Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS or PCOS)is a condition that affects women's hormone levels. It is a female disease, and in this case, women produce more male hormones than normal.
This hormone imbalance causes irregular menstrual periods and makes it difficult to conceive. It also causes symptoms such as hair growth and baldness on the face and body. It can even trigger ailments such as diabetes and heart disease in the long run.
Birth control pills, diabetes medications, and some herbal treatments can help correct hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.
Polycystic ovary You will find all the information you need to know about in detail in the rest of the article. Also "What is polycystic ovary syndrome ?, “Polycystic ovary symptoms”, “What causes polycystic ovary? and finally “What are polycystic ovarian herbal treatment methods? " topics will be explained.
What is Polycystic Ovary?
What does PCOS mean?
PCOS, PCOS, polycystic ovary, polycystic ovary syndrome They are different concepts used to express the same situation.
It is a hormone-related problem that affects women throughout their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). It occurs in 2,2 to 26,7 percent of women in this age group. Many women are unaware that they have this situation.
Polycystic ovary; It affects a woman's ovaries, estrogen-producing reproductive organs, and progesterone hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce small amounts of male hormones called androgens.
The ovaries release eggs to be fertilized by a man's sperm. The release of an egg every month is called ovulation.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) control ovulation. FSH stimulates the ovary to produce a follicle, a sac containing an egg, and then LH triggers the ovary to release a mature egg. Polycystic ovaryis a "syndromes" or group of symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation. It has three main features:
Cysts in the ovaries
High levels of male hormones
Irregular menstrual periods
With this condition, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. The word "polycystic" means "multiple cysts". These sacs are actually follicles, each containing an immature egg. Eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation.
Lack of ovulation alters estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels are lower than normal, while androgen levels are higher than normal.
Extra male hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle, so women with polycystic ovaries She has less periods than usual.
What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Doctors do not know exactly what causes this syndrome. They think that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and normally producing eggs.
Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation are all associated with excess androgen production and Causes of polycystic ovary syndromemakes up ni.
Genes
Studies show that this syndrome may be genetic. It has been suggested that many genes - not just one gene - are likely to contribute to the condition.
Insulin resistance
Seventy percent of women with this condition have insulin resistance, which means their cells can't use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone produced to help the pancreas use sugar from food for energy.
When the cells cannot use insulin properly, the body's demand for insulin increases. The pancreas makes more insulin to compensate for this.
Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones. Obesity is the main cause of insulin resistance. Both obesity and insulin resistance increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation
Increased levels of inflammation have been found in the bodies of women with this syndrome. Being overweight contributes to inflammation. Studies have linked excessive inflammation to high androgen levels.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms
Some women begin to experience symptoms the first time they menstruate. Others only when they gain a lot of weight or become pregnant polycystic ovary they discover that they are. Most common polycystic ovarian symptoms It is as follows:
Irregular menstrual periods
The lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from scraping each month. That's why some women with this syndrome have fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year.
Heavy bleeding
The uterine lining takes longer to form, so menstrual periods may be bleeding heavier than normal.
More than 70 percent of women with this condition experience excessive hair growth on their face and body, including the back, abdomen, and chest.
Acne
Male hormones can make the skin oily than normal and cause acne on the face, chest and back area.
Gaining weight
Women with polycystic ovariesMore than 80 percent of them are overweight or obese.
Male pattern baldness
Hair on the scalp becomes thinner and falls out.
Darkening of the skin
Dark patches of skin can occur in body folds in the neck, groin, and under the breasts.
Headache
Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.
Which Diseases Trigger Polycystic Ovary?
Having higher than normal androgen levels polycystic ovary syndrome side effectsThis can affect fertility and other aspects of health.
Infertility
It is necessary to ovulate to get pregnant. Women who do not ovulate regularly cannot lay enough eggs to be fertilized. Polycystic ovaryis one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
Metabolic syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndromeMore than 80 percent of them are overweight or obese. Both obesity and PCOSincreases the risk of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and high LDL (bad) cholesterol. Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome and they make up the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Sleep apnea
This condition causes repeated pauses in sleep at night, which interrupts sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in women who are overweight - especially polycystic ovary if there is. The risk of sleep apnea is 5 to 10 times higher in obese women with this syndrome than in those who do not.
Endometrial cancer
During ovulation, the uterine lining is discarded. If you do not ovulate every month, the primer may build up. Thickened uterine lining can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Depression
Both hormonal changes and symptoms such as unwanted hair can negatively affect your emotions. Polycystic ovariesmany have depression and anxiety lives.
