Doctor shares PCOS management methods for PCOS Awareness Month

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, and World PCOS Day is on September 1.

Consequently, Dr. Sabah Salman from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor shares holistic PCOS management techniques.

“PCOS can devastate the self-esteem and quality of life of those with the condition. A holistic approach can be beneficial in helping to manage the condition. Plus, you might find it positively impacts body confidence and your relationship with food,” she stated.

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“This is my advice for maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet when you have PCOS. Learn how to avoid mistakes that may cause your symptoms to flare up.”

What is PCOS and its symptoms?

Global healthcare provider Aster DM Healthcare says PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects reproductive-aged women. 

Its main symptoms include irregular periods and elevated levels of male hormones. Eventually, this disease leads to the development of small ovarian cysts.

These growths raise insulin resistance, heightening the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

“Although PCOS manifests differently in different people, the main features can include irregular periods, high levels of “male” hormones in your body, and enlarged ovaries which may contain many follicles (fluid-filled sacs),” Dr. Salman explained.

“Weight gain is commonly linked with PCOS and those with the syndrome have an increased risk of developing health problems like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol in later life,” the doctor added.

How can women manage PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome does not have a cure at the time of writing. However, some medicines can alleviate symptoms. 

For example, contraceptive pills typically help regulate periods. Still, this condition can impact a woman’s self-esteem and quality of life. That is why Dr. Sabah Salman shares these PCOS management methods:

1. Eat regular meals: “Avoiding meals is likely to result in heightened food cravings, impeding your healthy eating efforts.” 
2. Meet your daily calorie needs: Dr. Salman says the average woman consumes 2,000 kcal daily. Otherwise, you’re more likely to make unhealthy choices like overeating.
3. Eat fruits and veggies: These have fiber and antioxidants that can reduce stress and inflammation for those with PCOS. Dr. Salman recommends raspberries, passion fruit, kiwis, pears, orange, artichokes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
4. Consume omega-3-rich foods: Omega-3 fatty acids are in fish and vegetarian sources like seaweed. Moreover, it has docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which soothes chronic inflammation from PCOS.
5. Eat low GI carbs: Include low glycemic index foods in your diet for PCOS management. These include nuts, vegetables, cereals, and wholegrain breads.
6. Have balanced meals: “This means pairing high-fiber carbs with protein and healthy fats to reduce the glycemic load of the meal,” Dr. Salman stated. “Good sources of protein and healthy fats include lean meat, poultry, eggs, tofu, and nut butter.”

You may reach Dr. Sabah Salman via the LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor website. Moreover, check this other Inquirer Tech article to learn how exercise helps people with PCOS.