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Is There A Remedy For PCOS And How To Get Rid Of My Weight With PCOS?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jul 2013
Question: Is there a remedy for PCOS and how do I get rid of my weight with PCOS
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by basic hormonal imbalance, which ultimately affects menstruation and ovulation and overall metabolic well being of a woman.
There are three features which lead to a woman being diagnosed with PCOS. Even if only two of them are present, this is enough to confirm the diagnosis. The features of PCOS include:
a number of cysts that develop around the edge of the ovaries (polycystic ovaries)
a failure in the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation)
a higher level of male hormones than normal, or male hormones that are more active than normal
These can lead to the following symptoms:
excessive body hair (hirsutism)
irregular or light periods
problems getting pregnant (infertility)
weight gain
acne
hair loss from the head

Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless cysts that are no bigger than 8mm each. Normal ovaries have only about half this number of cysts.
The cysts are under-developed follicles which contain eggs that haven't developed properly. Often in PCOS, these follicles are unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation doesn't take place.
Many women have polycystic ovaries without having the syndrome (without the symptoms). Some women have the syndrome, but have normal-looking ovaries on ultrasound.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families, pointing to a probable genetic cause.
Women who are overweight are more at risk of developing PCOS. Many women with PCOS have a family history of diabetes and high cholesterol.
It's also believed that insulin may play a role. Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their body, which contributes to the increased production and activity of male hormones. Being overweight increases the amount of insulin that your body produces.

There's no absolute "cure" for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. Specific types of contraceptive pill may be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve hair growth. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, may help to control some of the symptoms.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
There are treatment options for infertility caused by PCOS. There's also medication to increase ovulation and, in some cases, surgery.
Many women with fertility problems due to PCOS can still have a baby.

Metformin is a drug which helps to overcome some of the metabolic complications of PCOS.

For weight loss , please consult a Dietician and formulate a diet and exercise plan tailored for you.
You want to eat more protein by making protein 30-to-40% of your diet while making carbohydrates less than 50% of your diet.

Simply start doing low-to-moderate activities like walking or swimming for 30-to-90 minutes per day becauseā€¦
Exercise (even without weight loss) has been shown to lower or get rid of insulin resistance.

Losing just 5% of your bodyweight (which is only 5-to-20 pounds depending on how much you weigh) will help lower your insulin resistance.

Get more sleep (at least 7-to-9 hours).
Not getting enough sleep can also make your insulin resistance worse.
Reduce the stress levels in your life, indulge in yoga or other recreational exercise also.
Stop Smoking, drinking , drugs or any other such habits.

Keep a food journal to make sure you're only eating about 1200-to-2000 calories per day.
Avoid excessive salt / sugar in your diet. Stick to fresh home made meals, which incorporates green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, curd, etc.
Do not have oily/ greasy/ spicy foods.
Try to have small frequent meals instead of binge eating. DO NOT SKIP MEALS, particularly breakfast.

Take care
Feel free to discuss further.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Is There A Remedy For PCOS And How To Get Rid Of My Weight With PCOS?

Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by basic hormonal imbalance, which ultimately affects menstruation and ovulation and overall metabolic well being of a woman.
There are three features which lead to a woman being diagnosed with PCOS. Even if only two of them are present, this is enough to confirm the diagnosis. The features of PCOS include:
a number of cysts that develop around the edge of the ovaries (polycystic ovaries)
a failure in the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation)
a higher level of male hormones than normal, or male hormones that are more active than normal
These can lead to the following symptoms:
excessive body hair (hirsutism)
irregular or light periods
problems getting pregnant (infertility)
weight gain
acne
hair loss from the head

Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless cysts that are no bigger than 8mm each. Normal ovaries have only about half this number of cysts.
The cysts are under-developed follicles which contain eggs that haven't developed properly. Often in PCOS, these follicles are unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation doesn't take place.
Many women have polycystic ovaries without having the syndrome (without the symptoms). Some women have the syndrome, but have normal-looking ovaries on ultrasound.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it often runs in families, pointing to a probable genetic cause.
Women who are overweight are more at risk of developing PCOS. Many women with PCOS have a family history of diabetes and high cholesterol.
It's also believed that insulin may play a role. Insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body. Many women with PCOS have too much insulin in their body, which contributes to the increased production and activity of male hormones. Being overweight increases the amount of insulin that your body produces.

There's no absolute "cure" for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. Specific types of contraceptive pill may be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve hair growth. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, may help to control some of the symptoms.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with an increased risk of problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
There are treatment options for infertility caused by PCOS. There's also medication to increase ovulation and, in some cases, surgery.
Many women with fertility problems due to PCOS can still have a baby.

Metformin is a drug which helps to overcome some of the metabolic complications of PCOS.

For weight loss , please consult a Dietician and formulate a diet and exercise plan tailored for you.
You want to eat more protein by making protein 30-to-40% of your diet while making carbohydrates less than 50% of your diet.

Simply start doing low-to-moderate activities like walking or swimming for 30-to-90 minutes per day becauseā€¦
Exercise (even without weight loss) has been shown to lower or get rid of insulin resistance.

Losing just 5% of your bodyweight (which is only 5-to-20 pounds depending on how much you weigh) will help lower your insulin resistance.

Get more sleep (at least 7-to-9 hours).
Not getting enough sleep can also make your insulin resistance worse.
Reduce the stress levels in your life, indulge in yoga or other recreational exercise also.
Stop Smoking, drinking , drugs or any other such habits.

Keep a food journal to make sure you're only eating about 1200-to-2000 calories per day.
Avoid excessive salt / sugar in your diet. Stick to fresh home made meals, which incorporates green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, curd, etc.
Do not have oily/ greasy/ spicy foods.
Try to have small frequent meals instead of binge eating. DO NOT SKIP MEALS, particularly breakfast.

Take care
Feel free to discuss further.