PCOS is a condition that affects as many as 1 in 10 women, many of whom are suffering in silence.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, better known as PCOS is relatively more common than some may assume. It affects 12-18 percent of women in the reproductive age category, however, almost 70 percent of woman suffering from PCOS remain undiagnosed. It is a hormonal condition in which the female body has higher levels of male hormones. As the name of it displays itself, the literal translation of ‘polycystic’ is ‘many cysts.’ For better understanding this is when many cysts have formed on the ovaries, however, they have not reached maturity nor produced eggs that can be fertilized. This is spotted via ultrasounds, however polycystic cysts are not the only symptom to be diagnosed with PCOS, the following symptoms may persist in individuals when experiencing PCOS:
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The following may present themselves for those suffering from PCOS:
- Commonly a hereditary condition, mother or sister may have it which gives you a 1 in 2 chance of also having it
- Overweight
- Amenorrhoea (loss of periods) or irregular cycles
- Acne
- Excess hair growth predominantly on your face, chest, back, and stomach
- Scalp hair loss or thinning
- Easy weight gain even when monitoring exercise and food intake
- Depression and anxiety
How to get a diagnosis for PCOS
Once you’ve been diagnosed it also puts you at a higher risk of developing health problems such as:
- Type 2 diabetes – especially if overweight
- Endometrial Cancer
- Sleep apnoea
- Heart disease
- High Cholesterol
If you are experiencing multiple of these symptoms, a simple trip to your health care professional will be able to properly diagnose you with PCOS. Blood tests, an ultrasound of your ovaries and testing hormone levels are all involved in identifying it. Early diagnosis is detrimental in managing symptoms to help prevent higher risk health problems from forming.
How to manage and treat PCOS symptoms
PCOS is a long-term condition so when it comes to treatment it is up to the individual to enforce lifestyle changes to help monitor the symptoms they are experiencing. Depending on those symptoms the following lifestyle modifications play a positive role in managing and preventing further risks from arising:
Lifestyle Modifications
Maintaining physical activity and a healthy diet both play a vital role in preventing higher risk problems from happening. Many sufferers of PCOS have blood sugar resistance, which can lead to diabetes. A diet consisting of wholesome, anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats have shown to dramatically help decrease negative symptoms. Being hormonal condition foods and supplements best for women include magnesium, healthy fats and a range of vitamins including Vitamin B, fish oil, Calcium and Vitamin D. A decrease in caffeine, alcohol, and sugar have all also shown positive effects on the individual's overall wellbeing.
Weight Reduction
Losing up to as little as 10% of your body weight has shown dramatic benefits symptoms of PCOS and to your overall health. It has shown to regulate periods and improve fertility along with reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease. It is also vital to your mental health and decreases the effects of depression and anxiety and improving overall mood.
Medical Treatment
With today’s fast-evolving medical specialists, there is still no single form of medication to cure PCOS. There are however different forms of medication that again can prevent symptoms from worsening and these include:
- Hormonal medications to block testosterone – to help those with excess hair growth on face and body
- Infertility medications are available via your GP to help bring on ovulation if you are trying and struggling.
- Psychological Counselling if moods are your more dominant symptom
- Contraception Pill to help regulate irregular periods or sufferers of acne.
What supplements can I take for PCOS?
As mentioned above lifestyle changes are a vital role in managing PCOS – and we here at Elite Supps want to help you make your journey easier. The following Top 6 products all show tremendous amounts of results in supporting PCOS.
- Venus E-Tox – Estrogen is an essential hormone, however those with PCOS can experience too much. This in turn creates symptoms such as bloat, mood swings, increased stress and appetite. Venus E-Tox works by lowering estrogen and raising progesterone to help create a healthy hormonal balance and limit these symptoms.
- Thyroid RX – Weight gain and trouble losing weight/controlling cravings is the most common and frustrating side effect for a woman suffering PCOS. T432 is one of the most popular products Elite Supps stocks for its work in controlling appetite and cravings and maximizing fat burning and metabolic rate. This amazing product is science backed and continues to work magic for PCOS sufferers.
- Adrenal Switch – Many of the physical and emotional symptoms that come with PCOS can be quite draining and concerning for most woman. Magnesium, zinc, B6, and ashwagandha are all vital ingredients found in Adrenal Switch that will work together to provide your body and mind the relaxation and mood enhancement you’ve been seeking.
- MCT Oil - Blood sugar resistance not only contributes to high blood pressure and weight gain but it can ultimately lead to more serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The health benefits associated with MCT Oil range from cholesterol and blood lipid control, improved metabolism and appetite control; and blood sugar regulation. An important add on to any diet.
- Herbs of Gold Activated B Complex – Studies have shown the main concern for PCOS sufferers is not impossible, but heightened difficulties associated with fertility. Vitamin B is a vital supplement contains folate, biotin, pyridoxine – all of which have proven to help boost fertility and support healthy pregnancies.
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Pre Pump – Caffeine has shown to have negative effects on those with PCOS, however this stimulant free pre-workout will still provide you with the energy required along with you physical activity.