In all honesty, there is no cure for PCOS. However, there are some things or changes that you can make in your life to lower its impact and help you feel better. When you suffer from PCOS, your gynaecologist will provide you with different medications that can aid in curing the symptoms, such as excess body hair, acne, irregular periods, and heightened blood sugar levels.
Today, even fertility treatments are available that can help women get pregnant.
However, the good thing is that losing just five percent of your extra weight can help women ovulate more regularly and positively help with other side effects of PCOS. However, all of this needs some lifestyle changes.
So, in this article, we will discuss some tips that can help you deal with PCOS symptoms and lead an everyday and healthy life. Now, let us get started and address these tips one by one.
Primp with the objective
As already discussed, PCOS can bring in an array of side effects or symptoms resulting from the hormonal imbalance in your body.
‘Sadly, in people with PCOS, hormones are not in control, but the idea is to work towards tackling one symptom at a time. So, if you are experiencing excessive acne because of PCOS, you must find a dermatologist who can help you with the right medication, ointments, or creams to get rid of the acne.
On the other hand, if excessive hair growth is troublesome for you, you must head to the drug store or the salon and indulge in regular hair removal treatments. You can even opt for permanent hair removal or reduction methods, such as laser and electrolysis.
Finally, if weight is your issue, shop for clothes that make you feel good and look better. Always bear in mind, this is a long (often endless) struggle. So, you have to be your own guide and work towards helping yourself,’ comments Julie, an associate with PassionateRunners.
Consume a healthy and a balanced diet
An essential part of maintaining a healthy body weight is eating the right food. You can hire a dietician who can help you with the food items that you must include in your diet. Some foods that should be a part of your diet are:
- Anti-inflammatory foods, such as turmeric and tomatoes can help overcome inflammation in the body.
- High fiber vegetables, such as lean proteins and broccoli
- Low-carb diet to overcome insulin resistance.
Typically, you must keep processed foods, sugary foods, and carb-rich foods out of your diet.
Maintain a healthy body weight
This does not mean that thin and lean people do not suffer from PCOS, but naturally, it is more prevalent in people who are on the heavier side. The fact of the matter is, healthy body weight can lower insulin and the androgen levels in the blood. Consequently, your routine ovulation process will get better and eventually regularize.
However, there is one problem here, which is something that most people face. In an attempt to overcome PCOS, doctors will prescribe you medication, which can result in more weight gain, and to reduce symptoms, the first condition is often to lose weight.
So, when two things act against you, it becomes harder to shed weight. Always remember, things will happen, maybe gradually, but they will. So, consistency is the key.
‘Having an active lifestyle and working out every day is one of the best ways to maintain healthy body weight. However, if it is hard for you to lose weight, you can hire a dietician, and they can help you with some exercises and diet that can accelerate the process for you,’ advises Janet, an associate with RazorHood.
Avoid plastic use in all forms
Many of you may not be aware, but plastic cutlery, containers, and even plastic water bottles can be a PCOS trigger. Thus, those with PCOS need to get rid of all forms of plastic in the kitchen. In addition, reports suggest that women with PCOS have a greater susceptibility to BPA or Bisphenol A exposure, which is present in several household items.
Balance your exercise
Of course, we have established that exercise and being physically active is important to maintain a healthy body weight, but if you indulge in excess of it, it can disrupt your hormones. Thus, it is pivotal for you to strike a balance.
‘When you work out for PCOS, you can include low-impact and gentle exercises, such as Pilates or Yoga in your routine. Do them for a longer duration for the best results.
Alternatively, you can also try light aerobics and swimming. Long-distance running and high-intensity interval training also prove beneficial to help you tackle PCOS symptoms. You can discuss your symptoms with your doctor, and they can help you with the ideal forms of workout exercises,’ states Anna, an associate with MyPlumbersChoice.
Maintain a healthy sleep routine
If you do not sleep enough, it can heighten the cortisol levels in the body, which is the stress-inducing hormone. One of the best ways to keep the cortisol levels in check is by maintaining a fixed bedtime routine.
‘You may not realize, but lack of sleep can have detrimental implications on your body, and it can also aggravate your PCOS symptoms. Typically, you must aim to get at least six to eight hours of sleep every day. This is also vital if you are treating your PCOS with home remedies.
The body will adapt to the remedies only if you give it enough time to recharge and repair, and that comes only with adequate sleep,’ comments Jonita, an educator who offers product management certification courses online.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, you must stop immediately. This is because smoking can increase androgen levels in the body. Androgen is the hormone that triggers PCOS symptoms. So, when you stop smoking, the androgen levels will come down and decrease the PCOS symptoms.
Beyond PCOS, quitting smoking has an array of other health benefits. It reduces the risk of oral cancers, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and an array of other health issues.
So, these are the seven most important lifestyle changes to help you combat PCOS. Now, of other such ways? Do share with us in the comment box below.
