Women with PCOS commonly have high levels of insulin that don't work effectively, or male hormones known as 'androgens', or both. The cause is not fully understood, however family history and genetics, hormones and lifestyle play a role.
The exact cause of PCOS is not known. Most experts think that several factors, including genetics, play a role: High levels of androgens. Androgens are sometimes called "male hormones," although all women make small amounts of androgens.
PCOS can be triggered by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of nutritional food. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is common among members of the younger generation, with almost 10 million people affected globally.
The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.87 (apple body shape). However, some individuals may not experience any noticeable changes in their stomach.
Upon assessment, many women with PCOS describe little or no breast changes during the pregnancy, and examination reveals breasts that are tubular in shape, widely spaced, or asymmetrical.
And while there certainly is a genetic component that increases one's risk of the syndrome, PCOS is significantly affected—and possibly caused—by lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and stress.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1.
For example, high-sugar foods may be one of the inducers of PCOS, by causing intestinal flora imbalance and triggering chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and production of androgen. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can cause insulin resistance, which is closely linked to the occurrence of PCOS.
One of its common symptoms is abdominal weight gain, which is sometimes referred to as the PCOS belly. The PCOS belly doesn't look like other types of weight gain, as many women report having a big stomach while the rest of the body remains the same.
Many women with PCOS struggle to lose weight because the condition creates an imbalance in hunger hormones, causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash throughout the day. “As a result, it is not uncommon for women with PCOS to develop an eating disorder, such as binge eating and yo-yo-dieting,” Dr. Kumar says.
To be diagnosed with PCOS women generally need to have two out of three of the following: Irregular or absent periods. Acne, excess facial or body hair growth, scalp hair loss, or high levels of testosterone and similar hormones in the blood. Polycystic (many cysts) visible on an ultrasound.
Myth #2: If You Lose Weight, You Can Get Rid of PCOS
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms. A wide range of treatment options can help prevent any potential problems.
High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).
Coloured fruits– red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, papaya, melon, are all rich in antioxidants and fibre but low in glycemic index and as such can prove helpful for PCOS patients. They also satisfy the sweet cravings.
Adherence aside, there are numerous health benefits of intermittent fasting. What makes intermittent fasting an especially good fit for women suffering from PCOS is its ability to improve biomarkers such as body weight, body-mass index, blood-glucose levels, and insulin levels, all of which can help you manage PCOS.
The ideal diet consists of a variety of foods from various food groups—healthy carbohydrates, such as vegetables and fruits; lean meats, such as poultry; fish; and high fiber grains. Doctors advise focusing on foods that are low in sugar and fat and have a low glycemic index.