PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is observed in women mainly of childbearing age. More than 20% of women in India are suffering from PCOS. This condition leaves a significant impact on your reproductive hormone levels. When you have PCOS, your ovaries start secreting more androgen (male hormone) and a lower amount of estrogen (female hormone). This hormone imbalance in women causes irregular periods and makes it difficult to conceive. In addition, PCOS causes weight gain, hair loss on the scalp, male pattern baldness, and extra facial and body hair. It can also contribute to chronic problems like diabetes or heart disease. PCOS affects women aged between 15-44, from puberty to menopause. Unfortunately, many women are not even well-educated and aware of this hormonal imbalance.

Causes:

Doctors still don't know the exact reason for PCOS. According to them, a higher level of male hormone secretion can create hindrances for the regular function of ovaries. For example, the androgen hormone prevents the ovaries from producing hormones and fertilized eggs normally. Still, there are a few common causes for PCOS:

Studies prove that hormonal imbalance issues are often observed as genetic disorders. PCOS is not an exception. PCOS has a strong genetic association. All genes have different kinds of tendency. For example: in some families we see most people catch diabetes or heart disease, in some families, people suffer through weight problems. PCOS is also not an exception.

Insulin resistance:

More than 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their body cells can't use insulin properly. The origin of insulin hormone is the pancreas that helps store sugar in body cells to produce energy. When the body can't use insulin properly, the pancreas secretes more hormones to compensate. Extra insulin triggers male hormone production.

Stress:

This is the most common cause of PCOS, especially when we all are leading a fast life. When we are stressed, our body reduces the secretion of dopamine or happy hormone and creates more cortisol or stress hormone. The cortisol hormone can create obstacles for the ovaries to produce enough estrogen.

Unhealthy lifestyle:

We always end up eating junk food These small habits can have a long- term impact on your health. Eating unhealthy fats, too much smoking or drinking, eating frozen products, and not exercising can increase the chances of having PCOS.

Obesity:

Being overweight is also one of the main reasons of PCOS. Extra body fat may prevent the hormones from functioning correctly, so your body could start skipping periods.

Inflammation:

Women with PCOS have an increased level of inflammation. Excess inflammation can trigger androgen secretion, and obesity also might be another reason.

Common symptoms of PCOS:

• -> Skipping periods
• -> Heavy bleeding during periods
• -> Hairfall on the scalp
• -> Extra body and facial hair
• -> Hormonal acne
• -> Skin darkening
• -> Male pattern baldness
• -> Sudden weight gain
• -> Headaches

How can PCOS affect your body?

Pregnancy issues:

Most women with PCOS face issues with childbirth because of irregular menstrual cycles. Infertility in women with PCOS varies between 70% to 80%. If you have PCOS your ovaries can’t release fertilize eggs and that creates hindrances while trying to conceive.

Metabolic syndromes:

Women with PCOS can be overweight. It also contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes and even increases bad cholesterol levels leading to heart diseases.

Irregular sleep cycle:

Sometimes PCOS can also cause depression, stress, anxiety, which results in sleepless nights. While sleeping, some women might also face breathing problems. This is called sleep apnea.

Can women with PCOS get pregnant?

The answer would be a simple yes, but the process might be tricky and challenging to follow. If there is a will, there is a way! Fortunately, the development of medical science has made our lives way easier. Having PCOS might create some complications, but it's not that hard to hear the good news with extra care towards your health and a well-maintained lifestyle.

PCOS can create problems before, during and even after pregnancy. While conceiving, your ovaries, unfertilized eggs might not co-operate with your desire to have a baby. After medicine or treatments, when you finally get to listen to the heartbeat on the sonogram, you might think you might have skipped to the good part. Well, the truth is it's not over yet! If you have PCOS, the chances of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature childbirth increase. Even post-pregnancy, you can have problems resuming your menstrual cycle, triggering postpartum weight, stress, and anxiety.

The first and foremost thing to get pregnant while having PCOS is by losing weight and exercising daily. According to several studies losing 5%-10% of weight can show significant improvement. Also, you can primarily monitor your ovulation time and eat a lot of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and protein-rich food. The first trimester is quite tricky for all women with PCOS. So, you might also want to consider some natural supplements like andMe's Ovaboost drink, PCOS drink, and PCOS tea. Our PCOS product range will help you eliminate most of your syndromes of PCOS. All our products are filled with the Goodness of Ayurveda and consist of no added chemical substances.

Tips to get pregnant with PCOS:

• -> Caffeine, Alcohol, Smoking, red meat, Unhealthy fats are a big no-no. These kinds of foods can delay your process of welcoming the little footsteps.
• -> Try to drink adequate water. It is the best anti-oxidant and helps detoxify your body.
• -> Avoid consuming sugar and frozen foods.
• -> Try to include omega-3 and fatty fish like salmon or tuna in your diet.
• -> Substitute regular tea with green tea or herbal tea
• -> Eat plenty of green veggies and fruits with enough fibre, iron, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
• -> While cooking, use herbs and spices like cumin, ginger, fennel, and bay leaves.
• -> Replace red meat with chicken stew or fish.
• -> Consume unsaturated sources of fat like olive oil, nuts, seeds, etc.
• -> Beans are mandatory in your healthy diet.
• -> Exercise daily at least for 30 minutes. Especially Pilates and yoga can be of great help.
• -> Take medications if needed but don't forget to consult your doctor.
• -> Monitor your ovulation cycle.
• -> Avoid taking stress; even in pregnancy, stress can affect your baby's health.
• -> Try to have intercourse every other day during the "fertile window."
• -> Take prenatal vitamins along with substitutes.
• -> Don't try a heavy and complicated workout that can harm your baby; take someone's help if you need it.
• -> Try to consult regularly with your doctor.