Is There a Way to Cure PCOS Permanently?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility and affects around 6%-12% of women of reproductive age in the U.S. Despite its name, PCOS doesn't mean you have cysts in your ovaries. It’s actually a hormonal disorder, but the exact reason for developing this condition is unknown.

PCOS can be hereditary and manifest in multiple ways, such as irregular menstruation or a prolonged menstrual cycle.

What are the symptoms to look out for in PCOS?

The most prominent symptoms of PCOS are:

• Excessive facial hair
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Thinning of hair

Other symptoms may include:

• Issues with sleep or insomnia
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Infertility

Can you cure PCOS permanently?

PCOS is a chronic condition, and unfortunately, there is no permanent cure. At best, a patient with this disorder can introduce dietary and lifestyle changes, resulting in significant improvements in the quality of life.

Most women with PCOS may also develop obesity, which can lead to other health conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, type-2 diabetes, etc. Living a healthy lifestyle can help curb the impact of the condition to some extent. Fortunately, most measures to control PCOS are lifestyle-related, such as exercising regularly. It is also important to eat healthy diet for PCOS and include nutritious food items in your diet.

Here are a few tips to manage PCOS at home:

1. Cut down on simple carbs

This is the first step to reducing your PCOS symptoms. Choose to consume more complex carbs, like buckwheat, barley, and brown rice.

2. Keep your alcohol consumption in check

Alcohol affects the liver and causes hormone fluctuations. Hence, limiting alcohol intake can help minimize PCOS symptoms.

3. Increase your liquid intake

Water helps you stay healthy and flush out toxins. Drinking at least two liters of water every day can help reduce bloating. You can also try green tea, which is loaded with antioxidants and helps reduce testosterone levels in women. Green tea also helps reduce body fat.

4. Eat enough vegetables

Aim to include more vegetables in your diet. Vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber content, such as spinach, artichoke, and kale, can help with PCOS. To make up for the nutrients that are still lacking, you can take multi-vitamins. But make sure to consult your provider before making any major diet changes.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking increases androgen production. Excess androgen causes some of the most prominent symptoms of PCOS. Cutting down on cigarettes not only slows down PCOS symptoms but also improves lung health.

6. Exercise more frequently

Exercising has many advantages – from keeping your weight under control to decreasing insulin resistance. Women with PCOS may experience higher cholesterol levels that can be countered with exercise.

7. Cut down on certain food

You may have to avoid food such as red meat and processed sugar. Try to steer clear of desserts, sweets, sweetened drinks, and so on.

Besides these tips, you can also consult our specialists before taking medications such as:

• Birth control – Regulates testosterone levels in your system
• Anti-androgen – Decreases the level of androgen (the hormone responsible for excessive growth of facial and chest hair, male-pattern baldness, etc.)

Don't suffer in silence!

If you are experiencing any PCOS symptoms, our board-certified gynecologists at North Atlanta Women’s Care can help ensure you go back to leading your life as normally as possible. Schedule an appointment today to get started on your personalized care.