PCOS – TIME TO PRODUCE CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH
“Prevention is better than cure”- an old saying about which we all are aware, but never implemented. In this modern age of the rat race, we all are busy in earning wealth by losing health. In this article, we are going to discuss a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS…which have affected up to 10 percent of women of childbearing age.
What is PCOS??
Mood swings – the word that is commonly used for women, is a condition of hormonal changes. With the process of aging women body undergoes various genetic and endocrine disorders. One of these endocrine disorders is PCOS i.e. polycystic ovarian syndrome in which a woman’s hormones are out of whack. It is a condition of enlargement of ovaries due to an imbalance of the reproductive hormones causing filling of the ovary by fluid-filled cysts. Thus causing problems with menstrual periods and making it difficult to conceive. If not treated it can cause insulin-resistant diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol which will lead to heart disease.
What causes PCOS??
In a normal healthy female body, both female sex hormones and little male sex hormones (androgen) are produced for the normal development of the ovary in each menstrual cycle. But in PCOS there is an imbalance of these hormones i.e. the ovaries starts churning out more androgen causing an irregular menstrual cycle, facial hair growth, thinning of hair, fertility problem, and hirsutism.
Generally, in each menstrual cycle one or more eggs are released (a process called ovulation). But in this endocrine disorder, the egg in the sacs know as follicles within the ovaries do not get matured and released from the ovaries forming small cysts in the ovaries i.e. polycystic ovaries.
What are the management plans for PCOS??
The first line of treatment for PCOS is modifying your lifestyle which includes changes in your diet, increasing your daily activity and participating in your regular exercise program because it not only helps you in maintaining a healthy weight but also helps in lowering the insulin production after meals. Application of these changes can reduce both insulin resistance and androgen levels and can restore ovulation.
Knock the door of the kitchen!! And you will find the remedies in food!!
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has an anti – glycemic effect resulting in reduced production of insulin while regulating the levels of sugar present in the bloodstream.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is enriched with the high amount of lignin that binds to the male sex hormone (testosterone) in the blood. After binding it promotes its excretion resulting in fewer side effects caused by the imbalance of hormones.
Bitter gourd
Bitter gourd has a potent effect of regulating blood insulin levels. It has the insulin-like component called polypeptide-p or p-insulin that May helps in controlling the level of blood sugar. As it is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates it aids in weight loss.
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea has an anti-androgenic effect that helps in reducing the amount of male hormone produced in the body. With reduced production of androgen, there is relieved in the symptoms of hirsutism i.e. unwanted facial hair growth.
Vitamins D
Vitamin –D is an important vitamin for the reproductive health of female. Supplementation of Vitamin – d helps in regulating the metabolic and reproductive processes thus leads to reestablishment of the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Coconut Oil
Due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids and antioxidants coconut oil helps in the regulation of blood sugar and insulin in the bloodstream. By reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood it also promotes cardiovascular health.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to regulate the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after consumption of meals by interfering with the digestive enzymes that are involved in our glucose metabolism. It is also involved in reducing insulin resistance by improving insulin sensitivity.
Green tea
Catechins – the potent antioxidants present in green tea is responsible for bringing down the levels of hormones that cause ovarian cyst and symptoms of PCOS. It also helps in controlling the levels of fasting insulin and cut down the levels of fasting glucose. It also has the potential to increase our metabolism resulting in shedding the extra pound of fat.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds play an important role in the regulation of female hormones and menstrual cycle.
Aloe Vera Juice
This magical plant helps in reducing the levels of cholesterol and improving blood circulation thus helps in restoring the status of ovarian steroid and help in relieving symptoms of PCOS.
Salmon Fish Oil
Omega – 3 present in this salmon fish oil capsule improve insulin sensitivity resulting in reduced production of male hormones.
Kalonji Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have plenty of benefits along with its anti-inflammatory properties this seed also possess anti-diabetic and estrogenic properties that are beneficial in treating PCOS.
Conclusion
Get Tested, Get Sure!! Go for a full abdomen ultrasound on the second day of your period. And if it’s yes aside going towards medical interventions, it would be better if we focus on some lifestyle changes that may improve your symptoms — without the possibility of any side effects from medications. For example, eliminate alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and sugar from your diet to reduce inflammation. Eliminate animal fats, processed foods, and dairy products. Go for a healthy and nutritious diet plan because a healthy woman makes a healthy family which in turns makes a healthy nation.
Originally published at neuherbs.com