Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian disease, is a hormonal disturbance caused by the overproduction of androgens by the ovaries. PCOS increases women's risk of developing other diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. It is the most common endocrine and reproductive disorder in women of childbearing age. The cause of the polycystic ovarian syndrome is unknown, but there are many theories about why some women get it, and others don't. One theory is that poor nutrition during pregnancy may cause a hormone imbalance that leads to PCOS in most women.

The mechanism of PCOS:

PCOS is a hormonal system disorder. It is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which control the menstrual cycle. When your body produces too much estrogen or not enough progesterone, you have PCOS. Estrogen is a female hormone that regulates many processes in the body, including bone health, body hair growth, sexual function and moods. In addition, estrogen helps maintain fertility and promotes breast development during puberty. Due to PCOS, the estrogen level decreases, creating hindrances in your regular menstrual cycle.

Symptoms:

• -Missing periods
• -Heavy bleeding
• -Dark patches in the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts
• -Excess facial hair
• -Abnormal hair growth on arms, chest, and abdomen
• -Hormonal acne on the back, neck, and face
• -Obesity
• -Ovarian cysts
• -Skin tags; little flap of extra skin, especially in the armpits
• -Bald patches
• -Thinning hairline
• -Obstacles to get pregnant naturally

Causes of PCOS:

We must address the underlying factors contributing to this syndrome's presence and progression. PCOS affects 5-10% of women worldwide with symptoms including irregular periods and potential fertility problems due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all.

Many women with PCOS can benefit from dietary changes that help reduce insulin resistance and improve overall health. For example, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-glycemic foods can help control blood sugar levels and regulate insulin secretion. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve lipid profiles in women with PCOS. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels in women with PCOS. A low-fat diet may benefit some women with PCOS if they experience symptoms such as acne or excessive hair growth on their face or body.

The root cause of PCOS is still unknown. Every woman's body is different, so the exact reason for hormonal changes is hard to track. But experts have figured out some causes that can lead you to PCOS:

Genes:

In most cases, PCOS becomes a heredity issue. Mostly, obesity and PCOS run through your legacy, and lifestyle modifications are the only way to control them. Try to exercise and stay away from fried fatty foods because obesity can also cause a lot of changes in the human body.

High levels of male hormones:

This also comes under genetic disorder, which leads to excess secretion of male hormones in a woman's body. High androgen levels prevent ovaries from releasing eggs, which can hinder your regular menstrual cycle. Irregular ovulation period can cause small fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries. In addition, higher levels of androgen can cause hormonal acne and excess hair growth in your body.

Insulin resistance:

Obesity can also lead to insulin resistance because fat cells hold on to glucose from carbohydrates in your diet (sugar). This excess sugar stays stored in your fat cells until you eat something that raises your blood glucose levels (such as a carbohydrate-rich meal). Your pancreas senses that your blood sugar level has risen and releases more insulin into your bloodstream to help transport glucose from the liver into cells, which will be used as energy or stored for later use by muscles or other tissues. Insulin resistance is another risk factor for PCOS. As you age or become overweight, your muscles become less sensitive to insulin. When this happens, your body has less ability to process glucose than it used to. As a result, high glucose levels are produced in the blood as energy for cells throughout the body.

Low-grade inflammation:

People with PCOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your healthcare provider can perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, indicating the inflammation level in your body. Try to have more alkaline food like leafy greens, root veggies, legumes, grains, seasonal fruits, etc.

Prevention of PCOS:

PCOS can be a serious problem if you leave it untreated. So, it is better to start making diet and lifestyle changes to prevent from the beginning. Here are some measures you can take to prevent PCOS:

• -Eliminate carbs and fatty foods from your diet; it will increase bad cholesterol levels.
• -Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
• -Maintain a healthy weight.
• -Check with your doctor about suitable birth control pills.
• -Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that contains high-fibre, equal amounts of protein and healthy carbs, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• -Eat food low on the glycemic index, like apples, beans, walnuts etc.
• -Say goodbye to caffeine.
• -Eat organic food and plant-based PCOS supplements like andMe's PCOS drink. It is 100% vegan, enriched with Ayurveda, and has no harmful preservatives.