POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISORDER (PCOS/PCOD)

PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels and appearance.

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Both PCOS and PCOD diseases are associated with Ovaries. PCOS is an endocrine system disorder while PCOD is a condition developed by the hormonal imbalance.

WOMEN WITH PCOS HAVE BELOW CHARACTERISTICS,

• High levels of male hormones also called Androgens

• An irregular or no menstrual cycle

• May or may not have small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs

SYMPTOMS OF PCOS:

• Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods or irregular bleeding

• Hirsutism, increased growth of the hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes

• Infertility

• Acne, oily skin & dandruff

• Pelvic pain

• Obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist

• Type 2 Diabetes

• High Cholesterol

• High BP

• Male pattern baldness or thinning hair

• Patches of thickened, dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs

• Skin tags or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

• Sleep apnea - Excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:

A few blood tests for hormones may be used in the diagnosis of the PCOS.

• Testosterone: Initial test to determine whether you are producing excess androgens.

• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): An increased level is often seen with PCOS.

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): May be reduced in PCOS.

• Fasting and PP Serum Insulin: High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to make more androgen hormones such as testosterone. Having insulin resistance can increase your risk of developing diabetes.

• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): It is a marker associated women with newly diagnosed PCOS, appears to have significantly elevated MPV levels.

MEDICATION:

• Metformin also called as 'Glucophage' affects the way insulin regulates 'Glucose' and decreases testosterone production

• Androgens

• Birth control pills

HOW IS PCOS TREATED?

Weight loss through Exercise and Suryanamaskar

• Loss of 10% of the body weight in case of Obesity & healthy weight can help a woman's cycle more regular.

• Recommended: Moderate exercise like Brisk walking, Jogging, Cycling & Swimming.

• This type of exercise increases your bodies sensitivity to insulin.

• Suryanamaskar: The 12 sun salutations poses help in bringing down the blood sugar and decreases the chances of heart diseases. It ensures a regular menstrual cycle for women. Also improves metabolism. Yoga postures designed for the PCOS help open up the pelvic area and promote relaxation.

A balanced diet with main fibre and protein combination.

GUIDELINES ON DIETARY MODIFICATIONS:

It is best to consume a nutrient-based, alkaline well-balanced diet with quality proteins, full of vitamins and minerals.

Recommended:

1. Low GI diet (food items with low Glycemic Index)

2. Fibrous food like Green leafy, fruits (especially Banana), whole grains (Quinoa, Brown rice & Whole wheat)

3. Iron-rich food

4. Omega -3 -Fatty acids: Some of the Nuts and Seeds can help to reduce testosterone levels in those with PCOS. EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are important for the production of prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance that usually helps to regulate BP, inflammation, neurological function, hormones production etc. e.g. Flax seeds (Lignans effectively balance the hormonal levels as well as promote natural ovulation)

5. Calcium-rich food such as milk, curd, paneer, fenugreek leaves and Ragi (Nachani). The mineral calcium can reduce menstrual pain and premenstrual tension

6. Vitamin E rich wheat germ will help to reduce the breast tenderness.

7. Antioxidants rich foods in color full fruits and green leafy, turmeric, cinnamon

8. Fermented food

9. Mindful eating

10. Limiting processed foods and added sugars

11. Reducing carb intake

SUPPLEMENTS SUGGESTED:

B6, folate & B12 supplements help to lower inflammation by breaking down an amino acid called “Homocysteine” which is commonly elevated in women with PCOS.

• Vitamin D: It is an important pro-hormone for optimal intestinal calcium absorption. Vitamin D can lower the abnormally elevated serum AMH levels.

• Iron supplements: Haemoglobin up-gradation with Vitamin C is important in treating PCOS.

Treating PCOS with 3 Key ingredients,

• Ahleev (Gardencress seeds)

• Fenugreek

• Flax seeds