PCOS- AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS THAT IS MORE THAN A FERTILITY ISSUE

Although symptoms of PCOS are not very evident but any girl or woman suffering from it can recognize the symptoms if observed carefully. The most common symptoms of PCOS are: -

-> Rapid weight gain especially near the lower abdominal region.

-> Irregular periods

-> infertility

-> Hair loss in clumps

-> Painful acne

-> lethargy and exhaustion

-> Excessive Growth of facial hair

-> Brain Fog

-> Insatiable cravings

Apart from these physical symptoms PCOS also leads to mental health problems. PCOS causes weight gain which leads to body image issues, instead of supporting women through this people constantly taunt women that everything can be cured if they lose weight. Anxiety, lack of energy, negative thoughts, loss of hair, and getting rid of facial hair daily really take a toll on the mental health of women with PCOS.

WHAT CAUSES PCOS

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disorder is a group of symptoms that results from endocrine disorder. In this women have elevated levels of male hormone:- Androgen, responsible for symptoms such as the growth of facial hair and other symptoms. Due to elevated androgen levels, there is difficulty in elevation hormones causing ovulation, leading to fertility issues in women suffering from PCOS.

Women with PCOS also suffer from insulin intolerance in which the body is unable to use insulin causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, and insatiable hunger leading to excessive weight gain.

LAB INVESTIGATIONS FOR PCOS

If you are observing the symptoms of PCOS then these investigations can help you clear your doubts and answer all your questions:-

-> Blood Tests —

This will help to measure your blood sugar, cholesterol, and Triglyceride levels of your body. This data can be an important part of your diagnosis.

->Thyroid function tests

-> ULTRASONOGRAPHY

PCOS AND INFERTILITY

PCOS is more than a fertility issue but it is the most relevant issue for women in childbearing age. It is indeed difficult to conceive if you are suffering from PCOS, but it is not impossible. Many women conceive with PCOS so you don’t need to lose hope and keep trying with some lifestyle modifications that will increase your chances of conceiving.

CHANGES THAT WILL BRING YOU CLOSER TO PREGNANCY ARE:-

<->Measure your metabolic health, strength training, and yoga might be game changers in bringing your metabolism back on track.

<->Eat a diet that will help you fight PCOS. It should consist of half of a plate with fibers, one-fourth of plates with carbs, and the rest one-fourth with protein.

<->Manage your stress and EXERCISE regularly.

<->Track your menstrual cycle.

<->Consider taking supplements, such as zinc, magnesium, etc.

METFORMIN OR LETROZOLE

Metformin is a drug that is usually used to treat hyperglycemia that is diabetes but it helps with insulin resistance in PCOS, so it is prescribed to people with PCOS. But if you are trying to conceive letrozole is proven to give better results than metformin.

Ovulation rate and pregnancy rate are lower with the use of metformin in comparison to letrozole. Letrozole has better results for pregnancy rate and live births hence letrozole is a better drug for women with PCOS willing to conceive.

MANAGEMENT OF PCOS

Target goals to manage PCOS should be:-

• Reduce inflammation
• Lower your insulin levels by reducing blood sugar spikes and increasing insulin sensitivity.
• Lower CARBS
• Up your Iron intake
• Up your magnesium intake:- Magnesium helps with anti-inflammation, stabilizes blood sugar, and promotes better progesterone levels.
• Up your zinc intake:-zinc is critical to hormone synthesis and balance.
• Take your morning sunlight that will save you from one extra pill and boost your VITAMIN-D levels.
• Up your Calcium intake
• Taking the OMEGA 3 supplement will help reduce triglyceride levels and therefore androgen levels.
• Lower-impact exercises such as strength training, yoga, cycling, and brisk walking might be our answer.
• Some home remedies that might help manage symptoms of PCOS such as drinking spearmint tea, and incorporating cinnamon, shiitake mushroom, and, nettle leaf. These have androgen-blocking properties.

CONCLUSION

PCOS is tough but remember you are heard and supported by your PCOS community. Maintaining your physical symptoms is important but taking care of your mental health is equally important.

Making some lifestyle modifications with the good three which are a GOOD DIET, GOOD EXERCISE, AND GOOD SLEEP will keep BAD PCOS in control.