PCOS: More Than Just a Reproductive Condition—Understanding the Metabolic and Emotional Aspects
If you've been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you're not alone. PCOS affects up to one in five women in Australia and an estimated 116 million women globally. You may already know that PCOS is known as a reproductive condition, but did you know that it has metabolic and emotional features too?
In this blog post, we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of PCOS, exploring its underlying causes, how it affects your body, and the impact it can have on your overall well-being. So grab a cuppa, get cozy, and let's talk PCOS!
The PCOS Puzzle: A Complex Mix
PCOS is like a jigsaw puzzle with many pieces. We still don’t know what causes PCOS however it appears that it is influenced by various factors, including genetics, family history, your environment & lifestyle. For your doctor to diagnose you with PCOS, you need to meet 2 of the following 3 criteria; irregular periods, excess hair growth, and/or cysts on the ovaries. But here's the thing—it's not a one-size-fits-all condition. Every woman with PCOS is unique, and PCOS symptoms can vary considerably between women. That's why it's essential to understand the individual puzzle pieces of your own PCOS journey.
The Metabolic Roller Coaster
You know those roller coasters that make your stomach drop? Well, PCOS can sometimes feel like one. Most women who have been diagnosed with PCOS will struggle with metabolic issues, like insulin resistance which can affect how effectively your body uses glucose. This can lead to problems like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and high cholesterol. High levels of insulin can also cause your ovaries to start producing more androgens like testosterone, which shuts down ovulation.
Nutrition & lifestyle changes can help you to improve your metabolic health & reduce your PCOS symptoms.
Riding the Emotional Wave
PCOS isn't just about physical changes—it can also take a toll on your psychological health. The prevalence and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms are increased for women living with PCOS. Dealing with PCOS-related symptoms like excess hair growth or acne can also impact your self-confidence, body image & intimate relationships. It's not easy when people make insensitive comments or don't understand what you're going through.
Reproductive Challenges
PCOS also impacts your reproductive health, primarily due the cascade effect that unmanaged insulin resistance has on your reproductive hormones. High levels of circulating insulin in the body can cause your ovaries to start producing more testosterone which stops ovulation. Unmanaged insulin resistance is also an independent risk factor for miscarriage and can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. You can learn more about how PCOS can impact your fertility here.
Navigating your PCOS Journey
So how can you manage PCOS like a boss? Nutrition & lifestyle changes are at the heart of PCOS management so as per the International Clinical Guidelines for the treatment of PCOS, Nutrition & lifestyle should be the first line of treatment for every women diagnosed with PCOS. Every woman living with PCOS is unique so your nutrition plan should be too! There are a number of different dietary approaches that have shown benefit for addressing the metabolic, reproductive & psychological aspects of the condition, it’s about finding an approach that works best for your unique needs & lifestyle. It’s important to remember that managing your PCOS is not just about the number on the scale but adopting a nutrition plan that feels aligned with you & helps you feel your best.
PCOS is more than just a reproductive condition—it's a complex puzzle that affects different aspects of your life. By understanding the metabolic, psychological & reproductive features of PCOS, you can take control of your health and well-being.
Embrace a healthy lifestyle, seek support when needed, and remember that you're not alone on this journey.