A holistic approach to PCOS
Published:Wednesday | July 5, 2023 | 12:14 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer -
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries operate, in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, or male sex hormones, that are normally present in women in small amounts.
PCOS describes the numerous small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, that form in the ovaries. However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts.
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary to be fertilised by a male sperm. However, if the egg is not fertilised, it is sent out of the body during your period.
In some cases, a woman does not make enough of the hormones needed to ovulate. When ovulation does not happen, the ovaries can develop many small cysts, and these cysts make hormones called androgens. Women with PCOS often have high levels of androgens and this can cause more problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can result in many of the symptoms of PCOS.
Dr Rivane Chybar Virgo, medical doctor and health and wellness coach, speaking during a recent weekly Health Talk Sunday Series presentation on ‘A Holistic Approach To Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome’, said PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women, among other medical issues.
“Polycystic ovary syndrome affects 10 per cent of women of childbearing age. One in every 10 women are affected, but only one half of these women are aware of it. It is commonly diagnosed after failure to get pregnant, and is more commonly seen in persons who are overweight or obese. However, the condition can still occur in persons with normal weight,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.
“If untreated, PCOS can lead to serious consequences. It has the potential for medical, emotional and financial consequences, as well as high risk for other diseases, including heart diseases and other metabolic syndromes. There is also a high risk of endometrial cancer,” she added.
The exact cause of PCOS is not clear. However, many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body does not use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS worse.
PCOS may also be hereditary, and can be caused by hormonal imbalance in the body.
Signs and symptoms of PCOS, she said, can be present in various combinations and make it difficult to diagnose. Some of the symptoms of PCOS can be caused by other health problems. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms, and you will also have a physical examination. This will likely include a pelvic exam, that checks the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body.
“Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, hormonal difficulties, acne, excess hair growth, stress, depression, pregnancy complications, overweight or obesity, and high blood sugar levels,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.
Treatment for PCOS depends on a number of factors and may include your age, how severe your symptoms are, and your overall health. The type of treatment may also depend on whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
“Management of PCOS is usually done with an individualised approach, as persons present with the condition differently. Lifestyle changes only can work for some individuals, while for some women, it is a combination of lifestyle changes with medication,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.
Further management of PCOS she said can include reducing insulin resistance, improving hormonal imbalance, achieving a healthy body weight or composition, regulating menstrual disturbances, and addressing fertility concerns.
Lifestyle modification, she said, including achieving a healthy body weight composition, can be achieved with dietary changes, physical activity, adequate sleep, and proper stress management.
“How much activity do you need? Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual. You should also practise healthy eating habits, including regular, balanced meals, portion size, mostly vegetables, fruits and whole grains, healthy fats and healthy proteins,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.
Vitamin and mineral deficiency, she said, is also common in persons with PCOS. In addition to improved eating habits, specific vitamins and minerals can be added to compliment the diet.
For more information on polycystic ovarian syndrome, you can email healthtalksundays@gmail.com.
SOURCE: John Hopkins Medicine, Health Talk Sundays.