PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal issue in women. Despite having a history of medical science pondering the subject for a long time, there is a never-ending conversation around PCOS. The most common are conversations about the seriousness of the issue and if it needs assistance from a medical practitioner. Even though there is a lot of uncertainty and fear, complete research is recommended before conclusions set in.
What is PCOS? And why is it caused?
PCOS is caused due to prolonged anovulation (a condition where ovaries do not release eggs during the menstrual cycle). It also causes infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. This condition is also susceptible for ovaries to develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles), thus resulting in irregularity in egg release.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS can be identified through the following symptoms
- Hair loss (male pattern baldness)
- Acne
- Hirsutism (excess hair growth on your body)
- Overweight
- Pelvic pain
- Infertility (unable to conceive)
- High testosterone levels
- Irregular periods
If you are someone who has these symptoms, or you know someone who is suffering from these mentioned problems, it might be concerning signs of PCOS. Their adversities can result in issues like Gestational diabetes, Miscarriage, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and Metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels), increasing risks of cardiovascular disease. The comorbidities of PCOS also include Type 2 diabetes, Sleep apnea, Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, Abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometrial cancer.
It is always advisable to have an early diagnosis and treatment along with lifestyle changes to reduce the complications of PCOS. Lifestyle changes that are required are,
- Avoiding refined sugar and anything with added sugar
- Avoiding maida, as it is difficult to digest
- Avoid artificial sweeteners like stevia, and Maple syrups
- Cut back on salt and saturated fats, including deep-fried food and red meat
- Eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Daily physical activity for 30 minutes
- Consume at least 2-2.5 liters of water every day.
- Yoga Meditation - Practicing yoga will help in stress management.
What external help can you give your hormones to help with PCOS?
Apart from lifestyle modifications, several vitamins and supplements help regulate hormonal imbalances and promote ovulation, which can be especially helpful for PCOS. They can be an excellent addition to your PCOS management plan, but looking at the research to understand how they can help and whether they will work for you is ideal.
Some of the supplements are,
L- Methyl folate calcium: Research says that women of childbearing age receive adequate amounts of folic acid. This has shown to have no or fewer chances of infant spinal cord birth defects.
Chromium: Chromium helps with insulin sensitivity and improves blood sugar control in people with prediabetes and high blood sugar.
Zinc: Zinc is a fundamental mineral for many physical processes, including cell development, hormone release, and reproductive health. Zinc deficiency can have health implications on your menstrual cycle. Zinc is also known to help with other PCOS symptoms like acne, hair growth, and hair loss and improve hormonal imbalances and ovulation.
Inositol: Up to 70% of the female population with PCOS has some degree of insulin resistance. Inositol is well known to improve insulin resistance. It has different advantages, like promoting egg quality and further improving ovarian function, making it one of the most mind-blowing supplements for ladies with PCOS.
Carnitine: Carnitine is another antioxidant that helps with several common traits of PCOS like insulin resistance and higher levels of androgens. Carnitine has proven to be effective at managing issues with inflammation and glucose metabolism. Although more research is needed, researchers are impressed with carnitine’s impact on PCOS and is used for weight loss.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): N-Acetyl Cysteine is known to improve insulin sensitivity, improvise pregnancy rate, and restore hormone balance. It works to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the body. It is a great supplement to consider for the treatment of lowering testosterone levels, improving insulin resistance, and boosting fertility. It works by increasing the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
NAC helps regulate your menstrual cycle by promoting hormone balance and liver detoxification. Even if you are not trying to get pregnant, your menstrual cycle can say a lot about your health, and an irregular cycle should be checked out.
PCOS can be treated with various supplements and lifestyle changes, of which a precise diagnosis is important, especially at the peak of reproductive age.
This is when our unique blend designed for PCOS & Ellphertyle Utero Health comes in play. These have been made keeping in mind, the appropriate ratio for PCOS. Ellphertyle consists the 40:1 Myo and D-chiro inositol ratio. It also helps in improving reproductive and menstrual health in women.