Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that is all too common in Pakistan.
Again, a bit of a background regarding what PCOS actually is.
PCOS is a condition in which a woman has an increased amount of male hormones – androgens – within her system. This leads to an enlarged ovary with follicles. These follicles are fluid-filled sacs that are unable to release an egg. Therefore ovulation cannot take place. Estrogen levels could also be elevated, which could lead to endometrial cancer somewhere down the line.
Numerous women struggle with this syndrome that is associated with infertility in women as well.
Though PCOS has been termed incurable as far as Western Medicine is concerned, there are many ways to manage the syndrome at home. These ways consist of home remedies and management techniques that can prove to be useful to women with PCOS. Here are a few:
Eating healthy
A nutrient-dense diet is absolutely essential. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, alongside low-fat dairy products are a good place to start. Nourishing food items that help boost your body’s metabolism are important. Moreover, it should be kept in mind that the dietary management methods to combat PCOS help fight other things, like obesity and heart diseases as well.
Incorporating exercise into your daily life
Choose a fitness regime that suits you the best, keeping in mind your predisposition to developing hormonal imbalances, and keep at it regularly.
Managing your weight
This is usually advised to women who wish to keep the manifestations of the disease at bay. Staying at a healthy weight is advised by most healthcare practitioners. This method is significant as the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure tend to be increased alongside Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Therefore, by losing weight at a healthy, moderate, beneficial pace, the risk for these conditions can also decrease.
Holding back on the smoking
If you’re a smoker, you might want to stop to keep the symptoms at bay. According to WebMD, women who smoke have higher levels of androgens than those who don’t. Plus, it increases the risk for heart disease.
Taking care of your skin and hair
While self-care is important overall, women can pay special heed to their skin and hair, if they’re affected by PCOS.
Going easy on physical stress
Stress can impact the endocrine system negatively. Therefore, make sure you’re not overexerting yourself physically.
Reducing psychological stress
Psychological stress that affects your sleeping pattern and mind, in general, is harmful. Try to stay away from activities (or people) who are a source of stress. You need to be at your absolute best mentally to tackle the symptoms of PCOS effectively.
Getting enough rest
When you get enough sleep and rest, you’re essentially keeping your cell regeneration, hormone production and stress control in check. Moreover, getting enough sleep also keeps your weight in check. Therefore, resting and taking care of your sleep cycle is pretty important.
While we sincerely hope this helps women combatting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, we’re sure all our readers would be delighted to know of more tried and tested methods to help combat the syndrome. Share your totkas in the comments below.
Cover image via Pixabay
