What is PCOS? Understanding How PCOS Affects Pregnancy & Raising Awareness

PCOS Awareness

What is PCOS?

Nowadays, we come across the term PCOS almost everywhere, and one might be intrigued to know what it exactly is and why it is getting so much recognition. Well, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a common but often undiagnosed condition in which certain hormones are out of balance. This condition affects mostly women of reproductive age. Excessive male hormones, which we refer to as Androgens, prolonged periods of no menstruation, or cysts on the ovaries are the common symptoms of PCOS.

Why is PCOS awareness so important?

With low literacy levels in our country, and even amongst urban areas, it is disheartening to know that women survive with this condition all their lives without knowing they might be suffering from a medical problem.

The exact causes of PCOS are still unknown, but some of the major factors that might trigger this condition are:

  • Low grade- inflammation
  • Heredity
  • Male hormones, particularly androgens

Excessive insulin is another significant factor in PCOS. Women are insulin resistant when their bodies resist insulin’s action to process sugar as they normally should. Due to insulin resistance, when women with polycystic ovary syndrome become pregnant, they are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.

How to know if you have PCOS?

  • Irregular periods
  • Women might face issues in their pregnancy
  • Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression,
  • Excessive male hormones (excess hair growth, acne)
  • Obesity

7% of women are affected by obesity under this condition. Therefore, weight management is a prerequisite, as one can almost instantly see an upsurge in their weight. With the help of a balanced diet, brisk exercise, and a disciplined lifestyle, one can see improvement in their weight.

Curable or not?

There is no cure for PCOS, but as mentioned above, one might be able to live a healthier life with healthy choices related to food, discipline and exercise.

Does PCOS affect pregnancy?

There might be difficulty in getting pregnant because this condition affects ovaries and might also impact the ovulation process, further causing infertility or sub-fertility in some cases.

  • Pregnancy isn’t the cure for PCOS: Pregnancy doesn’t cure PCOS. Women might indulge in the idea of getting riddance of the condition given regular periods and lesser symptoms, but that might just be because of the pregnancy.
  • Losing weight may or may not help pregnancy: This isn’t a guarantee. It might help in decreasing insulin resistance, thus further improving the ovulation process.
  • IVF and ISCI methods are in talks for enabling pregnancy for PCOS women: These methods are surely a boon and do help women get pregnant easier.
    It is pertinent to understand that PCOS is just a condition and not a disease, and it can be treated over time, leading to a fall in the symptoms.

Prohance Powder to the Rescue

Prohance Mom SF is a sugar-free nutritional supplement that helps women with fertility issues. It aids in weight loss and hence, improves their chances of conception. On the other hand, Prohance Mom is a protein powder for pregnant women that provides essential nutrients which might help them ease out the difficulties in their nutrition. It is specially designed to meet the nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating moms. Protein powder for women is also known to improve bone health, immune system and gut health in vast measures. Try these supplements to aid your PCOS symptoms and gain some relief.

Disclaimer: This blog/publication/editorial/article is meant for awareness / educational purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of any Products. Please consult your doctor/healthcare practitioner before starting any diet, medication, or exercise.

Enhancing lives of pregnant and lactating women and their babies

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