Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) OR Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the same name given to one condition?
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are not the same but both of these are associated with the ovaries and have similar symptoms.
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) condition is caused by the hormonal imbalance, high insulin blood level or stress .In PCOD because of mild hormonal imbalance leads to ovarian cysts. This occurs because several mature eggs are not discharged which get accumulated and form cysts. These cysts are not harmful and with no severe symptoms. PCOD may be cured with the help of diet modifications and lifestyle changes.
On the other hand, PCOS is caused because of endocrine system disorder. One suffering from PCOS, their ovaries produce more androgen than normal which interfere with the egg development. Eggs form cysts filled with fluid which are not released during ovulation and build up in the ovaries and sometimes may get enlarged. PCOS is severe and requires early diagnosis and treatment along with long-term lifestyle modifications.
The main cause for both is unknown but genetics and hormonal imbalance play a vital role. If not treated it may lead to obesity, insulin resistant diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS-
- Visible symptoms
– weight gain, acne, excess androgen levels leads to facial hair or Hirsutism (excessive hair growth), belly fat, thinning hair, dark spots on skin.
- General symptoms
– mood swings, insomnia, crave sugar, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
- Internal symptoms
– infertility, ovarian cysts, irregular periods, insulin resistance, pelvic pain.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
Lifestyle changes helps in regular period flow and to reduce the effects-
Maintaining healthy weight
-as it will help in lower androgen and insulin levels and may restore ovulation.
Exercise regularly
– will help in controlling weight and lowering blood sugars.
Dietary management
– lowering high-carbohydrates diet and less intake of processed and junk food items and having a healthy balanced diet.
FOODS TO AVOID
-Refined or simple carbohydrates focus on complex carbohydrate (rice, pasta, white sugar)
-High sugar intake ( jams, candy, processed foods, desserts, juice, soda and other products do read labels)
-Intake of saturated fats and industrial trans fats
-Processed meats
-Alcohol
-Foods with high glycemic index (white rice, baked goods, white potatoes, white bread, pastas)
FOODS TO INCLUDE
-Healthy fats (coconut, nuts, avocado, fish, ghee, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil)
-Probiotic and Prebiotics ( garlic, onion, beetroot, pickles, asparagus, sauerkraut)
-Fish and eggs (sardines, tuna, shrimp)
-Low GI carbohydrates (sweet potato, quinoa, beans, chickpea, pumpkin)
-Low fructose fruits such as cranberry, grapefruit, apricots, plums)
-One study published in the Hormone and Metabolic Research Journal revealed that women suffering from PCOS whose diet was rich in fruits and vegetables resulted in more abdominal fat loss and showed an improvement in their insulin sensitivity.
Fiber and PCOS
– Improved glucose control, helps in weight loss, decreased constipation, associated with lower androgens, decreased cholesterol levels and improved gut health.
BUSTING SOME MYTHS ABOUT PCOS
Some most common myths about PCOS-
MYTH
All women with PCOS are obese or overweight.
FACT
You can be thin and may have PCOS
.
MYTH
Single symptom may indicate that you have PCOS.
FACT
Group of symptoms comes under the PCOS. Only one symptom is not enough for diagnosis.
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MYTH
The birth control pill is the only remedy option for PCOS.
FACT
Exercise, diet, good nutrition and healthy environment can help you to manage PCOS.
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MYTH
Women with PCOS can’t get pregnant.
FACT
Women suffering from this condition can get pregnant both naturally or after going through fertility treatment.
.
MYTH
If suffers from irregular menstrual cycle, you may be having PCOS.
FACT
Reasons if irregular periods are many such as over exercising, extreme dieting, uterine fibroids, breastfeeding or thyroid disorder.
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MYTH
Gluten free diet is best for PCOS.
FACT
In a Gluten-free diet you substitute it with other high fiber flour which provides you high fiber and low calories and helps you to reduce weight.
A few women may also have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, so in this case it will help to reduce the symptoms. All women suffering from PCOS need not follow a gluten free diet.
.
MYTH
Must avoid all the Dairy.
FACT
Milk contains high lactose content along with a good source of calcium and protein. It is advisable for women suffering from PCOS to limit the intake of dairy products such as milk or yogurt. Evidence for this is an article written in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which showed a link between acne and dairy consumption.
The paper depicted evidence revealing that nonfat milk in particular contributes to higher levels of androgen and insulin. This doesn’t mean to avoid or completely eliminate dairy; you can consume few servings per week.