What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but excess androgens (male hormones) are involved. The two main features of PCOS are:
– Irregular or prolonged menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea)
– Enlarged ovaries that contain many small collections of fluid (cysts) called follicles that surround the eggs (follicles).
PCOS can cause problems getting pregnant and makes women prone to developing diabetes, heart disease and other health issues throughout their lifetime. While there is no cure for PCOS, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risks.
Lifestyle Changes for PCOS Management
For mild to moderate PCOS, making healthy lifestyle changes is often the first-line approach. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight through diet and exercise can help improve PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and excess hair growth. Some key lifestyle changes include:
Diet
Following an overall healthy, balanced low-glycemic diet can help manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting refined carbs, sugar and saturated fat. Some diets shown to help include low-calorie, Mediterranean, and low-glycemic index diets.
bAim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking or swimming most days. Strength training two to three times a week can help build muscle mass which boosts metabolism. Regular activity lowers insulin levels and reduces inflammation associated with PCOS.
Supplements
Popular supplements like Inositol and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may help with PCOS symptoms when combined with lifestyle modifications. More studies are still needed to determine their long-term benefits. Consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
Reducing Stress
High stress levels can worsen PCOS symptoms like acne and irregular periods. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing or spend time doing hobbies you enjoy to prevent stress. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night.
Medical Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment
Sometimes lifestyle changes alone are not enough to manage PCOS symptoms. Additional medical treatment options may help. Your treatment plan will depend on your specific symptoms and health factors. Common medicines used include:
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
The pill helps regulate periods and controls excess male hormones like testosterone secreted by the ovaries. It can treat heavy bleeding, painful periods, acne and excess hair growth.
bMetformin and pioglitazone help reduce insulin levels which lowers testosterone production. They are used to treat PCOS in overweight or obese women with prediabetes or diabetes to improve fertility and ovulation. Side effects may include digestive upset.
Anti-Androgens
Spironolactone and flutamide block the effects of male hormones like testosterone on the skin, hair and ovaries. They treat acne, excess hair and irregular periods when other Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment aren’t working.
Fertility Medications
Clomiphene citrate and Letrozole induce ovulation in women trying to conceive by stimulating the natural release of eggs during the menstrual cycle. They are usually taken orally for 5 days each cycle.
Other Options for More Severe PCOS
If regular ovulation and fertility cannot be achieved through lifestyle changes and oral medicines, additional assisted reproductive technologies may be options.
– Laparoscopic ovarian drilling uses lasers or diathermy to destroy small areas of ovarian tissue. This can induce ovulation in some cases.
– In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) uses extracted eggs fertilized with sperm in a lab that are then implanted in the uterus. This bypasses ovulation issues with high pregnancy success rates. However, IVF is very expensive and not always covered by insurance.
The treatment approach for PCOS requires a combination of lifestyle management and medical therapy tailored to individual symptoms and health goals. With ongoing care, many women see significant relief from both short and long-term complications of this condition. Following your treatment plan consistently along with a healthy diet and activity is key.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.