PCOS or Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome is a group of disorders affecting women of reproductive age and one among the common reasons found today for irregular menstrual cycle. Say it because of sedentary lifestyle or food habits, it sure is a menace for womanhood.

According to WHO, PCOS affects 116 million worldwide, PCOS affect approx. 10 percentage women in the reproductive age.

What is PCOS?

It is a disorder where the ovaries produce higher than normal level of male hormones (androgen) causing an imbalance in the system leading to trouble in normal ovulation and release of eggs (Ovum). Some of the ovum develops into fluid filled sacks called cyst which may even grow bigger in size.

WHAT CAUSES PCOS?

It is an endocrine disorder directly connected to the level of hormones in the body.

1. Increased level of male hormones (Androgen) — A smaller level of male hormones presents in every woman. Whereas its increase leads to imbalance triggering male traits such as extra hair growth, male pattern baldness and acne.

2. Increased level of Insulin — Insulin is a hormone regulating blood glucose level in the body. It helps in conversion of the food we eat into energy. Those with unhealthy eating habits, little to no-exercise, overweight or obese have higher chances of increase in blood glucose level and insulin resistance, which means their cells can’t take up insulin properly. When cells can’t use insulin properly, the demand in body rises thus triggering pancreatic cells to produce more insulin for supply. This extra insulin circulates in the body which in turn triggers ovaries producing male androgen.

3. Inflammation — Studies have linked excess inflammation to higher androgen levels. Inflammatory condition might be a contribution of overweight too.

HOW YOU KNOW YOU HAVE PCOS?

Some woman gets early symptoms whereas some go unnoticed until they find difficulty getting pregnant.
You should notice it when there is,

· Irregular periods
· Heavy menstruation
· Excessive hair growth
· Thinning of hair
· Weight gain
· Acne
· Darkening of the skin in body creases like on neck, groin and under the breasts.
· Headache

WHY PCOS A CONCERN?

Infertility: Fertilization happens only if there is a release of ovum. Woman who don’t ovulate thus find it difficult to conceive and is a major cause of infertility in woman.
Metabolic diseases: Obesity and PCOS go hand in hand, slowing the metabolism. Hence woman with slow metabolic rate have higher chances of high blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure.

CAN ONE CONCEIVE WITH PCOS?

Woman with PCOS have trouble getting pregnant, if conceived they have higher chances of premature child birth, miscarriage, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. However, woman with PCOS can get pregnant with infertility treatments.

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN MANAGING PCOS

Efficiency of Ayurveda treatments and regimen are found in studies regarding management of PCOS.

Ayurveda focuses on balancing the metabolism and maintaining equilibrium of bio-energies. The metabolism which is lowered ion PCOS will be boosted with Ayurveda treatments and increases chances of conception. Ayurveda uses herbal formulations to correct the hormonal imbalance and regulates the normal rhythm of body. It also requires you to go through various types of therapies and maintain a balanced diet. All these play a vital role in overcoming PCOS - related problems.

Following holistic diet and a healthy lifestyle can help in regulating the hormones. Ayurveda can help you in holistic healthcare.