How is Polycystic Ovary Diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose this syndrome in women who have at least two of these three symptoms;
High androgen levels
Irregular menstrual cycle
Cysts in the ovaries
Your doctor will also ask you if you have symptoms such as acne, facial and body hair and weight gain. A pelvic exam helps to understand any problems with the ovaries or other parts of the reproductive system.
Blood tests allow to detect levels of male hormones that are above normal. Blood tests are also done to check cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels to assess risk for related conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
PCOS and Pregnancy
Because it interrupts the normal menstrual cycle polycystic ovary syndrome pregnancy can be seen as an obstacle to Polycystic ovaries70 to 80 percent of people have fertility problems. This condition also increases the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Women with this syndrome can conceive using fertility treatments that improve ovulation. Losing weight and lowering blood sugar levels increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
Polycystic Ovarian Treatment
Birth control pills and other medications can help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat symptoms such as hair growth and acne.
Taking estrogen and progestin daily can restore a normal hormone balance, regulate ovulation, alleviate symptoms such as excess hair growth, and protect against endometrial cancer.
Your doctor will also prescribe a variety of medications to treat the symptoms. These are drugs for regulating insulin levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Surgery may be an option to boost fertility if other treatments don't work. Ovarian puncture is an application that makes small holes in the ovary with a laser to restore normal ovulation.
When to see a doctor
You may need to see a doctor if:
Your menstrual period has passed and you are not pregnant.
Like the growth of hair on your face and body polycystic ovarian symptoms if there is.
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months but are not successful.
Have diabetes symptoms such as thirst or hunger, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss.
Polycystic Ovarian Natural Treatment Methods
Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment it often starts with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight helps regulate the menstrual cycle and improve symptoms.
Weight loss also improves cholesterol levels, breaks insulin resistance, and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Polycystic ovarian natural treatment options a "Polycystic ovary syndrome nutrition" ve "Polycystic ovarian slimming" Let's talk about the issues.
PCOS Diet
Polycystic ovary syndrome and nutrition There is a direct relationship between. Eating the right foods and avoiding certain substances can help relieve symptoms.
A nutritious diet will help regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle. Processed and unnatural foods can cause inflammation and insulin resistance.
Natural foods; Free from artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives. These foods are as close as possible to their natural, unprocessed form.
Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. In this way, your endocrine system regulates your blood sugar better. Also, implement the following dietary and lifestyle changes:
Balance carbohydrate and protein intake
Carbohydrates and protein both affect your energy and hormone levels. Eating protein stimulates the body to produce insulin.
Unprocessed, carbohydrate foods can increase insulin sensitivity. Plant-based proteins like nuts, legumes, and whole grains are best.
Reduce inflammation
PCOS defined as low-level chronic inflammation in one study. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help relieve symptoms.
Consider the Mediterranean diet as an option. Olive oil, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables; Oily fish such as mackerel and tuna help fight inflammation.
Increase your iron intake
Having polycystic ovary some women experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual periods. This is iron deficiency or anemia due to iron deficiencymay cause to eat. You can consume foods rich in iron such as spinach, eggs, and broccoli. However, you should not take iron supplements without talking to your doctor, as too much iron can increase the risk of complications.
Increase your magnesium intake
Almonds, cashews, spinach and bananas, rich in magnesium PCOS are friendly foods.
Consume fiber for digestion
A diet high in fiber helps improve digestion. Lentils, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, and avocados are foods rich in fiber.
Reduce or stop coffee altogether
Caffeine consumption can be caused by changes in estrogen levels. Try increasing your energy with a caffeine-free alternative such as herbal tea. Kombuchaprobiotic properties may also be beneficial.
Eat fermented foods
Healthy gut bacteria metabolism boost and plays a role in losing weight. Studies women with polycystic ovariessuggests that they may have less healthy gut bacteria than other women. Additionally, emerging research shows that certain strains of probiotics may have positive effects on weight loss.
Therefore, eating fermented foods with a high probiotic content - such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods - will help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. You can also consider taking a probiotic supplement to get the same results.
Avoid processed and sugary foods
What should not eat polycystic ovarian patients?
Processed and high sugar foods can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to obesity. Foods high in sugar and refined carbs include cakes, cookies, candies, and fast food.
Try a Low GI Diet
Insulin is a hormone that carries sugar in the blood to cells for energy. Women with polycystic ovaries it is usually insulin resistant, meaning that insulin is not used properly in its cells.
This increases insulin levels in the blood and causes unwanted symptoms. A low glycemic index diet can help keep insulin levels in balance.
The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food raises insulin levels. The glycemic index dietIt consists of eating foods that raise blood sugar levels gradually, which helps prevent insulin from spiking.
