You might be unsure about what to do next if your doctor tells you that you have Polycystic ovaries. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS, for short, is a medical condition that affects women and disrupts their normal hormonal production. PCOS actually affects one out of every ten women, and it can manifest from the first day of their period up until their menopause.
When you have PCOS, your ovary ceases ovulating regularly, which means the ovary will not release eggs. As a result, PCOS can result in serious health issues for women, but these can be managed as long as you take proper measures. Check out the common health conditions that may arise from PCOS and how you can address them.
Health Conditions Associated with PCOS
Hormonal imbalances are almost synonymous with having Polycystic ovaries. For example, women with PCOS have greater amounts of androgens (male hormones found in females), preventing eggs from being produced and leading to acne, irregular periods, thinning scalp hair, and excessive body hair growth.
Because of the uneven distribution of hormones, your body has to adapt and manage the influx of changes. As a result, PCOS increases your risk for developing various health conditions.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
PCOS is linked to a hormonal imbalance, which includes the hormone insulin. The innate higher insulin resistance you have from PCOS multiplies your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, high body weight is a risk factor for PCOS, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Stroke and Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, or having fat-saturated blood vessels are dangerous for people with PCOS. The condition worsens all previously mentioned factors, making you highly susceptible to strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
Pregnancy-related Complications
PCOS is a major concern for both the pregnant mother and the baby inside. The strain on the body brought about by pregnancy, such as increased chances for hypertension and diabetes, is magnified by having PCOS. There is also an increased risk for miscarriages or preterm deliveries.
Manage PCOS Through Lifestyle Changes
Living an active and healthy lifestyle is ultimately the way to go. PCOS responds well to positive lifestyle changes if you only have mild symptoms. Since your body has to keep up with the hormone imbalance, staying fit and healthy will help you feel healthier.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Managing what you put into your stomach will help you overcome the harsher complications of PCOS. Fortunately, you need not follow any strict diet or cleanse. Instead, experts recommend regularly eating with a balanced plate of proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
Stay Active and Exercise Consistently
Exercising regularly helps keep your body fit, healthy, and beautiful!. Studies have shown that having consistent workouts and keeping active help reduce the androgens in your body while simultaneously improving insulin resistance. Other benefits include higher levels of energy and more consistent menstruation cycles.
Keep a Healthy Mindse
PCOS can be scary to navigate when you first discover that you have it. Your mind can race at all the possibilities, leading you to be excessively anxious about the future. However, while the complications can happen, you have many options to help prevent or minimise most, if not all, of them. Thus, maintaining a healthy mindset is key.
Overall, having PCOS can make you more susceptible to other health conditions if the symptoms are not managed properly. Fortunately, several lifestyle changes have proven to be effective in minimising the symptoms and can lead to a happier, more confident, and healthier life.