PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is something we hear more often nowadays. It is a disorder that plagues around 1 out of 10 women worldwide, causing cysts to form in their ovaries and produce an abnormal amount of male sex hormones or androgens. As a result, women with PCOS suffer symptoms ranging from irregular periods and unnatural hair growth to weight gain and difficulties conceiving.
It should be no surprise that many fellow Singaporean women suffer from this condition due to our increasingly unhealthy lifestyles. But it is not too late for us to change for the better. You can still get help from your gynae at Mount Elizabeth to treat the problem. Besides prescribing medications, they can also guide you in taking a more holistic approach to treating this problem.
What Makes PCOS Symptoms Worsen?
While no one truly knows what exactly causes PCOS, several risk factors increase your chances of developing this condition and experiencing more severe symptoms. These include:
Insulin Resistance
Women suffering from PCOS are often found to have high insulin resistance, which keeps them from breaking sugars down effectively. As our resistance increases, so can our androgen levels.
Excessive Weight Gain or Obesity
Although many women with PCOS have a healthy BMI, those who are overweight are more likely to have higher insulin resistance, making them more likely to get the health problem.
Genetics Plays a Part Too
We may also simply be genetically predisposed to having hormonal imbalances and have PCOS. If your mother or sister suffers from PCOS, there is a good chance of you developing it as well. It would be best to speak head to your Singapore women's clinic at Mount Gynae so your gynae can discuss ways to reduce your risk.
How You Can Improve Your Symptoms Besides Medications
Depending on how severe your issue is, your gynaecologist will likely prescribe medications to help bring your androgen levels down and lower your insulin resistance.
But in other cases, PCOS symptoms can be treated by making some significant lifestyle changes, namely:
Improving Your Diet
What we eat daily plays a large role in managing PCOS. If your weight and insulin resistance are the problems, you should avoid sugary or starchy foods and empty carbs. These would only cause your blood sugar levels to spike.
Instead, focus on reducing your calorie intake so you can lose weight while consuming more food with better nutritional value. These include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Take care when eating foods from the latter groups, as some are starchy. These include apples, grapes, pineapples, potatoes, and peas. You can still eat them, but do be more mindful of your portions.
Exercising Regularly
Physical activity is our second key to weight loss, as moving about helps our bodies burn calories faster. Exercising can also improve our mood, which is also often impacted by PCOS.
For more favourable results, your workout routine should mix aerobic exercises and strength training. The former boosts blood flow and helps you lose body fat, while the latter supports muscle growth and improves your insulin sensitivity.
What About Hair Growth?
Hirsutism or excessive hair growth is a distressing symptom to have. While dealing with it is not going to cure PCOS, it can still boost your mood as it improves your appearance.
Natural hair removal treatments such as waxing, plucking, and shaving regularly can help keep hair growth at bay. You could also apply depilatory cream to remove unwanted hair.
Work With Your Gynae to Bring A More Positive Outcome
Exercise and a healthier diet are the two main ways you can manage your PCOS symptoms naturally. But it is important that you stay committed to doing them both if you want to see more sustainable improvements.
You do not need to face PCOS alone. Do approach your gynae at Mount Elizabeth if you struggle with your condition. They can develop or adjust your treatment plan and see what is effective for you.
