What is PCOS?
Why Should it Concern Me?

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a condition characterized by a group of symptoms that commonly occurs in women in their reproductive age (15 -44). It affects 5-10 % of women and is a major cause of infertility.

Ovaries are the reproductive organs in women that produce and release eggs by a process called ovulation.

The hormones involved in ovulation include the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). The function of FSH is to stimulate the ovary to produce the follicles which are sac like structures containing the eggs. The LH hormone, in turn, functions to release the eggs from the follicles.

Ovaries produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone which are required for the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle. They also produce small amounts of the male hormones or androgens. In women suffering from PCOS their ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones. This causes a hormonal imbalance which leads to disruption of the ovulation process. In PCOS, the follicles in the ovaries fail to release eggs and retain them in fluid-filled sacs or cysts leading to enlargement of the ovaries. The ovaries in women suffering from PCOS have many cysts and hence the name ‘polycystic ovaries’. Each cyst is a follicle with an immature egg that has not been released. The disruption in the process of ovulation and the hormonal imbalance leads to an irregular menstrual cycle in women suffering from PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS

Following are some of the common symptoms of PCOS:

Irregular periods.
Excess hair growth on face and body.
Appearance of acne.
Weight gain and obesity.
Hair loss and male pattern of balding.
Dark patches of skin can form in areas like the neck, breast etc.
Depression and anxiety.
Insulin resistance and type- 2 diabetes.

How do I prevent PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can be greatly prevented from appearing by lifestyle changes and diet. The following are some of the steps to prevent PCOS:

Eat a balanced and nutritious diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables. Increase the intake of high fibre foods and proteins. Avoid consuming foods rich in fat and fried foods to prevent weight gain.
Avoid consuming sugars and sugary treats.
Do regular exercise. It helps reduce your weight and regularize your periods.
Perform yoga postures regularly as certain yoga poses help prevent hormonal imbalance.
Performing pranayama or breathing exercises help reduce your stress levels; stress is a major contributor to the development of PCOS. Pranayama also helps maintain your hormonal balance.
Avoid exposure to endocrine disruptors or chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalance. Some of the endocrine disruptors include BPA (bisphenol –A), dioxins, phthalates and pesticides.
Decreased Vitamin D levels can aggravate PCOS symptoms. If your vitamin D levels are low, increase your consumption of vitamin D rich foods. You should also regularly take the vitamin D supplements prescribed by your doctor.
Disturbed sleep patterns have been linked to disturbances in hormone levels. It leads to increase in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the appetite controlling hormones leptin and ghrelin. The changes in hormone levels can aggravate your PCOS symptoms. Getting a peaceful and undisturbed 7-8 hours of sleep per night can help prevent and control PCOS.