Low GI diet, especially PCOS It has many health benefits for women with insulin resistance due to In one study, the low glycemic index diet achieved weight loss and improvement in symptoms in 95% of women with menstrual irregularities, while 63% of women experienced improvement on the standard weight loss diet.
Don't skip breakfast
Women with PCOSIt is recommended to eat regularly. One study found that the biggest meal of the day was breakfast and the smallest meal was dinner. polycystic ovary found that it can help balance the hormones associated with it.
Consume healthy fats
Adequate consumption of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, women with polycystic ovariesIt is also said to help balance hormones and improve insulin levels.
Some healthy fats; Includes fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, unsalted peanuts and seeds. One study involving 61 women with PCOS found that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids at eight weeks improved insulin resistance by about 22%.
Nutritional Supplements
Supplements, hormone regulation, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary It is stated that it helps with inflammatory conditions associated with it.
However, it is necessary to be careful in this regard and not act without consulting a doctor. Because some polycystic ovary treatmentIt can interfere with what and drugs used. Polycystic ovary syndrome herbal treatment It may be recommended to take the following.
Inositol
Inositolis a B vitamin that can help break insulin resistance. Also some PCOS It has been found to aid fertility in cases of pregnancy.
Chromium supplements can improve your body mass index. It can also balance insulin levels by helping the body metabolize sugar.
Cinnamon
Cinnamonis obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It is stated that cinnamon extract positively affects insulin resistance. Cinnamon also those with polycystic ovaries It acts as a menstrual regulator.
Turmeric
Turmeric holds promise in reducing insulin resistance and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of this syndrome.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that can regulate your fertility and immune system. You can take a supplement to increase zinc levels in the body, or eat zinc-rich foods such as red meat, beans, nuts, and seafood.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil, menstrual pain and it is used to help with irregular menstrual bleeding. Both of them PCOS It may improve cholesterol levels and oxidative stress, which are associated with
The combination of vitamin D and calcium
Vitamin D is a vital hormone for the endocrine system. Vitamin D deficiency women with polycystic ovariesis also a common symptom. Vitamin D and calcium can regulate menstrual periods and aid ovulation.
Cod liver oil
Cod liver oilIt contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins D and A. These acids help to improve the menstrual cycle and also help to get rid of the fat around the waist.
Berberine
Berberineis an herb used in Chinese medicine to treat insulin resistance. In the treatment of polycystic ovary; Berberine can be used to speed up metabolism and balance endocrine responses.
Adaptogen plants
When the body cannot regulate insulin, it can build up in your body and cause higher levels of male sex hormones called androgens.
Adaptogen herbs are said to help the body balance these hormones. Some adaptogen herbs can also alleviate other symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods. Consult your doctor before using them.
Maca root
Maca rootis a traditional herb used to increase fertility and libido. It can help balance hormones and lower cortisol levels. It can also help treat depression, which can be a symptom of this syndrome.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is also called "Indian ginseng". PCOS It can help balance cortisol levels, which can improve stress and symptoms caused by
Licorice
The root of the licorice plant contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. Therefore, it is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps metabolize sugar and balance hormones.
Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris, It can help regulate menstrual periods by stimulating ovulation. It can also reduce the number of cysts in the ovaries.
Exercise
Exercising is important to lose weight and maintain your weight. However, too much exercise can disrupt hormones, so you should be balanced.
Light, low-impact exercises such as yoga or pilates can be applied for longer periods of time. Swimming and light aerobics are also recommended.
Improve sleep patterns
Sleep affects stress levels and helps regulate cortisol to balance hormones. Women with polycystic ovariessleep disturbances are also twice as common.
Manage your stress
Reducing stress can regulate cortisol. Many of the strategies mentioned above, such as yoga, getting enough sleep, and cutting off caffeine, help reduce stress levels.
Limit or prevent endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or ingredients that interfere with natural hormonal reactions in the body. Some endocrine disruptors cause confusion in the reproductive system by mimicking male and female sex hormones.
Bu polycystic ovarian symptoms may increase the risk. These are often found in canned foods, soap, and makeup products. Common endocrine disruptors include:
Dioxins
phthalates
Pesticide
BPA
Glycol ethers
There is no single treatment method for this ailment. Different approaches can work, too. PCOS herbal treatment act with your doctor. You will be more careful about possible dosage, side effects and drug interactions.
As a result;
Polycystic ovarycan disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and make it difficult to conceive. High levels of male hormones also cause unwanted symptoms such as facial and body hair growth.
Although there is no cure for PCOS, some lifestyle changes and alternative therapies, such as weight loss along with medical treatment, may work. Regular exercise can also provide great benefits.
