Nowadays, we are so awestricken by technology and all the inner workings to make information flow seamlessly and intensely fast from one source to another. However, all along we’ve been living in probably the most amazing intricate system ever created – our bodies. It’s amazing to learn about the functions of our body at the cellular level – how hormones communicate to other hormones to do their job, and this catalyst to speed up the process of another action. It shows how essential to our health our decisions are as to what we put into our body and how we use it.
Recently there has been growing information on the relationship between PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and lifestyle habits. PCOS is triggered by an imbalance in hormones, and affects 1 out of 15 women. In addition to symptoms like acne, male-type hair growth, irregular periods, infertility, and depression, PCOS can also cause health issues like weight gain, increased insulin levels, high blood pressure and more. Weight gain is linked to this syndrome due to the increase in androgen levels (or male hormone).
If you or someone you know has PCOS, it’s comforting to know that regular exercise, a healthy diet, and abstinence from smoking are the first steps to managing the condition. Losing even 10 pounds can help with normalizing your hormones and decreasing the risk/severity of other symptoms. If you are not planning a pregnancy, birth control may be another option to help manage your hormones. Infertility issues can also be addressed with hormone methods. It’s important to realize though, that hormone therapy will not manage your insulin levels or blood pressure – diet and exercise are considered a clinical treatment plan in this example – it’s not just a lifestyle change!
Having a condition like PCOS can also be taxing on you mentally and emotionally. Building a support system to help with depression or other negative self-talk is also vital to your overall health. If you are dealing with this condition, I encourage you to reach out for support and find strength in this information and take charge of your health! A first step might be to look for resources here on H3Daily, attend our Healthy Lifestyle Program, or sign up for continued support through our H3 @ Home Coaching program.
Source: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Topic Overview. WebMD.
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