The Real Fouz

The most important aspect in a woman is her confidence, but what if we have small things that cut down the confidence in us? What I want to emphasize in this article is the little beauty problems that we neglect but could be associated with bigger health problems. A lot of women suffer from extra facial hair, sudden weight gain, mood swings, acne, hair loss, or irregular menstrual cycle. Women go for laser removal or facials, but what is a very underrated and unexplained condition is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It is a condition in which a woman's levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). This condition is found in 1 out of 3 women in the world. If this condition is not treated and taken care of, it eventually causes women to have trouble getting pregnant.

Many women have the question of "What causes PCOS?" Well, unfortunately the reason is still unknown, but doctors believe that it is genetic, it could be your mother, sister or aunt who had this condition before, and had been carried over to you. One of the doubtful reasons is that the hormone androgen (a male sex hormone) could be overproduced in the women's body, which can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Also, excess insulin: which is a hormone that helps convert sugars and starches into energy, may cause high androgen levels. What many women don't know is this condition doesn't start in your 20's or 30's, but some of us are born with it.

Thyroid hormone

The symptoms may differ from acne, to excess hair on the face or chest, decrease in breast size, thicker or deeper voice, or thin hair. Also weight gain, high cases of anxiety or depression, infertility or pelvic pain. These symptoms are the normal usual ones that most women have. Other symptoms (which are related to insulin resistance and weight gain) can differ from diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

If these symptoms are shown, then the best next step is to visit the doctor to check for 3 things: 1) Visible cysts in the ovaries (Done by Ultrasound) 2) Check thyroid function to check the thyroid hormone production 3) Glucose tests (measures your blood sugar levels) 4) Cholesterol amount.

Now the biggest question is "How do I get rid of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?" The first solution doctors come up with is surgery, which is not a trusted result for a long time, as some cysts reoccur after a while. Also some cysts are too small to be removed surgically. Some doctors suggest ovarian drilling which is done with a small needle that carries an electric current to destroy part of your ovary. However this is a short-term solution as well.

Balance your hormones

The treatment of PCOS is a tricky one, as there are several ways to do so. Some treatments are more harmful than the others, such as birth control pills that can control or balance your hormones. Now these are prescribed for women who are not planning on getting pregnant. What the birth control pills do is they regulate the menstrual cycle, help with acne and lower the testosterone hormone: which is the male hormone. The side effects of these pills are way more complicated than women know. These side effects can differ from mood swings, weight gain or loss, anxiety, depression, nausea, fatigue, joint pain or in some cases, a stroke. This is why many women try their best to avoid this option. Also, one of the options is insulin resistance medication that lowers and regulates the level of insulin in the woman's body.

However, since PCOS causes a high risk of diabetes, breast cancer, heart attacks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression, sleep apnea, or endometrial cancer, the best way to treat it is to find a long-term solution. The best way to treat this condition is diet and exercise. What many women don't know, is food plays a huge role with their hormones. Anything we eat, is shown physically externally and internally.

The food that women with PCOS should avoid is food high in sugar, such as carbs, chocolate, and sodas. Other food they should avoid is spicy food, dairy and red meat. The best diet is a healthy protein and vegetable diet. Also a healthy living that includes walks, and exercise such as yoga, pilates, and cardio.

The longer women stick to this healthy living , the faster their body gets rid of PCOS symptoms, and eventually gets rid of the cysts themselves. They also shouldn't judge from the first week, but from the first month, and make this is a life style decision and not a temporary decision. So remember ladies, eat healthy, exercise, and drink lots of water. You really are what you eat at the end of the day!