HYDERABAD: PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder occurring in women these days. Most women, including the ones residing in metro cities are not even aware of PCOS. It can cause problems with periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. PCOS affects about 7-10 per cent of women of child bearing age (15-45) years. In India, prevalence rates are as high as 50 per cent, which has been proven by various studies across India. And recent studies have shown the rapid increase among urban teens and young women also. PCOS symptoms include acne, obesity, irregular or no periods, excess hair growth and infertility.PCOS is complex because it is affected by a woman’s emotions, thoughts, diet and personal history. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient has and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception.Early diagnosis helpsPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be prevented. But early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS helps prevent long-term complications, such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Early treatment of PCOS can contribute to long-term health and well being, and improve quality of life. PCOS is often an inherited condition. If your mother or sister has PCOS, it would be a good idea to get tested for the syndrome.Healthy LifestyleLiving a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard. It just takes the motivation to change our bad habits into good, healthy ones. Staying as healthy as possible is the goal. Try to stay on a healthy diet with adequate amounts of protein, as well as whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables. Your doctor should be able to suggest a healthy diet to follow. Exercise regularly to keep your weight in check, improves your body’s response to extra insulin, and reduces your risk of PCOS and also to maintain a fit way of life.(The author is a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, the president of ISOPARB, and is a panelist on IndianWomensHealth.com)Have PCOS? Here’s what you can do to make your life a little easier:Healthy diet: Choose a healthy diet which includes fibre, omega 3 essential fats, nutrients in fruits and vegetables and unsaturated fats. Try to consume 40 per cent carbohydrates in your diet.Exercise: Physical activity can help you reduce weight. Go for any kind of exercise like swimming, aerobics, brisk walking for at least 30 minutes. Weight training is also advised.Meditate: A 10 minute meditation can relieve you off your stress. One of the major causes of PCOS is stress. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Free your mind from all the thoughts.Relax: Try to relax as it will bring down the stress levels. This will help in keeping a tab on the symptoms of PCOS.Medication: And if you suffer from PCOS, your doctor will just be the right person to treat you with your symptoms.
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