Do you know every fifth woman in India faces PCOD / PCOS problems? Due to this, they face severe hair fall, acne breakouts, pimples and facial hair.
Sometimes periods are irregular periods, sometimes blood flow is too low, and sometimes it’s excessive.
So, today I have come again to make my family capable. I want to tell you that self-love does not mean shining your hair and skin but also understanding your body.
If you are someone who has problems like PCOD, PCOS, thyroid or hormonal imbalance, this article is for you. Read it properly, understand your body and make the right decision for yourself.
Table of Contents:
What is PCOS AND PCOD?
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease):
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It is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs that, over time, develop into ovarian cysts.
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Around 10% of women in the world suffer from PCOD. In several instances, a woman who suffers from PCOD does not even know about the condition.
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PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is more common than people think.
PCOS ( (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):
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It is a more severe condition comparing PCOD.
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It is a metabolical condition in which ovaries secret male hormones in large amounts, leading to excessive cyst formation. This condition affects fewer women than PCOD.
How To Identify PCOS & PCOD?
Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
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Oligomenorrhea: Irregular menstruation
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Amenorrhea: Absent or skipped periods
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Menorrhagia: Heavy flow during menstruation
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Abnormal weight gain.
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Hair growth excessively on the face and body.
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Acne spurge.
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Hair fallout, hair gets thinner
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Skin darkening on the neck, under the breast, and in the groin area.
Does PCOD And PCOS Affect Fertility In Women?
PCOD does not affect fertility in women. In about 80% of cases, women can conceive without or with a little help and medication.
PCOS negatively affects a woman’s fertility. Since a woman does not ovulate regularly, it becomes difficult to conceive.
Even if they do, there is still a risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or pregnancy complications.
While PCOD does not have any serious complications, PCOS can lead to type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and risk of heart disease.
Some women start to see these signs during the first period, while some don’t notice until they gain a lot of weight or have trouble getting pregnant.
Menstruation is tough in itself, and conditions like PCOD and PCOS make it more difficult for some women. It takes a physical and mental toll on the woman suffering from this condition.
Women suffering from PCOD or PCOS often form a negative self-image and have low self-esteem. They may face problems with their sleeping and eating patterns. Often, some women face difficulties in their social relationships.
If you have any symptoms, go to your gynaecologist and get a diagnosis. Gynaecologists may suggest these tests:
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Blood Tests: Blood test helps to know hormonal levels.
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Pelvic Exam: Checking reproductive organs physically to understand abnormalities.
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Imaging test: The imaging test involves performing an ultrasound to determine the size of ovaries, uterine lining, and cysts.
These tests will help you understand the conditions better. And a doctor may guide you toward proper medical care and treatment or suggest lifestyle changes. Symptoms of these conditions are manageable.
Here are some things that can help ease the symptoms:
How To Fix PCOD And PCOS?
1]. Making Changes in Diet
The correct diet and knowing what you can eat and what you should avoid can adversely ease the symptoms of PCOD and PCOS.
Firstly, avoid eating processed and preserved foods. Eating this food can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, further complicating the symptoms.
Here is what you can eat:
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Whole foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are free from artificial preservatives and sugar.
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Take the right amount of protein and carbohydrates. Both carbs and protein affect energy and hormone levels. Eating protein stimulates the body to produce insulin.
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Unprocessed, high-carbohydrate foods may improve insulin sensitivity. Focus on consuming sufficient healthy protein instead of focusing on a low-carb diet.
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Adding anti-inflammatory food can help ease the symptoms of PCOD and PCOS. These foods include leafy vegetables, olive oil, tomatoes, tree nuts, and fish like tuna and mackerel.
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Cut out highly caffeinated beverages like coffee from your diet. Caffeine consumption leads to changes in estrogen levels and hormonal behaviour.
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Try boosting your energy with decaffeinated alternatives like herbal teas. It is especially beneficial for those with PCOS as it can help with weight management.
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Make your diet rich in iron and magnesium. Heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia (iron deficiency). You can consult your doctor on how to increase iron content in your diet.
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They might suggest including iron-rich meals like spinach, eggs, and broccoli. Foods rich in magnesium are almonds, cashews, spinach, and bananas.
2]. Exercising Regularly
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Exercise is crucial to maintain a healthy weight.
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But too much exercise can mess with your hormones. Practising low-impact exercises like yoga and pilates for longer durations is one of the best ways of exercising.
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You can also go for swimming and light aerobics. High-intensity interval training and long-distance running can also help improve symptoms.
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You can consult your doctor to know which exercise suits you the best.
3]. Reducing Stress and Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Cycle
Reducing stress and maintaining a healthy sleeping routine will regulate cortisol (a hormone made of the adrenal cortex) and balance hormones.
Here are some things you can do to reduce stress:
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Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep.
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Avoid any sort of stimulants before going to sleep.
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Fix a bedtime routine.
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Practice yoga and meditation.
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Cut caffeine.
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Take long walks.
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Make a self-care plan.
4]. Go for Probiotics
Probiotics don’t just help with digestion and gut health. It plays a crucial role in the treatment of PCOS and PCOD.
It can also reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens. Consider taking probiotic supplements and consuming probiotic foods such as kimchi and kombucha.
Consult your doctor to know more about probiotics and which will suit you best.
5]. Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors
Chemicals or ingredients that interfere with or block the body’s natural hormonal responses are known as endocrine disruptors.
Some endocrine disruptors mimic female and male sex hormones and cause disruptions in the reproductive system. It may increase the risk of PCOD and PCOS symptoms.
Endocrine disruptors are present in canned foods, makeups, and soaps.
There is no permanent solution for PCOD and PCOS. But, maintaining a healthy weight, following a complex carbohydrate diet, exercising regularly, and being active can help control problems and underlying symptoms of PCOD and PCOS.
There are other treatment options your doctor might suggest, such as:
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Ovulation induction by oral medicine or injection (quality and quantity of ovulation).
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Infertility treatment with fertility drugs.
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Skin treatment for acne and pigmentation.
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Laparoscopic surgery – ovarian drilling to destroy androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries if PCOS patients do not respond to hormone therapy.
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Regulating the menstrual cycle with drugs that treat hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
Conclusion:
The main thing that matters is keeping a positive mind. These conditions have many symptoms, some of which can mess with a woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Remember to surround yourself with people with a positive attitude and people who understand these conditions. Keep in touch with your gynaecologist and keep yourself aware.
Also, if you’re not a part of our amazing family, you’re missing out. Join us today and start your natural skincare and haircare journey and get help from other community members. 😊
