minimize any inflammation on ovaries attributable to white blood cells. In addition, women who consume PCOS benefit from omega -3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation, and minimize the harm caused by hyper insulin production.
Tuna
Tuna is highly packed with Vitamin D which plays two roles in combating PCO. Vitamin D actively reverses manly facial and chest hair present in women with PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency leads to excess production androgen. Consuming tuna frequently will enable the body to regulate androgen.
Vitamin D enables the ovaries to become more receptive hence, consuming Tuna boosts fertility among women with PCOS.
Lifestyle changes suitable for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
You can further reduce the chances of PCOS interfering your productive day by adopting a healthier approach to living. Smoking, for instance only worsens PCOS symptoms.
Nicotine inhibits production of an enzyme which facilitates estrogen production. When ovaries cannot sustain optimum estrogen levels, a chemical imbalance takes place leading to the onset of PCO.
Women with PCOS ought to avoid high sugary and fatty foods to avoid blood glucose spikes that initiate excess insulin production.
A nutritionist will help you determine the right daily calorie intake which will help maintain blood glucose level at recommended concentration. Eating balanced diets is more preferred than swallowing pills on a daily basis.
Overweight women with PCOS should enroll for fitness classes and engage in physical exercises aimed at reducing undesired weight.
The presence of high amount of fat molecules stored in the body leads to spikes in blood glucose levels since the body is constantly converting excess fat into glucose.
Coffee is a great beverage because it rejuvenates the brain. However, consuming more than four cups per day especially during menstruation causes the ovaries to exceed estrogen production by 70 %.
Perhaps you may consider substituting your cherished morning beverage with some organic green tea.
Final Thoughts
Ensure you frequently attend medical checkups to enable you to detect PCOS in its early stages. Having PCO will not render you infertile because it is a syndrome which can be effectively managed, with the health and lifestyle changes mentioned in this article.
Get in touch with expert professionals to provide you with additional information on ayurvedic medicine for pcos without requiring surgery.
