It’s difficult to have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Your body overproduces androgens, the “guy hormone,” which causes irregular periods, acne, and misplaced hair. You’re also fighting weight gain. Even if you don’t want children right now, you may consider having children in the future and question whether your body will cooperate.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, medical professionals are now recommending that women with PCOS consider their heart health as well. Women may be more concerned with weight gain, acne, and infertility than with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. It’s critical to understand that they have a higher risk and the significance of food and exercise.
Diabetes and the Ovaries: A Connection with the Heart
Insulin resistance, which occurs in many PCOS-affected women, is a condition in which the body can accumulate insulin and make it challenging to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Since this is a risk factor for diabetes, women who have PCOS are particularly vulnerable to the disease. As a matter of fact, by the time they are 40 years old, 10% of women with PCOS have diabetes and 35% have prediabetes. Diabetes risk is also increased by higher testosterone levels.
Women with PCOS also frequently experience weight gain due to increased insulin, especially around the belly. Visceral fat, or fat around the belly, is known to raise triglyceride levels and decrease HDL, or good, cholesterol.
PCOS and Heart Disease Risk Factors
Cardiovascular illness is linked to PCOS risk factors, such as obesity, insulin-resistant diabetes, and elevated blood pressure. According to studies, women with PCOS are twice as likely to experience a cardiovascular incident in the future, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes Risk Factors and PCOS
Although the exact relationship between PCOS and diabetes is unknown, women with PCOS who also have these risk factors are at an increased risk of developing diabetes:
- Obesity
- Blood pressure that is higher
- A family history of diabetes
- An African-American or Hispanic heritage
Although the exact relationship between PCOS and diabetes is unknown, women with PCOS who also have these risk factors are at an increased risk of developing diabetes:
- Heredity
- Higher blood pressure
- Obesity
- African-American or Hispanic heritage
Healthy Lifestyle Choices to Combat PCOS
Being diagnosed with PCOS can be daunting, but take heart: You can manage this condition with a healthy lifestyle, says Michos. She urges women who have PCOS to be vigilant about diet and exercise to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Since these ladies are more vulnerable, they should lead a healthier lifestyle more than everyone else. Young women tend to exercise less than young males overall. Their concerns are with infertility and irregular periods, not with their heart health. These women should exercise additional caution.
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5 Myths About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
During their reproductive years, some women may experience PCOS, a common hormonal disease that frequently results in irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Regarding PCOS, there are numerous myths and misconceptions that could cause misunderstandings and false information. Dispelling some widespread rumors regarding PCOS could assist you in discerning reality from fiction. It can also assist in determining an appropriate diagnosis and course of treatment for infertile individuals with PCOS.
Myth #1: People With PCOS Can’t Get Pregnant
Fact: Being diagnosed with PCOS does not preclude getting pregnant. Female infertility is frequently caused by PCOS, however the condition is curable. Many PCOS sufferers are able to conceive spontaneously, especially with minor lifestyle changes. Ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are two common infertility treatment methods that are highly effective for individuals who are unable to conceive. Advanced fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be successful in some situations.
Myth #2: PCOS Always Causes Cysts On The Ovaries
Fact: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that is named for ovarian cysts, but not every PCOS patient has it. A high level of androgens, heavy or irregular menstruation, and fluid-filled sacs called cysts that develop on the ovaries are the three main symptoms of PCOS. PCOS symptoms do not always include ovarian cysts, despite the fact that they are a common symptom.
Myth #3: Infertility Is The Only Medical Concern Associated With PCOS
Fact: Hormonal abnormalities resulting from PCOS can cause a variety of problems in addition to infertility. Among them are acne, abnormal hair growth, hair loss, weight control, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there is a larger chance of major chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems in those with PCOS.
Myth #4: Birth Control Pills Can Cure PCOS
Fact: PCOS cannot currently be cured. Nonetheless, if you get the appropriate medical attention and assistance, you can have a happy, healthy life with PCOS. Although birth control pills cannot treat PCOS, they can frequently help moderate its symptoms.
Myth #5: PCOS Is Caused By Poor Lifestyle Choices
Fact: Although the precise cause of PCOS is still unknown, research suggests that genetic or chemical alterations in the uterus may be related to the condition. While dietary and exercise modifications can help you control some PCOS symptoms (including weight gain and insulin resistance), lifestyle is not the main cause of PCOS. Nevertheless, changing one’s lifestyle can undoubtedly lessen the severity of PCOS symptoms, including infertility. These lifestyle recommendations usually include eating a diet rich in fruits (such as berries, oranges, apples), vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens), whole grains (such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats), lean proteins (such as poultry, lean beef, fish, and legumes), and healthy fats (such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds). The effects of PCOS can be lessened by using PCOS-friendly herbs and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger, drinking lots of water—at least eight 8-oz glasses per day, limiting or avoiding foods that are highly processed or high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats, exercising on a regular basis (with your doctor’s approval), abstaining from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use, managing stress, and getting lots of sleep.
