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PCOS in Urban Women. How to avoid? Is there a Cure?

Dr. Aruna Kalra

4 Min Read

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What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition where a woman’s hormone levels are unbalanced and she produces excessive amounts of the male hormone androgen. As a result, the woman experiences longer menstrual cycles and may have an abundance of follicles in her ovaries, which hinders the release of eggs.

Why do young women suffer from this problem?

PCOS is now one of the leading causes of female infertility in India. Numerous socioeconomic studies in India have shown that the issue is more pervasive among urban residents than among rural ones.

The following are some of the primary causes of PCOS:

Hereditary: In many circumstances, a person’s genes play a role in the development of PCOS.
Excess body weight: Excess body weight is one of a number of biological parameters that PCOS is associated with. This is due to poor regulation of the hormones that control hunger in certain PCOS-affected women.
Insulin Resistance: A little more than 70% of PCOS-afflicted females exhibit insulin resistance. This indicates that they are unable to handle insulin the same way as other healthy women. Insulin is the hormone that breaks down sugar in the body, which can cause type 2 diabetes and obesity.

What are its signs and symptoms?

The majority of the time, PCOS symptoms can be seen right at the start of puberty, during the first menstrual cycle. However, other variables, like weight, could contribute to the problem later on.

Following are the common PCOS signs and symptoms include:

Excess androgen: Because the rise in androgen hormone is the main cause of PCOS, symptoms such as facial hair development, severe acne, or even male pattern baldness may be indicators of the condition.
Period irregularity: Women with PCOS may have very long intervals between their periods.
Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries may expand as a result of the proliferation of many follicles around the eggs. Besides that, they can also stop working properly.

How serious of a problem is it today?

As the number of instances of PCOS rises steadily and more and more women become infertile, it has become a major issue for women all over the world.

One in four women in the eastern portion of India had PCOS, according to a recent poll. Nearly 20% of women in North India are affected by the illness.

What is the cure?

The most effective treatment for PCOS is a mix of the right drugs and lifestyle modifications.

Typically, a doctor may recommend taking progestin for two weeks to help control periods and lessen the complications of PCOS. Additionally, they might provide various treatments for ovulation and excessive hair growth.

A person with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is likely to have received advice about which foods are healthy for them and which ones they should avoid in order to maintain a healthy weight and hormone balance. There are no dietary groups. However, that should be avoided or consumed in excess. Making the proper decision at the proper moment and in the proper amount is all that is required.

Some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

(1) You are not required to avoid gluten completely.

Many women attempt to follow a gluten-free diet in the hopes that it may aid in their efforts to shed some extra kilos. In general, consuming fewer calories overall helps one lose weight.

Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can occur in some PCOS patients. Eliminating gluten can help such women feel better by easing their symptoms. However, not all women must eliminate gluten from their diets.

(2) Eat a larger breakfast to perhaps increase hormone levels.

Women with PCOS should eat king-size breakfasts, queen-size lunches, and beggar-size dinners. A king-size breakfast may enhance insulin sensitivity and help in lowering testosterone levels. Additionally, it keeps you full for the majority of the day.

(3) Include fruits in your diet

Fruits are full of vital vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that have several advantages for PCOS-afflicted women. Pick fruits with the skin still on, such as apples, blueberries, strawberries, etc. Compared to fruits like pineapple, watermelon, etc. that don’t have skin, these fruits often have a lower glycaemic index.

(4) Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods should be prioritized.

Chia seeds and oily fish like salmon and sardines both contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. Hormones that affect the level of testosterone secretion are controlled by omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, foods that are known to be high in omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for PCOS-affected women.

Some facts about PCOS:

Women with PCOS frequently experience eating disorders, such as anorexia and binge eating disorder.
Anxiety and despair are more prevalent in PCOS women.
A woman who uses oral contraceptives or metformin should additionally take a B12 supplement because the medication can prevent the absorption of the vitamin.
Women with PCOS can lower their insulin levels by exercising regularly.
Preterm births, stillbirths, gestational diabetes, and miscarriages are more likely in women with PCOS.
Insulin resistance and egg development have both been linked to vitamin D, a hormone and vitamin.

Try the Self Check for PCOS

If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS, such as painful or irregular periods, it is crucial to take control of your health. An effective way to assess your risk levels is through the Self-Check for PCOS, which is a confidential and doctor-certified online tool. By answering a few questions, you can receive a detailed report on your risk levels. The self-check for PCOS is a free resource and can be completed in as little as 4 minutes. Start managing your PCOS symptoms today by taking the first step and trying the Self-Check for PCOS.

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Written by

Dr. Aruna Kalra

Dr. Aruna Kalra is the Senior Gynaecologist and Obstetrics Surgeon at CK Birla Hospital. She Brings 26+ years of experience in her field of practice. Her expertise lies in minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries, High-risk pregnancies and vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and Scarless Laproscopic Surgery.

PCOS in Urban Women. How to avoid? Is there a Cure?

What is PCOS?

Why do young women suffer from this problem?

What are its signs and symptoms?

How serious of a problem is it today?

What is the cure?

Some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

(1) You are not required to avoid gluten completely.

(2) Eat a larger breakfast to perhaps increase hormone levels.

(3) Include fruits in your diet

(4) Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods should be prioritized.

Some facts about PCOS:

Try the Self Check for PCOS

Request a Call Back

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