I Have PCOD- What to do?

 

Women should prioritize their health first. We too often relegate our health issues to backburner and suffer irrevocable consequences. Common diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS/PCOD can make us physically tired and emotionally volatile. A little love, understanding and care can go a long way to boost both physical and mental health.

What is PCOS?

Let’s first see what exactly PCOS is. PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting ovaries of women during their childbearing years. PCOS causes irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS is a very common disease in India and worldwide. PCOS is an ailment, which only can be managed and does not have any known cure yet.

Let’s see why we get PCOS and what are the symptoms.

There are a variety of causes like excess of androgen, surplus insulin or heredity. To treat we need to focus on managing individual concerns such as hirsutism, infertility or obesity.

 

Symptoms

·        Amenorrhoea (missed periods) or irregular periods

·        Excessive facial hair

·        Infertility

·        Weight Gain

·        Thinning hairline

·        Acne

·        Mood changes

·        Sleep problems

·        Depression

·        Tiredness

Medical Treatment

To treat PCOS, we need to manage the concerns we are facing, that is our individual concerns.

Medical Treatment  

Birth Control Pills- regulate menstrual cycle, alleviate pain and helps reduce male hormones like testosterone.

Anti-androgen- reduces the level of androgen, which leads to excessive hair growth and acne

Fertility drugs- Conducive expediting ovulation among women who are facing infertility due to PCOD

Laparoscopic ovarian cauterization/Ovarian drilling/LEOS (laparoscopic electro-cauterization of ovarian stroma) to remove the cysts.

*Warning: Do not attempt any of the medicines without consulting a physician.

Now, we will talk about home remedies. We can treat our PCOS symptoms, before it gets out of hand.

Home Remedies

1.Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV exercises anti glycemic effect when taken regularly. It regulates insulin and thus can help fight PCOD.

ü  How?

Take a glass of warm water and add 2 teaspoons of ACV. Mix the vinegar in water and drink.

ü  When?

Drink first in the morning and gradually you can increase dosage to 2/3 times a day before meals.

2.Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which regulates blood sugar level and insulin secretion. It revitalizes cardiovascular health by reducing bad cholesterol.

ü  How?

1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil and drink it or you can add to your coffee or smoothie.

ü  When?

Every day, preferably before breakfast.

3.Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active component called curcumin. Curcumin is inflammatory and helps regulate insulin levels.

ü  How?

Boil 1 ½ cups of coconut milk and cool and add a teaspoon of turmeric, mix well and drink.

ü  When?

Twice Daily

Caution: Turmeric can cause diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea. Do not ingest if you are on diabetes medication, pregnant and breastfeeding.

4.Green Tea

Green Tea contains antioxidants named catechins, which helps reduce the levels of hormones causing ovarian cysts, regulate insulin levels and helps in weight loss.

ü  How?

Brew fresh green tea by boiling a cup of hot water and steeping the green tea bag in the water for 5 minutes, strain and add a teaspoon honey.

ü  When?

You can have 2 to 3 cups daily.

5.Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, which positively impacts ovarian functioning and helps relieve PCOS symptoms.

ü  How?

A glass of aloe vera juice

ü  When?

Every morning before breakfast

6.Amla Juice

Amla has detoxifying and cholesterol reducing natural ingredients and is loaded with antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. Amla helps restore hormonal balance in body relieving it of PCOS symptoms.

ü  How?

Take ½ cup amla juice and mix with 1 cup of water and drink.

ü  When?

Drink daily

7. Jeera Water

Jeera or cumin water is anti-inflammatory, reduces blood sugar levels and aids in reducing weight thus treating the symptoms of PCOS.

ü  How?

Take 1/2 teaspoon of jeera powder and mix in a cup of warm water and drink

ü  When?

Drink twice daily

 

Precautions

Apart from the home remedies there are many precautionary measures we can take to prevent PCOS.

Let’s look at a few of them.

1.Run away from processed food

The chemicals in processed food can increase PCOS symptoms. Avoid processed food and make up your diet of natural food.

2.Chromium Consumption

PCOS makes your body resistant to insulin and intaking chromium can help your body to enhance insulin absorption. You can consume foods or supplements containing chromium like broccoli, and green beans. Consult a doctor before taking supplements.

 

3.Physical Activity

Indulge in simple physical activities like cycling, jogging or swimming. These activities can help you reduce calorie and shed that excess weight you gained.  

4. No Smoking Please

Smoking can increase the androgen levels in your body which leads to deterioration of cardiovascular and respiratory health. Refrain from smoking to safeguard your overall health.

5. Happy Sleeping

Your body needs 8 hours of sound sleep daily for a stress-free life. Sleep deprivation causes hormone imbalance leading to PCOS. Make a daily sleep routine and stick to it.

6.Happy Liver

Keep your liver healthy and happy. If liver is in bad shape, excess hormones start amassing in the body. Eat liver-friendly foods, such as green leafy vegetables, garlic, turmeric, beets, sweet potatoes, lemons, apples, and onions.

7.Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Anti-inflammatory food reduces PCOS symptoms. Add green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, olive oil, and berries.

8.Yoga Helps

Yoga is great for mind and body. Consult a Yoga Guru on specific yoga postures which is good to fight hormone induced symptoms including PCOS. Added benefit is relaxed and stress-free body and mind.

 

Armed with the information, let us start on the precautions to avoid PCOS and if already there try out the home remedies. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Stay healthy and happy.