How To Cure PCOS Permanently? Answering your questions

As a woman, it is very natural to get worried about menstrual irregularities, acne, facial hair, being overweight, etc. Having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can be a big source of both physical and mental stress for us ladies.

Having PCOS is stressful in itself. What’s worse is that you keep hearing about PCOS and its complications from people around you. This can make an already horrible experience even more insufferable.

So, with nowhere else to turn, you finally decided to search how to cure PCOS Permanently? Hopeful to find the answer you’ve been looking for.

It’d be disappointing for you to learn that medical science doesn’t have any permanent cure for PCOS yet. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. PCOS is a common problem in lots of women spend their entire life without even realizing that they have it.

Adequate health management like reducing obesity, increasing insulin sensitivity, and taking health supplements can help suppress the symptoms of PCOS to a great extent. Lifestyle changes can go a long way.

Of course, that’s not all and to know more about it you have to just scroll below.

Table of Content

How to Cure PCOS Permanently: Why There Is No Cure Yet

To understand why there is no cure for PCOS, you first need to understand what PCOS is in the first place.

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the unused ovarian follicles in your ovaries are prevented from natural degeneration. This is due to abnormalities in the hormones regulating ovulation and the menstrual cycle. These follicles then become fluid-filled and turn into cysts.

Many women with mild symptoms pass most of their lifetimes normally. They are not even aware of having PCOS.

But the clear root cause of these pathological mechanisms is not confirmed yet. There are different hypotheses about it and many risk factors are identified too. But these are not enough to have a permanent cure to be developed.

Source: LaraBriden.com

5 Myths About PCOS (Which are not true)

Well, there are many myths and superstitions about this common phenomenon in women. 5 common ones among urban people are:

1. It will always induce infertility

This is totally false. While it’s true PCOS can sometimes make it difficult to get pregnant, it does not cause infertility. Women with PCOS can seek treatment to manage the condition, and then get work towards getting pregnant.

2. PCOS will always occur in obese women

This is untrue as well. Recently it has been found that genetics play a much bigger role in the development of PCOS than weight. Obesity does complicate matters, but PCOS can occur in women of any weight group.

3. It is a rare condition and you did something to cause it

PCOS is a common condition and it happens totally on its own. There is nothing you can do to ’cause’ it, if not only exaggerate its symptoms.

4. You must have PCOS if your menstrual cycle is irregular

An irregular menstrual cycle can be caused by a number of reasons. It can be due to infections, weight loss or weight gain, medications, pregnancy, etc. So PCOS is definitely not the main cause of irregular periods.

5. You will know when you have PCOS

There is no way for you to know if you have PCOS by yourself. It can only be confirmed through medical imaging like ultrasonography. However, you may suspect PCOS if you find yourself suffering from symptoms similar to those hormone imbalances.

A Beginner’s Guide To Basics of PCOS:

Since you’ve already got an idea about what PCOS is, this part of the article will guide you through the symptoms, treatments, complications, and prevention of PCOS.

If you are new to this, you’ll find the following segment full of important details you need to know in order to deal with PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS

So, When Should You Think You Might Have PCOS? By analyzing your symptoms! So, take a quick look at them:

Dermatological symptoms like acne, oiliness, discoloration, etc. along with irregular menstruation, should concern you.
Also, hair growth in abnormal places (hirsutism) and rapid weight gain are red signals. Sometimes alopecia or baldness at the back of the head is a symptom of PCOS.
Unable to get pregnant can be an indicator too.
If menstruation never started in young teens then it is a matter of concern. A gynecologist should be sought. Other symptoms like sleep disturbances, mood swings, etc. can confirm the diagnosis.
Older women of 54 years or more, suffering from undiagnosed PCOS usually have severe hirsutism.
Anxiety and depression are common for all age groups.

Diagnostic Criteria

PCOS has many diagnostic criterias. Some of these criteria even match with other similar sorts of diseases. So, the differential diagnosis adds another layer of complexity.

Here, are a few things included in the diagnostic procedure:

The diagnosis is initially done based on clinically significant symptoms. Three important criteria are hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries.
Patients who have developed symptoms very rapidly need quick evaluation. This is indicative of having a potential androgen-secreting tumor.
Different biochemical and radiological tests aid in the process.
There are asymptomatic cases too. But these should not be confused with PCO (polycystic ovaries).
Also, many women with mild symptoms pass most of their lifetimes normally. They are not even aware of having PCOS.

Treatment

The treatment procedure has evolved over the decades. The present options are stated here:

Conventional Medicines

For treatment, the doctor provides medicines according to the age and condition of the patient. Usually, he/she prescribes Metformin which helps to decrease insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar. If the patient does not plan for pregnancy, then birth control pills are the alternatives.
Antiandrogenic medicines are prescribed for symptoms like acne, hirsutism, etc. At present, doctors give Inositol more due to its added benefits to reproductive health.
Also, patients with lipid abnormalities can take lipid-lowering agents with the doctor’s guidance.
However, the main help comes from reducing weight. Obese patients need to reduce at least 5% of their weight on an emergency basis. So, the patient should adjust his/her diet accordingly.

Some Alternative Treatments

If you have issues with taking prescribed medicines then you can try other alternatives too. But always consult your doctor before trying any sort of alternative medication. They might end up doing more harm than good.

Familial history of PCOS is non-modifiable. So there is nothing you can actually do about it. But leading a disciplined life can go a long way to make it as if you never had PCOS.

Some alternatives include:

Herbal medicines are often effective. Ayurvedic churns can help to combat hormonal imbalance. But these can affect other regular medications. So, consult your doctor or an expert first.
Many probiotics now help in obesity, heart disease, etc.
Apple Cider Vinegar is excellent for reducing obesity and combating excess sugar levels in the blood. It has other health benefits too.
There are many well-developed yoga practices for PCOS
Home remedies can help a lot in combating insulin resistance, obesity, reproductive problems, etc. For example, foods containing high fibers are prepared with cinnamon, holy basil (tulsi), cod liver oil, etc.
PCOS is a type of chronic inflammatory disease. So, anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, tomatoes, fatty fish help a lot.
A keto diet for PCOS can be useful for many aspects of health.

Checking The Prognosis

You need regular follow-ups with your treatment during the first few months. Besides, PCOS is a lifelong condition. So, your doctor or healthcare provider will likely suggest some routine tests. Like, blood sugar test once or twice a year, thyroid function test once every 6 months, etc.

You should be self-aware about your body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels. It’s better to check them within specific time intervals even without a prescription.

Source: PCOS Awareness Association

Complications Of PCOS

There are many complications of untreated or incompletely treated PCOS. Like,

Type 2 Diabetes: It is a common phenomenon in women over 40 years.
Infertility: Although the infertility rate is very high among women with PCOS, most are treatable. The results are good too. Treatment options include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), oral medication (Clomid, Femara), etc.
Cardiovascular diseases: heart attack, stroke, etc. can occur due to obesity and high lipid content in the blood, atherosclerosis (occlusion of blood vessels). This may worsen and lead to the diseases mentioned here.
Hypercholesterolemia: The chances of rise in blood cholesterol levels also increase in PCOS too. There’s an increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Cancer: Endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer are common in older women. The risk factors for other metabolic disorders also increase with age.
Severe psychological disorders: The probability of developing psychological disorders like depression are four times more in women with PCOS.
Daibetes: Pregnant women with PCOS have more chances of developing gestational diabetes.
Post-surgical complications: Complications may occur in case of hysterectomy (removal of ovaries).

Where to Seek Help?

You should go to any specialized gynecologist for treatment and advice. If not possible, then a good health provider can be sought for suggestions. It’s necessary to see a trained professional because self-medication can affect other disorders already present.

Your doctor will examine you and give you appropriate biochemical tests to evaluate your condition. Usually, PCOS gets diagnosed easily through a USG (ultrasonography).

Then be regular with your medicines and follow up.

You must provide your doctor with a clear personal and familial history of related diseases or symptoms. PCOS has both genetic and environmental risk factors.

Prevention And Awareness

It is better to have prior knowledge and be aware of the effects of PCOS. Familial history of PCOS is non-modifiable. So there is nothing you can actually do about it. But leading a disciplined life can go a long way to make it as if you never had PCOS.

If you already have PCOS then the following points are must follow:

The Dos:

Consume healthy carbs.
Having fiber-rich foods is a requirement.
A high protein diet is useful.
Take healthy Omega 3 fats.
Vitamin D supplements if you almost don’t go in sunlight
A lot of fruits that can provide antioxidants
Regular exercise or walk for at least 30 minutes
Make a healthy sleeping habit.

The Don’ts:

Avoid carbonated drinks
Quit smoking and decrease or stop alcohol drinking
Decrease consuming processed foods as much as possible
Cut down consumption of red meat.
Reduce stress to regulate cortisol. Yoga and other strategies might help.
Avoid endocrine disruptors, like glycol ethers, dioxins, etc. These can be present in soap, makeup, and canned foods.

Fig: Natural remedies

Source: Healthline

Some Extra Tips To Deal With PCOS

You can join any good PCOS support group or organization. This can be very helpful with anxiety and depression.
Do your research. Knowing about all the complexities and jargon will give you an unexpected confidence level.
Try to care less about what people have to say about your symptoms and complications.
A strong psyche will influence your physique to a great extent. So, always try to act normal inside out and believe that you’ll be fine.

Throughout the ages, many theories have evolved about PCOS. But definitely, modern treatment is way better compared to the past.

FAQs

Is it too late to lead a healthy life after PCOS?

Not at all! Leading a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements to combat the symptoms are important. Doing these will result in almost having a normal life like any other individual.

What to do when diagnosed with PCOS?

You don’t need to be worried at all if you’re diagnosed with PCOS. Your doctor will provide you with guidance and information is available now. Know that this is one of the most common conditions in adult women around the world.

What will be my life span with PCOS?

Like any other individual, you can have a normal life span provided you manage your symptoms and risks up to an extent. This is very easy with proper motivation. Many groups provide help and suggestions for PCOS patients.

Will removing my ovaries cure my PCOS?

Yes, but this means you can’t get pregnant anymore. Also, there are many side effects to this. So, consult specialists before making any decision.

What is the main cause of PCOS?

Medical science so far cannot explain the exact cause of PCOS yet. But certain intermediary findings are there which mainly include a hormonal imbalance in the body.

At what age PCOS usually starts?

It often begins at 11 or 12 years of age soon after menarche (first menstrual cycle). It can be diagnosed before too. Many women get to know about their PCOS first while seeking infertility treatment.

What is PCO Vs. PCOS?

Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) are ovaries with dysfunctional ovulation where the ovules turn into cysts. Whereas, PCOS is characterized by high levels of androgens in the blood. It might or might not have cysts in the ovary. That is to say, PCO may be present in PCOS but not necessarily. This is an important aspect to know for treatment purposes.

At the End

Women have been fighting with PCOS and its complications since the ancient past. And still, there’s no answer to the widely asked question – How to cure PCOS permanently?