Tips For Managing PCOS

by | Jun 21, 2013 | Hormones, Womens Health | 0 comments

It's only fair to share…

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Are you struggling with overweight or obesity? Infertility? Skin issues like acne and excessive hair growth?

These are common problems associated with a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS.

PCOS is a common health condition, effecting more than 11% of Australian women. Some other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Mood swings and depression
  • Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
  • Extra hair growing in unexpected places – e.g. your face, your chest or your stomach.
  • Adult acne
  • Skin tags or brownish spots on your skin
  • Hot flushes
  • Trouble getting and staying pregnant
  • Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (although you can have PCOS and not have polycystic ovaries, or have polycystic ovaries and not have PCOS)

If you suspect you may have PCOS, you will need to see your health professional. A history will be taken, and tests such as a pelvic ultrasound and blood word to assess your hormone levels (for example, your testosterone levels) should be ordered. This will help with the diagnosis.

Once you know you have PCOS, there are many things you can do to help. The great thing is – a positive lifestyle is the best, most potent form of treatment.

What can you do to conquer your PCOS signs and symptoms?

A diagnosis like PCOS can be confusing, and at times seem quite complex. However, if you adhere to these strategies and remember to keep life as ‘close to natural’ as possible you will do well.

Follow a low glycaemic load (GL) food plan.
Stick to natural, wholesome, non-processed food and drink

Exercise regularly
Include a mix of ‘sweaty exercise’ (exercise that gets your heart rate up),      resistance training (gym work), stretchy exercise (like Yoga)

Ensure enough sleep
Lack of sleep aggravates some of PCOS problems, such as insulin resistance and weight gain, depression and increased stress

Manage your stress levels
     Stress can also aggravate PCOS problems. Learn to reduce your stress, through exercise, meditation, sufficient sleep, talking and hobbies.

Optimal Nutrition
Nutrients are the fuel for your body to function well. They help you heal, think, move, communicate and be well. Women with PCOS have been shown to have low levels of magnesium, and likely low levels of iodine and omega 3 fats. By including foods rich in these nutrients and supplementing, you can help to reduce your PCOS signs and symptoms. Think mandarins, seaweed and fish.

With the right advice, and the right lifestyle, PCOS doesn’t have to be the potentially devastating syndrome it can be for many women.

From PCOS to perfect health.

 

International author, speaker, PCOS expert and experienced clinician Dr Rebecca Harwin has been helping women improve their health for many years.

Dr Rebecca has completed eight years of intensive University study, and holds three undergraduate degrees; a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science), and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology). She has also completed thousands of hours of further health studies.

She is passionate about combining her comprehensive education and research with her personal and clinical experiences to bring you a comprehensive way forward from PCOS to freedom.

Visit her website http://www.conqueryourpcosnaturally.com