PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder in women that primarily affects the function of the ovaries. Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, baldness, and fertility problems.
The cause of PCOS is not yet fully known, but experts suspect a link to insulin hormone disorders, reproductive hormone imbalances, and hereditary factors.
In this condition, the ovaries produce excessive androgen hormones. The excess hormone can trigger the formation of many cysts in the ovaries, making it difficult for eggs to develop and causing sufferers to have difficulty getting pregnant.
Lack of proper treatment for PCOS can lead to other health complications. In the next section, you will learn seven ways to deal with PCOS more effectively.
Overcome PCOS by Doing the Following 7 Ways
You can overcome PCOS by doing the following seven ways:
1. Consume Healthy Food
PCOS sufferers generally experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body does not respond well to insulin.
If this resistance continues, it can cause the pancreas to work harder, ultimately leading to the risk of diabetes.
PCOS can be controlled by implementing a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a diet by consuming healthy and nutritious foods. Avoid excessive consumption of sugar, oil, salt, processed flour, and caffeine.
2. Regular exercise
Exercise provides many positive benefits for the body. This physical activity helps maintain the balance of blood sugar, cholesterol, and insulin hormones.
Do moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, for at least 30 minutes three times a week to keep your body healthy and fit.
3. Get Enough Rest
Lifestyle to manage PCOS includes not only healthy food and exercise, but also enough sleep.
Getting enough rest plays an important role in regulating hormones, including insulin and reproductive hormones, which are often imbalanced in women with PCOS.
Lack of sleep can worsen insulin resistance and increase levels of the stress hormone (cortisol), which can worsen PCOS symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or acne.
4. Maintain Body Weight
Overweight PCOS sufferers have a higher risk of complications such as heart disease and diabetes.
Maintaining ideal body weight not only makes the body feel lighter, but also supports the health of organs and body tissues as a whole. That is why maintaining a diet and implementing a healthy lifestyle is very important.
5. Consume Vitamins
Certain supplements, including omega-3s, selenium, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins, are thought to help manage PCOS by supporting ovarian function and hormonal balance.
However, it is best to consult with your obstetrician first to determine the type and dosage of vitamins that are appropriate for your condition.
6. Medicine
Some medications that are usually recommended by doctors to treat PCOS include birth control pills, metformin, antiandrogens, and progesterone hormone therapy.
These medications can help regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce acne, and relieve other PCOS symptoms. However, medication should not be used carelessly.
Consultation with an obstetrician is necessary so that treatment is tailored to the needs of each patient.
7. Ovarian Drilling
If implementing a healthy lifestyle and taking medication have not provided satisfactory results, your doctor may recommend an ovarian drilling procedure.
This procedure is performed laparoscopically by making small holes in the ovaries using special tools. The goal is to improve hormonal balance so that ovulation can occur normally and support optimal ovarian function.
PCOS is a condition that is quite common in women, especially those who have unhealthy lifestyles. Therefore, it is important for women to maintain their health to avoid hormonal disorders such as PCOS and the risk of other complications.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle such as consuming healthy foods and exercising, PCOS symptoms such as acne can be more controlled, and menstrual cycles can become more regular.
If you experience symptoms that point to PCOS, consult an obstetrician immediately. The doctor will help diagnose and provide treatment that is appropriate for your condition.
Article written by dr. Andy Halomoan Simarmata, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Cikarang Hospital).