Most women will struggle with their weight at some point in their lives. Being overweight is bad for women’s health, and it often goes hand in hand with other issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Having said that, not all overweight people will be affected by the same health problems as the rest of us – some individuals will be more at risk than others. One of the most prevalent health issues among those people is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Here is some of the most useful information on PCOS and how to lose weight if you have it.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a fairly common, albeit frustrating, condition among women. Indeed, about 70% of all women will experience some form of PCOS at some point in their life. The only way to know for certain is to have a look at your hormone levels through a blood test. For those that don’t know, PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome, and it’s essentially a female reproductive disorder that prevents the body from producing enough hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone). This means your ovaries don’t function properly and you develop irregular or no periods, acne, and weight gain. On top of that, you’re at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, there is a way to fight back against PCOS and get your body back to a healthy weight.
What Are the Main Types of PCOS?
There are three basic types of PCOS. The first one is known as type 1, and it’s the most common form of the disorder. In this case, your body doesn’t produce any sex hormones at all, and this can lead to a number of issues, including infertility. The good thing is that type 1 PCOS is relatively easy to treat. It usually goes hand in hand with other disorders such as obesity and diabetes, so it makes sense to focus on those first. There are two types of type 1 PCOS, and they’re often confused with one another. They’re both very similar, but there are some differences. People with type 1.5 PCOS don’t produce any sex hormones, either, but they do have higher levels of insulin (an important hormone for weight loss and many other body functions). While some individuals will never need to worry about their weight again, for those with PCOS, it’s important to have a healthy diet and exercise regime. Otherwise, things can get pretty grim – it’s no wonder so many women with PCOS are attracted to fad diets and starvation strategies. Dieting, in general, is not a good idea for those with PCOS – it can make things worse rather than better, especially as it relates to weight loss. In general, a low-fat, high-fiber diet along with regular exercise is the key to successful weight management for women with PCOS.
What Causes PCOS?
There are several factors that can cause PCOS. Some of the more common causes include obesity, diabetes, and a family history of the disease. Hormone imbalances and nutrient deficiencies are also common, which is why it’s important to have your blood tested to determine your specific needs. Stressful situations, such as chronic pain and anxiety, can also contribute to PCOS. Your gut health is important, too, and eating the right food for your body can help improve both your intestinal flora and your overall health. The main takeaway from this is that there is no single factor that causes PCOS. It’s a complicated disease that is made worse by poor diet and unhealthy living. However, having said that, there are definitely some things that can make the condition a little easier to live with – like knowing what they are and how to fight back against them.
How To Know If You Have PCOS
You might not know you have PCOS, but here are some of the ways in which you can tell: