What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal condition that women can get at their reproductive age. A woman with PCOS experiences irregular periods and high androgen (male hormone) levels. The ovaries may form small collections of follicles and fail to release eggs regularly.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain or inability to lose weight.
- Excess of male hormone in the body means increase body hair, acne, scalp hair loss.
- Infertility
- Trouble falling asleep at night.
How PCOS is diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose PCOS through three components:
- Signs of irregular periods.
- Signs of increased male hormone in the body.
- Polycystic Ovary on the ultrasound.
The presence of any two of the above factors indicates PCOS.
Why does PCOS happen and can it be prevented?
Some Gynaecologists say it has a genetic element to it. If someone in your families such as your mother or sister has PCOS, there is a high risk of you developing it.
While some Gynaecologists also argue that the main cause of PCOS is a poor lifestyle. Our body is made for constant movement but today our lifestyle has changed, and we hardly exercise. We eat and don’t work our bodies.
Role of Diet with PCOS
We are overfed and undernourished. What we eat, how we eat, how we cook and how we store our food and where our food is coming from, contributes to our diet.
What to eat: Eat food, which is easily available, is seasonal and local, always avoid packaged and processed food. Have some fruit over its juice. A great mix of grains, pulses fruits, vegetables is what constitutes a healthy diet. It is advised to go slow on dairy products when taking care of hormonal disorders.
How much to eat: Be mindful of your eating. Take almost half of what you eat on your plate and eat slowly, without any distractions. If you feel hungry after the first portion, take half of the next portion, and eat slowly. This way you won’t have to worry about your calories.
How to cook and store our food: The Food should be cooked without damaging the food. So, avoid over frying and overcooking the food. Xenoestrogens present in the plastic can disturb the hormonal balance in the body. Therefore, avoid storing food in plastic containers, rather store your food in steel or glass containers.
There is no magic food item or recipe to set everything right. Learn to eat simple, fresh, and wholesome and exercise. Do yoga, dance, put your body to work.
If you have further questions, our team of qualified gynaecologists at the Bansal Global Hospital are 24/7 available to help you with your medical concerns. Fix your appointment today and contact us at +919911062832.
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