Weight Issue For PCOS, How An Expert Can Help You?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is quite a common problem today among females in their reproductive age. Affecting almost 7% of the population. It is a condition mostly characterized by anovulation & increased Androgen production in the body. And results in fluid filled cysts in the ovaries, weight gain, thiperiods, insulin resistance, facial hair growth, etc. 

What is PCOS and its symptoms? 

Normally, ovaries that control the menstrual cycle in the body, release an egg. This process is called ovulation. But in a condition such as PCOS, this cycle is disturbed due to imbalance in Estrogen and Progesterone hormones in the body which are two most important hormones that regulate the ovulation process. As a result of this, androgen level goes up in the body which is a major factor behind the symptoms seen in cases of PCOS. 

In addition to this, the body becomes resistant to insulin, which results in pancreas getting triggered to release more insulin in the body. Excess insulin gets accumulated and in turn increases blood sugar level which stimulates the release of androgens in the body of a female. Spike in the levels of androgens in the body results in weight gain followed by other symptoms like body and facial hair, diabetes, etc. 

One major issue faced as a consequence of PCOS is metabolic disturbance leading to Weight Gain. At Least 80% of the PCOS diagnosed women struggle with weight gain issues. Most common issues associated with weight gain here would be Infertility, High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, etc. 

Causes: 

There is no one exact reason for the cause of it. Doctors believe it erupts mostly from the factors like heredity, chronic  inflammation and/or insulin resistance. Sometimes the hormone changes in the body happen due to the lifestyle we live. Also that factors each and every activity right from the start of the day till the end of it. In addition any kind of distraction from this routine will result in hormonal imbalances in the body.

How to treat PCOS? 

The very moment you start to notice symptoms like

• Irregular or painful periods
• Unable to get pregnant
• Excessive body and facial hair
• Sudden spike in your weight

It is always better to consult a Doctor than treating it by yourself. 

These symptoms need not necessarily mean one has PCOS. That is why it is better to consult a Doctor as they will be able to diagnose it and treat accordingly. 

One thing to be remembered is that weight loss is always most essential to relieve symptoms of PCOS. 

How to lose weight in the case of PCOS? 

While it is advised to consult a doctor as they can be more specific, these lifestyle changes are known to help reduce weight for PCOS diagnosed females. 

● Consume Low Glycemic Index (GI) carbs and High Fiber foods as this can help decrease insulin levels in the body. 

● Consume enough proteins and healthy fats as this can help you feel fuller for a long time control overeating. 

● Include foods high in probiotics like yogurt, kefir which improves the number of your gut bacteria, thus aid in metabolism and weight loss.

● Avoid all kinds of processed foods, this is a big NO-NO, especially in case of PCOS. Switch to healthy homemade versions instead. 

● Exercise regularly as this can improve the insulin sensitivity and control your blood glucose level in turn resulting in weight loss. 

● Irregular sleep can contribute to significant imbalances in the hormone levels and lead to weight gain. Hence, adequate sleep is a must. 

● Avoid all kinds of stress. High cortisol levels can also contribute to insulin resistance. Try to control it through regular yoga or meditation practices. 

PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle leading to infertility. While lifestyle changes are the first thing Doctors usually recommend and most of the time it gets healed too. Here medicines are introduced in the later stages.