Polycystic Ovary Treatment
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? When you have multiple cysts on the ovaries you are said to suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. This is an endocrine disorder and is more common than thought initially.
Effects of PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome can affect women in various ways.
• Women who suffer from PCOS have difficulty in conceiving. While some have unexplained infertility, the others have infrequent periods, while some do not ovulate at all.
• At least 30 per cent of women with PCOS are seen to suffer from persistent acne.
• Women with PCOS are seen to have excess body and facial hair.
• Studies have also revealed that some women suffering from PCO have a ‘male pattern’ thinning of hair on the crown of the head and at the temples.
Causes of PCOS: PCOS usually occurs during the late teenage years or during the twenties. Symptoms often start after a sudden weight gain or after stopping the Pill. Sometimes it is genetic. Lifestyle factors like obesity, bingeing and stress can also lead to PCO. In a few cases, PCO can be triggered by a drug, especially the anti-epilepsy drug phenytoin.
Home Remedies for PCOS
PCOS is sometimes treated with medicines to restore the hormonal balance, and in some extreme cases, surgery is resorted to. A laparoscopy may be a necessary procedure.
But you might want to go in for non-invasive home remedies.
• Weight Loss: Bringing down your weight is the first step and can be done by a total change in lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and proper diet.
• Exercise: Women with PCOS should get regular exercise. Increased physical activity will help to reduce weight, which in turn will bring about a balance in hormonal levels. Exercise will also lower blood sugar levels. Even half an hour of brisk walking or any other exercise will prove helpful.
• Diet Changes: Cut out fatty foods from your diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Lowering your intake of refined sugars also helps, since it has been found that women with PCOS often have higher levels of insulin in their blood. This leads to higher production of androgens, which causes excessive facial and body hair and irregular periods. Reducing sugar intake will help to reverse this trend.
• Stress Management: A chronically stressed person produces cortisol, which in turn leads to higher production of androgens. Learn to control your stress to reduce levels of stress. Massage, counseling, plenty of rest, exercise like yoga, may all help.
• Nutrition: Certain nutritional supplements help to regulate the hormonal balance and reduce production of androgens. These are magnesium, zinc, Omega 3’s and vitamin B, and are available in fish and seeds like linseed and flaxseed.
• Exposure to Light: It has been found that overweight people often binge because they suffer bouts of winter depression. In such cases, it is advisable to go out and get some extra sunshine. This will also help the hormonal balance of your body.
Acupuncture and herbal medicines are also used to cure PCOS, but make sure that you go to a qualified practitioner only.
