PCOS: How to Deal With PCOS-Related Long Term Health Risks?

Incorporating a healthy lifestyle that includes moderate exercise, a low-calorie diet, and others will not only help you deal with PCOS effectively, but will also be beneficial in the long run.

One in five Indian women has Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disorder characterized by a hormonal imbalance. Did you know that PCOS has become increasingly common in women? There are numerous potential causes for this disorder, including excessive testosterone production, low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and heredity. In addition, PCOS could cause major health problems such as infertility, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression, among others. In order to properly treat the syndrome before it becomes a life-threatening medical condition, a long-term management strategy must be developed. Dr. Shilpa Ellur, Reproductive Medicine Consultant, Milann Fertility Centre, Whitefield, Bangalore, reveals how to deal with the potential long-term risks associated with PCOS.

3 LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS RELATED TO PCOS

1. Type 2 diabetes: Managing PCOS is difficult as it is; therefore, it is essential that you take care of your body to avoid additional health problems such as diabetes. Women affected by PCOS produce high levels of testosterone, which increases insulin synthesis, leading to the development of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. To prevent such a situation, the best you can do is to do is make specific changes to your lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, including plant-based and unrefined foods, along with some form of exercise to control diabetes after you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Women with PCOS frequently experience elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, and glucose intolerance, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. According to an NCBI study, PCOS patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to their unique hormonal pattern, which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and an inflammatory state. To avoid cardiovascular diseases, early detection along with timely treatment is undoubtedly crucial.
3. Sleep apnea: Women with PCOS are more likely to develop sleep apnea or breathing problems, especially if they gain weight or become insulin resistant. Extra fat in the neck can partially block the upper respiratory tract, impairing breathing and causing loss of sleep, tiredness, and decreased quality of life. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to integrate healthy habits into your lifestyle.

PCOS PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

Some lifestyle modifications, including diet changes and some type of physical exercise, can help manage PCOS effectively. Elevated insulin levels are known to occur in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which can contribute to the accumulation of additional fat and make it difficult to lose weight. However, maintaining a healthy diet will help you keep your insulin levels under control. Also, eating fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, flaxseeds, sprouts, brown rice, and anti-inflammatory foods such as spinach, green tea, beans, lentils, dark chocolate, coconut, and turmeric will help reduce inflammation. destroy toxins and promote weight loss, keeping PCOS under control. Additionally, engaging in various forms of physical activity such as yoga and meditation on a daily basis can do wonders for women diagnosed with PCOS.

HOW TO DEAL WITH PCOS?

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects women and has a serious impact on their health. To deal with the syndrome in the right way, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle is essential. Including high-fiber and anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, as well as regular physical activity, will help you manage PCOS efficiently. Additionally, engaging with a fertility professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that involves medications and other reproductive treatments will help you successfully manage PCOS.