Get rid of PCOS by changing your lifestyle and increase chance of pregnancy

PCOS can really be tricky and can come in the way of conceiving, so eliminating it can really help while planning for pregnancy.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which involves “many cysts” (polycystic) in the ovaries, high levels of male hormones, and irregular periods. In PCOS, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries. These sacs are actually follicles, each one containing an immature egg. The eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation. Lack of ovulation changes the hormonal levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH, Progesterone levels becomes lower than usual, while androgen levels are higher than usual. Extra male hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

How I managed PCOS?

Medical practitioners recommend lifestyle change over everything to correct this condition. I have been diagnosed with PCOS a couple of years ago but I managed to say goodbye to it just by twisting my lifestyle a bit.

Sharing some tips on how I managed to control PCOS which might be useful for you:

• Weight Loss: Losing weight as much as possible being anywhere near your ideal weight is key to get rid of PCOS. Know your ideal weight by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index) which would depend on your height and age.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity like long brisk walking, running, free-hand and stretching exercises, outdoor gaming activities like playing badminton, swimming, aerobics, dancing can really help to stay fit and improve PCOS symptoms. If we can manage hitting the gym try cross-trainer, cycling, brisk walk or small run on the tread mill, little weight-lifting and daily exercises for different parts of the body like belly, hand, legs could really help.

• Diet: A healthy diet is a must. Make your own diet plan. Stick to it. Include loads of veggies and fruits in your diet. Spice up your salads and dishes to eliminate boredom. Drink a lot of water to flush out toxin from your system. Drink healthy fluids such as fruit and vegetable juices (without adding sugar/salt). Decrease carbohydrate content (ex: rice, potato, white bread, white flour) and increase protein intake (ex: fish, eggs, soy, lentils, chickpeas). Avoid carbonated and sugary drinks. Sugary and highly processed food items should be kept at bay. Keep a cheat day per week.

• Meditation: PCOS is often linked with depression so not only a healthy body, a healthy mind is also needed. Practicing Yoga asanas, breathing exercises and meditation can really help being stress-free. My personal favorite is Affirmative meditation. You will get lots of content in the web. Choose what suits you. Also try to indulge more in doing things which you enjoy and try to remain positive always. Stay away from all negativities- thoughts/activities/persons.

• Maintain hygiene: Acne, hair and skin problems are also associated with PCOS. Keep your skin and hair clean. After overnight oiling shampoo your hair followed by a conditioner twice a week. Use serum whenever required. Swear to cleaning, toning, moisturizing your face daily. Use a body lotion whenever required.

• Consult your doctor: If none of the above suggestions work for you it is recommended to get an expert’s help. They might prescribe birth pill or some other medication as per your condition.

• Homeopathy: Believe it or not homeopathy work like wonders. If you are trying for long but not able to diminish PCOS symptoms try to visit a Homeopath. It would take longer period but it would be cured completely.

Managing PCOS can really go a long way in increasing your change of getting pregnant. It helped me. Hope it helps you. Good luck!