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PCOS is an endocrine system disorder which is caused due to hormonal imbalance in women and of reproductive age. This disorder is nowadays prevailing among girls of adolescent age.

Cause of PCOS

The actual cause of PCOS is unknown. However, it is believed that few influences of the disease might be through genetics, but the majority is due to the unhealthy lifestyle of girls which leads to generation of male hormones (androgens) in their body in a large number.

Complications

If not taken proper precautions after the diagnosis of PCOS, it may lead to infertility. It can also lead to stress, anxiety, obesity, gestational diabetes, higher incidence of miscarriage in future, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery among women who do go on to conceive with PCOS.

Stress, depression, anxiety and obesity are common complications seen in adolescent girls.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, unwanted hair growth, hair fall, fatigue, infertility, acne, pelvic pain, headaches and mood changes. Young girls with PCOS may have irregular periods or Amenorrhea, and heavy or scanty bleeding during menses. It may lead to severe weakness or even unconsciousness due to heavy loss of blood during irregular periods.

One of the frequent questions that crosses one’s mind during PCOS: Can PCOS be cured? 

PCOS can be managed with healthy lifestyle habits. The major ones include physical activity, losing weight and intaking proper nutrition. 

However, maintaining a healthy food habit everyday and ensuring every required nutrient is available in the food we are taking in throughout the day is a struggle in our busy schedule. Skipping our favorite foods in order to lose weight sounds like a nightmare to us. 

But what about having a list of food that you can intake along with your usual diet? Sounds easy, isn’t it?

Here’s the list of some items that will help you in ensuring your fulfilled nutritional requirements:

1. Fresh fruits such as apples, berries, grapes, oranges, peaches and plums or unsweetened applesauce
2. Non–starchy fresh vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots
3. Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread
4. High fiber cereals such as Kashi, shredded wheat, and All Bran. 
5. High amount of water
6. Pumpkin seeds, Flax seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds
7. Ashwagandha which helps in reducing stress
8. Chamomile tea
9. Fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado are PCOS friendly
10. Protein foods such as beans, hummus, nuts, peanut butter, tofu, eggs, fish, chicken and meat

The food items that one should avoid or cut down during PCOS are:

1. Milk/Dairy Products
2. Sweetened juice
3. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, and peas
4. White bread, Noodles, Pasta
5. White rice
6. Cold drinks (which are sugary)
7. Bakery Items
8. Fried items
9. Junk Food

PCOS is not a disease. The PCOS symptoms can be managed and girls can have normal periods even during PCOS. Only a few efforts are required to take care of oneself. If one can make these necessary changes in their lifestyle, they can bring in the revolution needed not only to cure PCOS but also to lead a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

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Written by Komal Agrawal

A fun loving person who can be the sweetest when needed and the most challenging when required. She has an aptitude to learn something new everyday. With the right amount of courage and determination she can make the biggest of tasks easier.

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