Can PCOS be Prevented?

For a lot of women the time of their monthly cycle is the most dreaded time of the month.  Those who have fewer menstrual symptoms and are able to through these days with greater ease are fortunate.  There are many who struggle with pre-menstrual symptoms and experience considerable discomfort during those days.  The cramps and discomfort is due to the lining of uterus separating itself from the wall.  In recent times, more and more women are being diagnosed with PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a common hormonal condition affecting women in their reproductive years.  A few studies found that prevalence of the syndrome peaks between the ages of 20 to 25 years then decreases as women age.

Over the last few years, due to life style changes, that has made life more comfortable, younger women are no longer as active as they used to be, which has lead to increased weight gain.  The exact cause of PCOS is not yet known, but this condition is prevalent among women who are overweight.  Conventional wisdom says that PCOS can be prevented if young women adopt an active lifestyle that includes  physical activity, exercise, healthy diet  and regular yoga practice to lower stress levels.

Women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones (androgens) causing excess facial hair, hair loss as in men and irregular periods. It also causes depression, anxiety, poorer self-esteem, negative body image due to weight issues, irregular eating habits, infertility and lowers sexual satisfaction.  It increases the risk of diabetes, uterine cancer and diabetes. The connection between being over-weight and high level of insulin production to manage the blood sugar levels in the body can also trigger this condition.

Going to the doctor is a must for a diagnosis of the condition if your periods are irregular, and if you have gained weight around the waist area. Birth control pills and other hormone balancing medicine are common ways to treat this condition.

Below are some other ways of managing PCOS.

1) A good calories burning cardio workout that pumps up your heart rate.

2) Wholesome and nutritious diet that includes fresh vegetable, fruits, legumes, lentils to get the daily dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein etc

3) Cutting out sugary foods from the diet, so as not to spike up the blood sugar levels that will trigger abnormal insulin production.

4) Taking supplements

5) Managing stress by adding yoga and meditation to the daily routine

Adding Hatha Yoga to the routine is a great preventive.  Hatha Yoga is more potent than exercise because it involves asanas that engages the core area of the body, which over time strengthens the organs and balances the weight.  Regular Hatha Yoga practice promotes relaxation, calms the mind, detoxifies the body and relieves stress. Whether you have PCOS or not, Hatha Yoga is great way to bring wellbeing to your entire system – body, mind, emotions and energy.