‘Reversing PCOS naturally is possible’

While no health expert can confidently assure us that the cure for PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is possible, some health experts believe and have been successful in helping patients reverse PCOS. Dr Manoj Kutteri, medical director and CEO, Atmantan Wellness Centre says, "PCOS can be completely reversed once we adopt a lifestyle that suits PCOD management."

A majority of women today suffer from PCOS and turn to various kinds of treatments from Ayurveda to Homeopathy. Mid-day Online spoke to health experts who share the right way to go about in order to be able to reverse PCOS.

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Dr Vaishali Joshi, consultant, obstetrician & gynaecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai says, "PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age." It is a complex hormonal condition that affects the ovaries, pancreas, and skin and can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown
Although the exact causes of PCOS cannot be pointed out, it's believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal and faulty lifestyle factors. Health experts often list the following as the possible causes of the syndrome:

1. Genetic factors: Given that PCOS frequently runs in families, it appears to have a hereditary basis. You may be more likely to get PCOS if anyone in your close family has this disorder.

2. Hormonal imbalances: PCOS patients with ovaries typically have higher amounts of androgens (male hormones). Cysts can develop on the ovaries as a result of this hormonal imbalance, which can also interfere with the regular ovulation process.

3. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation is another common reason behind PCOS.

4. Insulin resistance: Some studies suggest that insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond well to insulin, plays a role in stimulating the production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries.

5. Lifestyle factors: Sedentary habits and obesity raise the likelihood of PCOS and aggravate its symptoms.

6. Stress: High amounts of uncontrolled stress can alter hormone levels and exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS vs PCOD
According to Joshi, PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is often used interchangeably with PCOS, but there is a subtle difference. PCOD refers to the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, while PCOS encompasses a wider range of symptoms and includes the hormonal and metabolic aspects along with the cysts. PCOS is the more commonly used term in clinical practice.

Symptoms
We all recognise the most common symptoms of PCOS to be irregular menstruation, infertility, acne, excessive body hair, and obesity. However, Joshi says, "PCOS can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms are diverse and may overlap with other conditions."

Rare symptoms and associated conditions of PCOS include:
1. Mood swings

2. Sleep disturbances

3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

4. Irregular breathing patterns during sleep

5. Increased risk of autoimmune diseases

6. Hair thinning (diffuse alopecia)

7. Joint pain

8. Discolouration of the neck and various skin conditions.

These symptoms and conditions may not be experienced by all individuals with PCOS and can vary in severity. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management if you suspect you have PCOS or experience unusual symptoms.

Reversing PCOS
Health experts coming from different fields of medicine hold varied beliefs and opinions. Joshi says, "PCOS cannot be completely reversed or cured, but it can be managed effectively." On the other hand, Kutteri of Atmantan Wellness Centre, a naturopath, is confident about the possibility of reversing PCOS completely.

Treatment for PCOS varies depending on the individual's symptoms and goals. In allopathy common treatments include:

Hormonal birth control: Oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels.

Anti-androgen medications: Drugs like Spironolactone can help manage symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth.

Metformin: This medication helps improve insulin sensitivity and can be useful for managing metabolic aspects of PCOS.

Ovulation induction: Fertility medications like Clomiphene may be prescribed to induce ovulation for women trying to conceive.

Lifestyle changes: Diet and exercise play a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall health.

Some individuals who opt for medications might experience some common side effects like nausea, menstrual irregularities, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, breast tenderness, frequent urination, mood swings, deficiency of Vitamin B12 and hot flashes.

In order to manage PCOS's varied symptoms and underlying hormonal abnormalities, therapy plans for PCOS often use a multidisciplinary approach.

The treatment protocols might vary based on the cause of the disease. However, once you follow the recommended lifestyle, this can be cured satisfactorily. Various lifestyle modifications include a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management. Weight management is particularly important because losing excess weight can help regulate various hormones and improve insulin sensitivity.

To treat and reverse PCOS naturally, Kutteri says, "Home treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can play a crucial role in symptom reduction and health improvement. There are various lifestyle modifications and self-care techniques you may put into place at home to assist in managing PCOS, even while medical therapy and advice from healthcare professionals are essential."

He lists down some guidelines for the management of PCOS at home
1. Pay attention to a diet that is well-balanced and full of fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. To help control blood sugar levels, choose complex carbohydrates over refined ones. Limit processed meals and added sugars. Take into account a low-glycemic index (GI) diet, which can assist in controlling insulin levels. Keep an eye on portion quantities and try to stick to regular mealtimes.

2. Aim for at least 150 minutes of daily moderate-intensity aerobic activity as part of your normal exercise regimen. Include both strength-training exercises (such as weightlifting or resistance training) and cardiovascular exercises (such as walking, running, or cycling). Exercise can help manage weight and increase insulin sensitivity.

3. If you are obese or overweight, decreasing even a small amount of weight (usually five to ten per cent of your body weight) can assist in hormone regulation and lessen PCOS symptoms. Put your attention on losing weight gradually and sustainably by combining food and exercise.

According to Kutteri, besides conventional medicine, various approaches from Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathic medicine, functional medicine, homoeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine practices too, are useful in the treatment of this condition.

In times when various treatments claiming effectiveness in managing PCOS can leave us confused as to which path to follow, you must opt for the treatment your body best responds to.

PCOS is a lifestyle disease, which if ignored, can lead to severe health issues in the future. These include Infertility (difficulty to conceive), risk of developing type 2 diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, endometrial cancer, and anxiety and depression in some individuals. Acting on it at the earliest is thus crucial.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.