September is International PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) Awareness Month. Did you know that? For the millions of women who are impacted by the condition, this is a critical moment because, although one in ten will experience it, many are unaware of it. According to one study, up to 70% of women with PCOS were undiagnosed. This is due to the fact that, although the condition has a wide range of symptoms, you may not experience them all. Furthermore, a lot of these symptoms—like weight gain, for instance—are frequently mistaken for other conditions. But let's start with the fundamentals and define PCOS in detail. The more you understand, the more equipped you will be to support your sisters with PCOS and receive the appropriate care.
What is PCOS?
Ovaries that secrete too many androgens, or male hormones, are the cause of PCOS, a chronic condition that affects women during their fertile years. Although the exact cause is still unknown, doctors believe genetics, uncontrolled inflammation, and insulin resistance are to blame.
A PCOS-affected ovary produces immature egg follicles, whereas healthy ovaries produce and release a mature egg every month. These grow into several tiny cysts rather than maturing and being released. (This is the reason the condition is called "polycystic," which means it has a lot of cysts.) However, this is not the only consequence of high testosterone levels.
Additionally, they may result in irregular or nonexistent periods for a person with PCOS. Oily skin, acne, weight gain, skin discoloration, thinning hair, and the growth of hair in inappropriate places, such as on the face, are additional symptoms. However, once more, the difficulty in diagnosing is that a patient may not exhibit all symptoms. Receiving a diagnosis is essential, though, as PCOS can cause infertility and serve as a risk factor for potentially fatal illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even endometrial cancer if treatment is not received.
Treat it to beat it
Getting diagnosed is the first step to taking back control of PCOS. In order to rule it out as a potential cause for any of its symptoms, you should speak with your doctor. An ultrasound can identify any abnormal follicles on your ovaries, and blood tests can provide a clear picture of your hormonal profile. They will also want to know how often you get periods. You usually need to have at least two of these three symptoms—higher testosterone levels, ovarian cysts, and irregular menstruation—in order to be diagnosed with PCOS.
Although no woman wants to learn that she has PCOS, once she is aware of the situation, she can take steps to manage her symptoms in a way that may change her life. Making dietary adjustments that will enable you to reduce your insulin levels will be the first step. Up to 70% of PCOS patients, according to studies, have insulin resistance, which means that their bodies find it difficult to turn carbs into usable energy and instead store it as fat. For this reason, PCOS patients are usually advised to follow low-carb diets, which can lower insulin levels and aid in weight loss.
You can also manage PCOS by taking birth control pills that contain progestin to help restore a healthy hormonal balance while drugs like Metformin can help regulate your insulin levels. Sufferers can also reap huge benefits from supplementation that can go a long way towards enhancing their health, such as Ovaria by Lamelle Research Laboratories.
No chemicals, just proven benefits
Ovaria contains a blend of ingredients that include a vitamin B complex and 4000mg of Myoinositol, a naturally occurring carbohydrate that – unlike the kind that will aggravate insulin resistance – actually regulates how your body reacts to insulin. This reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other PCOS-related complications. In turn, managing your insulin levels will also help reduce your androgen levels. As a result, it can support weight loss while reducing the severity of acne as well as excessive hair growth.
Another great thing about Ovaria is that it’s clinically proven. Studies show it can increase your ovulation rate and improve fertility (in just 16 weeks!) as well as increase your menstruation cycles.
The bottom line
Ultimately, if you suspect you’re suffering from PCOS, make that doctor’s appointment today. Also, be sure to talk about it with your friends. The more women who know about the condition the better! While it can’t be cured, the many women who’ve reaped the amazing benefits of Ovaria are living proof that having PCOS doesn’t mean having to suffer from the symptoms. You also don’t have struggle alone. Visit our PCOS support page to learn more about the condition as well as ask our experts all your questions. Together, we can help you take your power back.
For more information and support visit www.ovaria.co.za.
