Braav Lifestyle
PCOS: what is it and is there something you can do about it?
Ever since the long legged Dutch topmodel Romee Strijd announced her pregnancy in a frank and candid Instagram post revealing her struggles with PCOS, the syndrome has never been so discussed.
Logically, because 5 to 10% of all women have a more or less severe form of the syndrome, making it the most common hormonal abnormality in women.
Time to demystify PCOS.
What is it?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which ovulation often fails to occur. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.
In women who have PCOS, cysts grow on the ovaries. This can have consequences for fertility. Besides the cysts on the ovaries, there are more symptoms (like irregular menstruation, excess hair, acne and decreased fertility) that occur with this syndrome.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of PCOS is not known. However, it is certain that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. It often turns out that in women with PCOS the mother or sister also has the syndrome.
Certain external factors and abnormalities in the hormonal balance also play a role in the development of PCOS.
What treatments are there?
The advice most doctors give is to keep taking the contraceptive pill, or start taking it. Losing weight is another thing that is recommended by default.
Is getting pregnant with PCOS your wish? Then you will be referred to a gynaecologist and start a (long) medical procedure. Initially often with hormone tablets or injections.
However, this is not the way to tackle the cause. It is only symptom control. When you stop taking the pill again or when you have given birth, your symptoms have not disappeared. Nor do you reduce the risk of long-term consequences.
DIY
There are three sub-areas in which you can deal with PCOS complaints yourself.
- Nutrition: A healthy lifestyle can be of great influence in tackling PCOS. With the right healthy diet you tackle insulin resistance. Through what you eat and drink, you can ensure that your blood sugar level remains stable. Read here an interesting article about the PCOS diet and the PCOS nutrition schemes I have put together.
- Stress Reduction & Proper Exercise: why not try one of our workout videos on a regular basis?
- Supplements: DCI, Tri Sense, Saw Palmetto and vitamin D3. Read this article to determine which supplements may be suitable for you.
Let us conclude with what Romee says: "Believe in yourself, be kind to yourself and your body and don't let your own thoughts drive you crazy". Amen.
