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 women in which certain hormones are out of balance.
Also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, PCOS, in simple terms, can be defined as a hormonal imbalance that affects a woman’s menstrual cycle; additionally, PCOS affects pregnancy and can lead to infertility in some cases. A detailed medical history and several tests, including blood tests to check hormone levels and ultrasounds, are required to diagnose this condition.
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. Understanding what is PCOS can help you manage its symptoms to live a healthy life and possibly conceive children.
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:
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.
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.
There is no cure for PCOS as of yet, but as mentioned above, one might be able to manage the symptoms of PCOS and live a healthier life with healthy choices related to food, discipline and exercise.
Understanding PCOS better can help women manage this condition and its symptoms in addition to the below-mentioned treatment options under the guidance of a board-certified doctor:
Doctors may also prescribe drugs to control blood sugar levels in women with PCOS to help induce ovulation. However, if you have PCOS and become pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consult with your doctor about your current medication as they may cause complications for you or your baby-to-be.
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.
A 2011 study revealed that about 60% of women with PCOS are obese, and almost 14% of the affected women require assisted reproductive technologies to conceive. Weight management is one of the most influential factors in managing the symptoms of this condition; proper nutrition is the first step towards maintaining a healthy weight. Healthy eating can support your future plans and may help you minimise your risk of complications during pregnancy related to PCOS.
Are you wondering about what is PCOS’s effect on pregnancy? PCOS can make things much more complicated for both you and your baby-to-be. Women with PCOS who are pregnant have an increased risk of complications that may lead to a miscarriage as well as premature birth among other things. Constant monitoring is required for women with PCOS who are pregnant in order to avoid any adverse complications associated with the condition during a critical time of their lives.
According to the same study, the risk of developing gestational diabetes for women with PCOS is double the risk for women who don’t have PCOS. Having gestational diabetes can lead you to have a larger-than-average baby due to PCOS. Although having a larger baby may seem like you have a healthy baby, it is far from the truth. Larger babies are associated with increased risk of their shoulders being stuck during labour, among other things.
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.
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