A Fail-Proof Ovulation Diet for Women with PCOS

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or more commonly known as PCOS is a medical condition experienced by menstruating women of all ages which has an impact on women’s hormone levels. As per a report conducted by The Hindu in 2019, In India, an estimated one in five (20%) Indian women suffer from PCOS. . Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is more common in obese women and worsened by it. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not a curable condition, rather it is a lifelong condition, which can be significantly managed with early tracking of PCOS symptoms, followed up with a good healthy ovulation diet for PCOS, a healthy lifestyle and being regular with one's exercises.

What causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is unknown. However, there are many factors that trigger it and may cause it. These include-

• Production of excess Androgen- Androgen is a sex hormone, which is produced by both male and females, in a general situation it is produced more in males. In the condition of PCOS, there may be a higher production of Androgen hormone, which leads to some of other symptoms of PCOS like- disruption in period cycle, or excess hair growth.

• Higher insulin levels in body: Insulin is produced in pancreas to help cells use sugar, which provides us energy. When cells become resistant to insulin levels in the body, it produces more androgen which disrupts the normal ovulation process.

• Genes: Most of the cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are hereditary. If someone in your family history had it, you might have Polycystic Ovary syndrome.

Diagnosis and Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-

For diagnosis of PCOS, go to your doctor and they will check through your ovulation history, health and if they find any irregularities or symptoms, they will prescribe you a three step diagnostic test. These include, first, an ovulation based test- in which the doctor manually inspects your reproductive organs for any kind of abnormalities. Second, a blood test- This test will try to find any irregularities in hormone levels. The third one is- An ultrasound test- this test will get you know about any presence of cysts in ovaries. A positive of two of these three diagnostic criteria is a positive diagnosis for PCOS. Further, if needed, you might need to go for some other diagnosis like- glucose and cholesterol levels check, or anxiety and depression checks.

PCOS Symptoms-

Irregular periods- Irregular periods is the most common of PCOS symptoms.

Excess Androgen levels- Excess androgen levels might result in hirsutism and occasionally baldness.

Polycystic Ovaries- You could notice small cysts in Ovaries, which might disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries.

How to manage PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) Is not curable but it can be managed significantly, by managing its symptoms with lifestyle changes- an ovulation diet for PCOS, exercising regularly, weight loss.

Managing PCOS symptoms- Obesity is also a symptom for many women with PCOS, so in that case, following a diet will be helpful with other implications like high cholesterol levels, high insulin levels. It can also help with eliminating the risks of heart diseases or the risk of diabetes. For symptoms like excess hair growth- hair removal medication can help. For irregularities with the menstrual cycle, the doctor can prescribe birth control pills or other useful medicines.

PCOS Management Diet

A healthy diet for Pcos and fertility helps greatly with managing PCOS.

• During PCOS insulin levels are high, so you should be strict with avoiding processed foods as they contain more carbohydrates which might be detrimental to your health. Instead eat- fibre rich foods like broccoli, beans and lentils, berries and pumpkin which would lower the effect of high insulin levels.
• You should also add a protein source like fish, as they are very nutritious sources.
• Avoid sugar sources too.
• Some nutrients and their supplements you should add in your diet are: Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D as they will help managing PCOS symptoms better. However, these changes in diet should be made after consulting with a nutritionist or your doctor, so ensure that.

Along with dreadful irregular periods, some women experience heavy bleeding on their menstrual cycle, also known as menorrhagia, as an effect of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is not easy to manage them, so we suggest you try out our Rio Heavy Duty Pads for heavy flow. These pads are super affordable at only Rs. 179 for 12 pads amd are especially designed for heavy flow caused by conditions such as PCOS and menopause.