Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance disorder in women that can lead to infertility. To manage PCOS, doctors recommend adopting a healthier lifestyle and, in some cases, undergoing medical treatments.
PCOS can make it difficult for some couples to conceive. Proper treatment can help control distressing symptoms and increase the chances of pregnancy.
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Ways to Manage PCOS
PCOS occurs due to hormonal imbalances in women. Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of androgens (testosterone) than female hormones. Common signs include irregular menstrual cycles and excessive facial hair growth.
While PCOS cannot be completely cured, treatment aims to control symptoms, enhance fertility, and prevent complications. Here are some ways to manage PCOS:
1. Medications
To counteract hormonal imbalances, doctors may prescribe medications to regulate hormone levels and relieve bothersome symptoms.
- Birth control pills: Contain estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both. They help suppress androgen levels and regulate menstrual cycles.
- Progesterone therapy: Helps regulate periods and reduces the risk of uterine cancer without preventing pregnancy.
- Metformin: A medication that stabilizes insulin and androgen levels, lowers the risk of diabetes, and regulates ovulation and menstruation.
- Anti-androgens: Block testosterone effects, reducing excessive facial hair growth and acne.
- Anti-acne pills or creams: Help treat severe acne caused by PCOS.
- Eflornithine cream: A prescription cream that slows down excessive hair growth.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Although the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, insulin resistance is believed to be a major factor (along with diabetes). Insulin resistance can result from a high-sugar diet or reduced insulin sensitivity, leading to excess insulin in the blood.
High insulin levels can stimulate excess androgen production, worsening PCOS symptoms.
To keep insulin levels stable and reduce androgen production, a healthy diet is essential. This also helps in managing PCOS symptoms.
Recommended foods for PCOS:
- Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, potatoes, corn)
- High-fiber vegetables and fruits
- Low-fat proteins
3. Exercise Regularly
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise is an effective way to manage PCOS. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week can provide numerous health benefits for women with PCOS. Besides aiding weight loss, exercise and a balanced diet can improve ovulation cycles, regulate blood sugar, and stabilize insulin levels.
Best exercises for PCOS:
- Cardio: Brisk walking, cycling, aerobic exercises
- Strength training: Using dumbbells or resistance bands
- Flexibility exercises: Yoga and Pilates
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping a healthy weight is crucial for minimizing PCOS symptoms and improving fertility. Obesity can cause hormonal imbalances, worsening PCOS.
For women with obesity, losing weight can significantly reduce PCOS symptoms. Even a 5-10% weight loss can lower the risk of complications, improve medication effectiveness, and enhance fertility.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep negatively affects health, causing hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and weight gain. Getting 6-8 hours of quality sleep daily is essential to reduce PCOS-related complications.
6. Manage Stress
The stress hormone cortisol is produced from progesterone and other hormones. High cortisol levels due to stress can disrupt hormonal balance. Stress can also lead to weight gain and depression, common in women with PCOS.
Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, meditation), hobbies, and social activities can help stabilize hormones.
7. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Excessive caffeine consumption can disrupt sleep and hormone balance. It is best to limit coffee intake to no more than four cups per day.
8. Acupuncture
The effectiveness of acupuncture for PCOS remains debated. However, some studies suggest acupuncture may help manage PCOS symptoms.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points on the body, which may help regulate hormone levels, improve ovulation, and reduce insulin resistance.
If considering acupuncture, ensure you visit a licensed and certified acupuncturist. Some doctors also hold acupuncture certifications.
9. Surgery
If medications and lifestyle changes do not improve PCOS symptoms, doctors may recommend ovarian drilling.
Ovarian drilling is a laparoscopic procedure that creates small holes in the ovaries using a laser or heated needle. This helps rebalance hormones and restore normal ovulation cycles.
If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious health complications, with infertility being one of the most significant concerns.
Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles and excessive hair growth (on the chin or chest). If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to consult a gynecologist for further evaluation.
For those planning a pregnancy, consulting a fertility specialist can help determine the best course of treatment. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers fertility clinic services, including fertility tests and a 25-day pregnancy program led by experienced specialists.
You can book an appointment via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app (available on Google Play and App Store) for easy access to services.
