My PCOS Story || Improvement Guide

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance caused by the ovaries i.e. the organ that produces and releases eggs. Women having PCOS have high levels of male hormones called androgens being produced by ovaries. This results in reproductive hormones to become imbalanced.

PCOS convalescents often have erratic menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. Small cysts may also develop on your ovaries (which are fluid-filled sacs) as a consequence of lack of ovulation (known as anovulation).

Higher Risks Of Its Consequences

PCOS can be life long disorder if poorly treated. Women suffering it are usually at a higher risk for Type II diabetes, cardiovascular problems, endometrial cancer, liver inflammation, and a few others.

My Experience As a PCOS Fighter

I was diagnosed with PCOS on Oct 22, 2021. I faced a sudden weight gain with often late or skipped dates. My lower abdomen started to look all bloated most of the time. And I endured extreme moods, hard to describe.

I strongly recommend for an early visit to your gynaecologist in order to treat PCOS at an early stage effectively. Later effects can be adverse and may even require surgeries to get rid of cysts if not cured in the early stage.

My gynaecologist provided me a report of my Ultrasound which gave us a good idea of which stage of PCOS I was at with other prescribed medications. There is usually a little preparation which is needed before ultrasound.

Prepare For An Ultrasound

Two hours prior the ultrasound, try to empty your bladder and then rapidly drink 1-1.5 litres of clear fluid (preferably non flavoured water). Restrict emptying bladder until the ultrasound is successfully performed now. Breathe in and lay comfortably, there isn't anything to worry about.

Is Sonography Painful?

Sonography was performed on me by an expert which was a painless experience.

Sonography basically sends sound waves to the part of your body under examination using a wand-shaped device called a transducer. The more fluid in your bladder (without air gaps), the clearer sonogram will be captured. Sonogram is the image being displayed on the monitor after sending sound waves through the transducer.

The expert used a thick ultrasound gel which was applied on my lower abdomen. This gel provides a perfect lubrication for getting a consise sonogram.

PCOS Diet For Improvement

Here is a list of all the major restrictions and allowance during the PCOS phase -

RESTRICTIONS :

1. Refined carbohydrates - white bread

2. Inflammatory food - red meat

3. Anything made with white flour

4. Carbonated and sugary drinks

5. Processed food items

ALLOWANCE :

1. High fibre food - carrots , beets , broccoli, cauliflower, green and red peppers, beans, lentils, sweet potato, almonds

2. Anti-inflammatory food and spices- mushroom , grapes, berries, tomatoes, cherries, green tea, olive oil, turmeric, dark chocolate, fatty fish, avocados, kale, spinach

It is hard to cut down all your favourite junkies but limit them to the maximum for good results. In case you consume white bread try to balance it out with other high fibre foods like bell peppers, avocados for less harm.

I replaced my usual white flour pasta with semolina pasta. Toss it with freshly made sauce instead of canned ones. Add more veggies and season it with herbs you love. You see, switching up a diet isn't always a boring decision.

Exercises For The Convalescents

Trust me when I say I'm a potato when it comes to working out. I usually opt for open air light exercise which includes walking 4-5 days a week.

Also have a spinning bike in my routine which I usually get my hands upon late at night before I sleep.

If you're a gym follower ,great but avoid any heavy proteins without your gyno's consent.

Engage in your favourite sports which will be both entertaining as well as healthy for you.

Lots of love and care for you all fighting this syndrome. PCOS is growing to be quite a common disorder faced by women but we all are together in this. Just know you will beat all the dashes of mood swings and pain. Refuse to sink because you are one badass PCOS warrior.