What’s in a name?
Despite its name, polycystic ovary syndrome involves more than cysts. The most common hormonal disorder among women also causes infertility due to a lack of ovulation; increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes; acne or oily skin; dandruff; weight gain; pre-diabetes; anxiety or depression; pelvic pain; sleep apnea; skin tags; and thinning hair. Womenshealth.gov estimates that at least 1 in every 20 women of childbearing age has the syndrome. Experts suggest following these steps to better manage PCOS.
Regulate your hormones.
Initial treatment options include hormonal contraception in the form of pills, patches or vaginal rings to protect the uterus and allow for more controlled menstrual periods and lower androgen levels — hormones that when raised can cause unwanted hair growth and acne, says Dr. Richard Legro, a reproductive endocrinologist in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. But there are other ways to manage PCOS.
Limit refined carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates break down into glucose, and because women with PCOS have a greater risk of developing diabetes, they should avoid overeating refined carbohydrates, says Hillary Wright, a registered dietitian at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and author of “The PCOS Diet Plan: A Natural Approach to Health for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” These refined carbs include white bread, pasta, rice and some snack foods such as cakes, cookies, pies and candy. Instead, reach for whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans, which contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, thereby promoting better health overall.
Find an exercise routine.
Women with PCOS and obesity often have joint problems or premature arthritis, making weight-bearing exercise difficult, Legro says. He recommends trying cycling, elliptical or rowing machines, or swimming instead. Research suggests that approximately 50 to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes. Wright says Pilates, yoga and activities using exercise bands are good ways to build strength and reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance.
Combat cosmetic woes and get emotional support.
“The emotional aspects of excess body hair, obesity and infertility in many women is a triple whammy,” Legro says. If these symptoms are distressing, talk to your doctor about shaving, chemical hair removal, waxing, bleaching, electrolysis, laser hair removal and creams. Eliminating excess body hair can help boost your self-image. He adds that for those dealing with infertility, seeing friends having babies can take an emotional toll. Finding a support group in your area or online might help ease the emotional effects of PCOS.
Quit smoking.
Smokers are at increased risk of myriad diseases, and this is especially true for women with PCOS. “Women with PCOS are at risk of having a blood clotting problem as part of their cardiovascular risk,” Wright says, adding that smoking can invite heart disease and infertility. In a 2012 study, the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that the percentage of women who experienced at least yearlong delays in conception was 54 percent higher for smokers compared with nonsmokers.
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Diet and Lifestyle Advice for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome originally appeared on usnews.com
