PCOS: Irregular period, hair fall, acne and difficulty in getting pregnant are some symptoms of PCOS
Highlights
- PCOS affects 1 in every 5 Indian women
- Weight management can help control PCOS symptoms
- PCOS can also affect a woman's fertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS has become a common problem among Indian women in the past few years. PCOS is considered to be caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones. It can lead to the formation of small cysts in either or both the ovaries and also causes complications during pregnancy. According to nutritionist Pooja Makhija, 1 in every 5 Indian women are affected by this disease. But before searching for treatments, you should be certain about what type of PCOS you suffer from. Pooja, in an Instagram video, presents the 4 categories of PCOS. She also mentions the ways to treat them.
The four types of PCOS
1. Insulin resistance PCOS
According to the nutritionist, it occurs in 70 per cent of the cases. As cells become numb to the effect of insulin, a condition called insulinoma arises which causes this type of PCOS. Abdominal weight gain, sugar cravings and fatigue are among its symptoms.
Regular exercise and movement are helpful to treat this. Avoid high sugar food and opt for a balanced diet. Reduce stress and sleep well to manage insulin levels. Supplements of magnesium, chromium, NAC and inositol can help.
Also read: PCOS, Hormonal Imbalance, Irregular Bleeding: Seed Cycling Is The Solution To All These Issues, Here's How
2. Adrenal PCOS
This occurs during a massive stressful period. Marked indicators are high levels of cortisol and DHEA.
Reduce stress levels through yoga, meditation and good sleep. Avoid high-intensity exercise. Magnesium, vitamin B5 and vitamin C can help support the adrenal glands and nervous system.
When suffering from PCOS, it is essential to remain stress-free
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Inflammatory PCOS
This type of PCOS occurs due to chronic inflammation. Poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle lead to increased testosterone levels, which causes PCOS. High C reactive protein (more than 5), headaches, unexplained fatigue, skin issues like eczema are some of the symptoms.
Maintain good gut health by balancing gut bacteria, improving digestive enzymes and repairing leaky gut tissue. Avoid food that triggers inflammation. Help yourself with natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants like NAC.
Also read: Weight Loss And Better Insulin-Sensitivity: Follow These Two Mantras To Manage PCOS Effectively
4. Post-pill PCOS
This occurs after stopping the intake of oral contraceptive pills. According to Pooja, "The artificial Progesterone causes a party in the ovaries after you stop the pills", and this can cause PCOS. Taking the pills can stop the symptoms temporarily but can worsen the condition once stopped.
This type of PCOS is a temporary situation and reversible. Good sleep and low stress can help. Nutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and zinc are helpful.
Also read: 4 Supplements That Are A Must If You Have PCOS, As Told By Celebrity Nutritionist Pooja Makhija
Here is the video:
The nutritionist recommends that supplements be taken only after consulting a personal nutritionist.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.