The Pap test is one of the most effective screening tools women have for safeguarding their reproductive health. But it’s only a frontline test, which means abnormal results aren’t necessarily reason for concern.
PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a fairly common condition, affecting between 5-10% of women who are of childbearing age in the US. That’s a staggering number of about 5 million. That’s why Dr. Kelly Morales and her team have compiled this helpful guide of lifestyle tips that can improve your PCOS.
PCOS is a condition in which multiple cysts appear on your ovaries. This is due to an overproduction of hormones called androgens, which also cause other symptoms like:
It’s important to detect PCOS and to treat it early, as the condition does place you at risk for other diseases, like:
As you can see, PCOS is actually a bit of a serious condition.
There are certain lifestyle changes that you can make to both prevent and treat your PCOS. Here are some of those changes, along with an explanation of why they’re helpful.
About 50% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. A good percentage of women with PCOS do find that losing weight and controlling their diet does actually help manage their symptoms and decrease their risk of developing the other chronic illnesses for which PCOS places you at a higher risk. Weight loss also leads to improved ovulation.
PCOS symptoms also react well to exercise. Along with improving your PCOS symptoms, physical activity can also help reduce insulin resistance and improve your overall health. It’s recommended that you get in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
PCOS and its associated symptoms can be incredibly stressful on you. Reducing your stress can help manage symptoms and make it easier for you to adapt better lifestyle choices overall as well. Try by adopting more stress-relieving practices, like yoga, meditation, or tai chi. You may also find it beneficial to speak with a counselor or therapist.
None of these lifestyle changes will mean anything if you can’t maintain them regularly. Try helping yourself out by creating a diet and exercise plan that you can realistically maintain. It might also be helpful to slowly introduce small changes into your routine, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. We can also help you out here, so be sure to discuss any apprehensions you have during your appointment with Dr. Morales.
If you have PCOS and want better solutions for managing it, we can help. Call us, or schedule an appointment right on our website.
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