We are women of the 21st century and we live in a competitive world where there is a constant and never-ending fight to be the best in their respective fields. The passion to be the best often takes a toll on our health. We often compromise on our eating habits. But, we do not realize the fact our body is just like a machine; if we do not maintain it will wear out and succumb to deadly diseases. A lot of diseases in today’s world are psychological and stress-related because there is no time left to take care of you in this busy life. One of the diseases cause by drastic lifestyle changes and bad eating habits in women is PCOS.
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What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. If I explain PCOS in a layman’s language, I would describe it as a disease caused by an imbalance of sex hormones in women. It can create problems with your menstrual cycle and cause hindrance in conceiving a child. It can cause abnormal changes in your appearance. It can lead to serious health problems like diabetes and heart problems. In PCOS, women develop small cysts on their ovaries. These cysts are in itself are not a problem but they are responsible for hormonal imbalance. Early diagnosis and treatment can save you from lot of further complications.
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What happens in PCOS + PCOS Diet
Normally, ovaries release a very small amount of male sex hormones and these cysts are responsible for the abnormal release of these male sex hormones. The imbalance of sex hormones stops ovulation, the growth of extra facial hair, and obesity. PCOS are responsible for irregular periods. The body is unable to make correct use or no use of insulin which cause the blood sugar levels to rise up. This eventually increases the chances of diabetes among women. Diabetic women face a lot of problems while conceiving a child and there are higher chances of miscarriage among such women.
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Causes of PCOS:
- Genetics: Yes, you heard it right. Genes can be responsible for inheriting PCOS. If your mother or sister is suffering from this condition, there are chances of you inheriting it. Though there is little evidence of genes associated with this condition. Genetics is something you acquire from your ancestor and nothing much can be done to avoid it if it’s in your genes.
- Hormonal imbalance: The abnormal release of hormones can be linked with this condition because the PCOS has direct linkage with hormones. The abnormal release of hormones is responsible for the medical conditions related to PCOS. Hormonal balance has a direct connection to what we consume. So, we should include more fruits and leafy vegetables in our diet rather munching on burgers and pizzas!
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- Excess insulin levels: Diabetic women have a higher risk of acquiring with PCOS because, in diabetes, insulin is not utilized properly which causes the blood sugar levels to rise up. The excess of insulin levels causes the androgen levels to rise up considerably. Avoid foods rich in sugar which will shoot up your blood sugar levels.
- Psychological factors: Stress is one of the prime causes of PCOS because to maintain equilibrium at both your personal and professional life, there is no time left to take care of your well being. The constant fight to be the best takes a toll on our mental well being. Include any kind of physical activity in your daily routine to keep stress at bay!
- Obesity: Obesity is the root cause of a lot of diseases. It is always said to keep in check your weight because obesity gives birth to a number of diseases. Drastic changes in eating habits and lifestyle have also contributed to the rise of PCOS. No time for play and highly saturated and fat food are responsible for high rates of obesity in our country. Leading a healthy lifestyle can help fight such diseases. The inclusion of nutritious foods and physical activity can lessen the chances of acquiring PCOS.
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