Why Is PCOS Rising In Indian Women, And How Can It Be Dealt With?

Are you struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? You are not alone. In fact, in India, one in every ten women struggle with PCOS. Before we find out the possible remedies and the factors triggering PCOS symptoms, let us know what exactly it is. It is a multifactorial endocrine disorder which affects the ovaries of women and results in chronic anovulation. It is the most prevailing female endocrine disorder, with a worldwide range of 6-26%, and in India it is 3.7-22.5%. It is also one of the significant causes of infertility among women.

In women affected by PCOS, ovulation is affected as underdeveloped eggs start to form. The underdeveloped eggs, in the course of time, develop into cysts inside the ovaries, resulting in an increase in the size of the ovaries. The formation of cysts further obstructs the release of normal eggs and thereby continues the cycle of chronic anovulation.

Most women get diagnosed with PCOS/PCOD almost by accident, usually when the menstrual cycle is irregular. 22.5 % of Indian women in child bearing age hv this condition.

A direct result of Insulin Resistance. It can be reversed with diet. Low carb is the solution. pic.twitter.com/m5cukzQaBu

— RewriteYourStory (@saaiyer) April 6, 2022

What are the PCOS Symptoms commonly observed?

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome include irregular periods or even, in extreme cases, missing periods for more than seven months. The menstrual cycle can last for more than usual number of days. The frequency between one cycle and the next often gets reduced or increased due to the disease.

Apart from irregularity in periods, hirsutism affects women. Hirsutism refers to the medical condition that is characterised by excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in women on areas of the body where it’s not usually found, such as the face, chest, lower abdomen, and inner thighs. This is induced by the higher secretion of androgen hormone.

In addition to that, weight gain is another common symptom of PCOS. Weight gain due to PCOS is often difficult to lose. Women with PCOS, therefore, struggle with healthy management of weight. PCOS symptoms also include acne, which is hard to treat. It also leads to acne as it causes the ovaries to secrete androgens beyond permissible limits, which in turn stimulate the production of oil in the skin.

What are the major factors causing the disease?

This multifactor endocrine disorder is triggered by a number of causes. The factors include genetics, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and stress. Genetic factors like gene defects disturb the biochemical pathway and lead to the dysfunction of an ovary. Family history of PCOS also plays a role in determining the disease.

A sedentary lifestyle is majorly to be blamed for PCOS as it is often termed as a lifestyle disorder. Lack of regular exercise, long hours of sedentary work, and sleeping cycle disruption are some of the reasons that exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Moreover, smoking and drinking alcohol negatively impact the reproductive system.

An unhealthy diet, too much reliance on junk food, and packaged food affect our health negatively and more than often result in weight gain. Long-term mismanagement of weight causes obesity, which goes hand in hand with PCOS. Moreover, stress is one of the major triggering factors that has become an intrinsic part of our lives.

What are the available Treatments for women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Yogas for PCOS Relief

Although PCOS is not completely curable, however, that does not mean it is unmanageable. Symptoms of PCOS can be managed with the right combination of balanced lifestyle and medication. As PCOS is often categorised as a lifestyle disorder, therefore maintaining of healthy lifestyle is a must if you want to mitigate the issue. Regular exercise, along with yoga, can help in the long run. Yogas that target your core abdomen help not only in relieving the symptoms but also help you lose weight, which can help you smoothen your struggle with PCOS.

Yoga asanas like Supta Baddha Konasana or the Butterfly Pose, Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose, Dhanurasana or Bow Pose, Ardha Chandrasana or the Half Moon Pose, Paschimottanasana or the Seated Forward Bend, Malasana or the Garland Pose, Setu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose, Chakravakasana or Cat-Cow Pose are greatly useful for women suffering from PCOS. Besides, yoga is known for busting stress and ensuring our physical as well as mental well-being.

Diet for PCOS patients

Yoga asanas, accompanied by a healthy diet and avoiding junk foods, can set your PCOS journey back on track. Foods enriched with high fibre content are beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels as they help combat insulin resistance. High-fibre food such as green leafy vegetables, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts, red leaf lettuce, green and red peppers, beans and lentils, tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, olive oil, fruits including blueberries and strawberries, and fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon are good for women looking for a healthy diet. Fibre-rich foods are known for slowing down digestion and, therefore, good for efficient weight management.

Additionally, protein intake in the form of lean protein sources like tofu, chicken and fish remains a healthy dietary option for women with PCOS. As carbohydrate intake results in increased blood sugar levels, therefore it must be reduced for proper maintaining of weight. Apart from protein and high-fibre food intake, frequent meals in small quantities instead of heavy meals after a long gap helps in healthy metabolism and prevents weight gain. 

Medications

Although medications help, they are not free from side effects. Medications are available in the form of birth control pills that regulate hormonal balance and help in the ovulation process. However, birth control pills often mess up your hormonal balance and can have a long-term impact on your health. Weight gain due to overuse of contraceptives often complicates the problem even further.

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