PCOS Symptoms, Cause & Treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be one of the most common women’s health issues, with over 5 million women in the United States alone suffering from this hormonal disorder. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been recognized since the late 19th century, but was only recently named and included in the 2004 version of the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). With 6 to 10 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 35 having PCOS, it’s important to understand what it is, as well as how it affects your body and what you can do about it.

But what exactly is PCOS, and how does it affect its sufferers? Let’s look at how PCOS presents itself and some treatments that can be used to combat its symptoms and cause.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, in which small follicles form on the polycystic ovaries, causing hormonal imbalances that prevent ovulation. About 10% of all women have PCOS, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders worldwide, but it has only recently gained attention because of its prevalence and severity. Up to 75% of women with PCOS are obese, and they have significantly higher risks of developing diabetes and heart disease than other women their age.

What Causes PCOS?

It is one of the most common PCOS causes of infertility in women, and it also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. One theory is that PCOS is caused by an imbalance of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to the overproduction of androgens (male hormones), which can then disrupt the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

PCOS may also be linked to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not properly use insulin. Insulin helps cells take in glucose from the blood for energy or storage. If cells are resistant to insulin, they cannot effectively take up glucose from the blood and this leads to high levels of blood sugar or hyperglycemia. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream are associated with diabetes and heart disease risk factors.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS is a condition that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. It can also cause fertility problems and is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but here’s an overview of some of the most common symptoms associated with PCOS: While PCOS has no cure, there are treatments that can help with your symptoms or even improve the condition over time if you’re willing to commit to these lifestyle changes.

How Is it Treated?

Inositol is a natural PCOS treatment that can help with weight loss, insulin resistance, and ovulation. OZiva HerBalance is a PCOS supplement that helps with hormone balance and fertility. Some women may need to focus on PCOS weight loss, while others may need medication to regulate their hormones. Some common treatments include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and therapy to address body image concerns. For those with insulin resistance who are overweight or obese, this may also mean a change in eating habits that includes reduced intake of carbs (sugars) and sugars (honey). Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may want to consider weight-loss surgery or using medications like metformin or birth control pills that can reduce insulin levels.

Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, Kanchanar, Trikatu, and Guggul is a natural supplements that can help to treat PCOS symptoms. Ayurveda recommends that patients eat less processed foods, more whole grains, and more fresh vegetables and fruit. If someone's PCOS ultrasound is abnormal and they have insulin resistance PCOS, they may be advised to lose weight gradually by decreasing carb intake. Metformin is an oral drug used in many cases to help maintain blood sugar levels. Inositol PCOS might be prescribed if patients have excessive hair growth as well as thinning hair which can indicate hyperandrogenism.

Diet Recommendations (Foods That Help)

If you have PCOS or PCOD, you might be wondering what the best diet is to help manage your symptoms. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some general dietary recommendations that can help. Here are a few things to consider when designing your personal diet for PCOS/PCOD.

Include more fiber in your diet: Fiber helps regulate insulin levels, which is important for women with PCOS. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Eat a lower-carbohydrate diet: Eating fewer carbs can help lower blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

Limit processed foods high in sugars or artificial sweeteners: In general, these types of foods are low in nutrients and high in calories, which can lead to weight gain over time.

Taking Supplements (Supplements That Work)

There are many supplements that claim to help with PCOD or PCOS, but which ones actually work? Here are a few that have been shown to be effective for treating PCOS symptoms in various studies.

Inositol

Inositol is an over-the-counter supplement used for reducing the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been found to improve insulin resistance and reduce testosterone levels.

Fenugreek

The use of fenugreek seed extract has also been studied as a treatment for PCOS because it may lower blood sugar levels. The fenugreek seed extract was tested on a group of women who had PCOS. They were given either fenugreek seed extract or no treatment at all and monitored over six months. After six months, they were measured again for glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol, and PCOS ultrasound.

NAC

NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) and Garlic Supplements reduce Hirsutism by lowering Androgen Levels in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Women with hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often take herbs like N-acetyl cysteine and garlic, both of which have antiandrogen effects on body hair growth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements may also play a role in managing PCOS symptoms. As you can see, there are several different supplements that have been proven to be effective for managing PCOS. If you're not sure what type of supplement would work best for you, consult your doctor first before starting any kind of regimen.

Berberine

Berberine hydrochloride has also been studied as a possible treatment for PCOS because it helps increase insulin sensitivity. Researchers looked at how well berberine hydrochloride could lower fasting glucose levels in women with PCOS who had elevated fasting blood sugar levels. An eight-week study was conducted where patients took either 1 gram per day of berberine hydrochloride or placebo pills.

Exercise Recommendations (Exercises That Work)

Daily yoga & asanas can help to reduce insulin resistance in those with PCOS. These exercises also help to increase lean muscle mass, which can lead to weight loss. Here are some yoga pose for PCOS/PCOD patients:

Savasana

Savasana is a restorative yoga pose that is good for combating insulin resistance. In this pose, you lie flat on your back with arms at your sides. Close your eyes as you breathe deeply. Concentrate on the release of tension in the body from head to toe. Yoga instructors can tailor this pose to those who have PCOS by making it less challenging by adding bolsters under the hips or thighs for support or placing a blanket over the top for warmth.

Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is a series of 12 asanas or postures in Hatha Yoga. It is one of the most beneficial types of yoga for people with PCOS. The poses move the spine through a complete range of motion and are both relaxing and energizing. There are many other types of yoga that are also helpful for PCOS, such as Vinyasa Flow Yoga or Kundalini Yoga.

Naukasana

Naukasana (Nose Pose) is a good pose for PCOS because it improves the blood flow to the bilateral polycystic ovaries. Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana) is also beneficial, as it increases circulation in the pelvic region, alleviating painful cramps.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or Bridge Pose is a great pose for increasing blood flow to the ovaries. In this pose, you lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor near your buttocks. Bend your knees so that they are right above or even behind your buttocks. Lift up the pelvic area by pressing into the heels of your feet, which will also help open up the hips.

Things to Avoid

Insulin resistance is the main cause of PCOS. So, avoid sugary and starchy foods that can spike your insulin levels.
PCOS can also lead to weight gain. So, avoid processed and junk foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients.
PCOS can make it difficult to get pregnant. So, avoid anything that could further complicate your fertility, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
You can test for insulin resistance by fasting (going without food) for eight hours before taking a blood sugar test. If you have an elevated blood sugar level after an eight-hour fast, you may be more likely to have PCOS.

Conclusion

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The main symptoms are insulin resistance, weight gain, irregular periods, and fertility problems. It can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If you think you may have PCOS, consult your doctor about getting tested. You will need to take the test in order to diagnose PCOS. Remember that there are many other conditions related to PCOS, so if you do not get the results from the test, then consult with your doctor again because it could be something else. I hope this article helped you with some insight into what PCOS is, what causes it, and how to treat it.