‘Reversing PCOS naturally is possible’

While no health expert can confidently assure us that the cure for PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is possible some health experts believe and have been successful in helping patients reverse PCOS Dr Manoj Kutteri medical director and CEO Atmantan Wellness Centre says ldquoPCOS can be completely reversed once we adopt a lifestyle that suits PCOD managementrdquoA majority of women today suffer from PCOS and turn to various kinds of treatments from Ayurveda to Homeopathy Midday Online spoke to health experts who share the right way to go about in order to be able to reverse PCOSDr Vaishali Joshi consultant obstetrician amp gynaecologist Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says ldquoPCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive agerdquo It is a complex hormonal condition that affects the ovaries pancreas and skin and can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues The exact cause of PCOS is unknownAlthough the exact causes of PCOS cannot be pointed out itrsquos believed to involve a combination of genetic hormonal and faulty lifestyle factors Health experts often list the following as the possible causes of the syndrome1 Genetic factors Given that PCOS frequently runs in families it appears to have a hereditary basis You may be more likely to get PCOS if anyone in your close family has this disorder2 Hormonal imbalances PCOS patients with ovaries typically have higher amounts of androgens male hormones Cysts can develop on the ovaries as a result of this hormonal imbalance which can also interfere with the regular ovulation process3 Inflammation Chronic lowgrade inflammation is another common reason behind PCOS 4 Insulin resistance Some studies suggest that insulin resistance where the bodys cells do not respond well to insulin plays a role in stimulating the production of androgens male hormones by the ovaries5 Lifestyle factors Sedentary habits and obesity raise the likelihood of PCOS and aggravate its symptoms6 Stress High amounts of uncontrolled stress can alter hormone levels and exacerbate the symptoms of PCOSPCOS vs PCODAccording to Joshi PCOD Polycystic Ovarian Disease is often used interchangeably with PCOS but there is a subtle difference PCOD refers to the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries while PCOS encompasses a wider range of symptoms and includes the hormonal and metabolic aspects along with the cysts PCOS is the more commonly used term in clinical practiceSymptomsWe all recognise the most common symptoms of PCOS to be irregular menstruation infertility acne excessive body hair and obesity However Joshi says ldquoPCOS can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms are diverse and may overlap with other conditionsrdquoRare symptoms and associated conditions of PCOS include1 Mood swings2 Sleep disturbances3 Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD4 Irregular breathing patterns during sleep5 Increased risk of autoimmune diseases6 Hair thinning diffuse alopecia7 Joint pain8 Discolouration of the neck and various skin conditionsThese symptoms and conditions may not be experienced by all individuals with PCOS and can vary in severity Its important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management if you suspect you have PCOS or experience unusual symptomsReversing PCOSHealth experts coming from different fields of medicine hold varied beliefs and opinions Joshi says ldquoPCOS cannot be completely reversed or cured but it can be managed effectivelyrdquo On the other hand Kutteri of Atmantan Wellness Centre a naturopath is confident about the possibility of reversing PCOS completelyTreatment for PCOS varies depending on the individuals symptoms and goals In allopathy common treatments includeHormonal birth control Oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levelsAntiandrogen medications Drugs like Spironolactone can help manage symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growthMetformin This medication helps improve insulin sensitivity and can be useful for managing metabolic aspects of PCOSOvulation induction Fertility medications like Clomiphene may be prescribed to induce ovulation for women trying to conceiveLifestyle changes Diet and exercise play a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall healthSome individuals who opt for medications might experience some common side effects like nausea menstrual irregularities dizziness gastrointestinal issues breast tenderness frequent urination mood swings deficiency of Vitamin B12 and hot flashes In order to manage PCOSs varied symptoms and underlying hormonal abnormalities therapy plans for PCOS often use a multidisciplinary approachThe treatment protocols might vary based on the cause of the disease However once you follow the recommended lifestyle this can be cured satisfactorily Various lifestyle modifications include a wellbalanced diet regular exercise and stress management Weight management is particularly important because losing excess weight can help regulate various hormones and improve insulin sensitivityTo treat and reverse PCOS naturally Kutteri says ldquoHome treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can play a crucial role in symptom reduction and health improvement There are various lifestyle modifications and selfcare techniques you may put into place at home to assist in managing PCOS even while medical therapy and advice from healthcare professionals are essentialrdquoHe lists down some guidelines for the management of PCOS at home1 Pay attention to a diet that is wellbalanced and full of fresh produce whole grains lean meats and healthy fats To help control blood sugar levels choose complex carbohydrates over refined ones Limit processed meals and added sugars Take into account a lowglycemic index GI diet which can assist in controlling insulin levels Keep an eye on portion quantities and try to stick to regular mealtimes2 Aim for at least 150 minutes of daily moderateintensity aerobic activity as part of your normal exercise regimen Include both strengthtraining exercises such as weightlifting or resistance training and cardiovascular exercises such as walking running or cycling Exercise can help manage weight and increase insulin sensitivity3 If you are obese or overweight decreasing even a small amount of weight usually five to ten per cent of your body weight can assist in hormone regulation and lessen PCOS symptoms Put your attention on losing weight gradually and sustainably by combining food and exerciseAccording to Kutteri besides conventional medicine various approaches from Ayurveda Yoga and Naturopathic medicine functional medicine homoeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine practices too are useful in the treatment of this conditionIn times when various treatments claiming effectiveness in managing PCOS can leave us confused as to which path to follow you must opt for the treatment your body best responds toPCOS is a lifestyle disease which if ignored can lead to severe health issues in the future These include Infertility difficulty to conceive risk of developing type 2 diabetes increased risk of heart disease high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels endometrial cancer and anxiety and depression in some individuals Acting on it at the earliest is thus crucialDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance