Women experience a variety of changes in their body throughout their lifetime. The major changes start at puberty and continue until menopause. Those changes may not only affect them physically, it can affect them emotionally as well.
Some of the common physical changes that take place in a woman’s body may include changes in their weight or shape. It may occur due to their age, as well as other factors, including hormonal changes and having children.
At times, the changes that occur in a woman’s body are not typical and they may be somewhat unexpected. These challenging conditions are often associated with a specific condition.
One of those possible conditions is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may affect up to 20% of the female population and the symptoms that are associated with it can be both severe and disruptive.
In addition to creating physical changes in a woman’s body, it may also present a number of emotional challenges as well. If you feel that you have PCOS, there is hope. Although there is no cure, there are a number of ways to manage the condition.
What is PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, occurs when a woman has elevated levels of androgens (male hormones).
It may occur due to genetic or environmental factors and it ranges in severity, as well as leading to a wide range of symptoms. It is often difficult to diagnose.
Women who have PCOS may have higher insulin levels, as well as experiencing these other symptoms. It affects up to 20% of the female population between the ages of 18 and 44.
PCOS is also a risk factor for other conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer and sleep apnea.
What are the common symptoms of PCOS?
Common Symptoms of PCOS
Symptom 1: Difficulty Conceiving
PCOS is one of the leading reasons why infertility occurs in women. It may prevent the body from ovulating properly and it may stop the ovulation process altogether.
Since a woman with PCOS is lacking in certain hormones, the follicles that release the egg from the ovary never mature. Pregnancy may be possible with PCOS but it may require additional fertility treatments.
Symptom 2: Irregular Menstruation
One of the more common symptoms of PCOS is an irregular menstrual cycle. The period may be absent altogether in some cases. In other cases, the hormones may lead to heavy, prolonged periods.
Many women with PCOS also experience cramping or pain in the pelvis.
Symptom 3: Abundant Body Hair
Excessive hair growth, known as Hirsutism, is a common symptom of PCOS. The hair is typically seen first on the chest, face, fingers, back and toes.
Women with PCOS may have varying amounts of body hair but it is typically associated with an increased amount.
Symptom 4: Dandruff, Acne and Oily Skin
The excess male hormones may also lead to oily skin and additional symptoms, such as dandruff or acne.
The same principle would be in effect when you break out before your period. If you experience sudden or severe breakouts or changes in your scalp and skin, it may be a signal you have PCOS.
Symptom 5: Weight Gain
PCOS can have an effect on the metabolism, causing a woman to gain weight. The weight gain is typically seen around the midsection.
This type of weight gain may also be associated with your insulin levels. Since women with PCOS tend to have higher insulin levels, this problem and type II diabetes is more common.
Symptom 6: Anxiety and Depression
Our hormones can affect our bodies and our moods, so women with PCOS may experience depression, irritability and anxiety.
The physical changes that take place in the body may also lead to additional anxiety.
Managing PCOS
Management Tip 1: Adjust the Diet
Eating certain types of foods may aggravate the symptoms and raise both insulin and hormone levels. Dietary changes, therefore, may be the first thing you want to try.
Include many low glycemic foods and leafy green vegetables in your diet along with fresh fruits and lean meat. Try to eat some fish that is high in omega-3.
Avoid soy products because they can change the hormone levels. Processed foods can also spike your insulin levels and affect your body. Dairy can raise testosterone levels, so it is better if you avoid it.
Management Tip 2: Magnesium
Magnesium is used by the body as an electrolyte and it can have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and blood sugar levels. It may also help to keep your hormones in check.
Many women with PCOS have low levels of magnesium, so you may want to include it as a dietary supplement. You can also try soaking in an Epson salt bath.
Management Tip 3: Exercise
The type of exercise that is beneficial for PCOS is intense. You should break a sweat within the first few minutes and continue to exercise for up to 30 minutes.
Building muscle through resistance exercises is also something that can help boost the metabolism.
Management Tip 4: Consult an Aesthetician
If you are bothered by the excess hair, an aesthetician can give you options for removing it. Those options may include waxing, shaving, bleaching, creams, electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Management Tip 5: Therapy
Many women who have PCOS feel out of control because of the changing hormone levels. They may also have a difficulty with the physical changes taking place to their body.
Sometimes, you need someone to talk to and a professional therapist can give you a listening ear.
Management Tip 6: Your Doctor
Many women with PCOS take medication to regulate their hormone levels. It should be noted, however, there is no one proper prescription for everyone.
Talk to a doctor or endocrinologist to find out what medications are available for you, what they do and what the possible side effects may be.
Via: Little Things
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