Signs Your Periods Are Irregular
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If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) you probably know that dealing with it can be a challenge. But the good news is that even with PCOS, you can still live a full, enjoyable life.
The secret to living with PCOS is understanding the lifestyle choices and treatment opportunities that can help manage your condition. By making decisions that support your health, you can minimize the disruption PCOS has on your life.
Lauren Rubal MD, a fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, would like to tell you about some of the ways you can live a happy life despite your PCOS.
PCOS is a condition in which imbalanced hormone levels can lead to a range of health issues, including:
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Many women don’t realize they have it until they’re in their 20s or 30s and discover they’re having trouble getting pregnant.
If you have PCOS, you can take some of the following steps to control the impact it has on your health and well-being.
Healthy eating can help prevent weight gain and help you lose extra weight. A nutritious diet includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, healthy fats, lean protein such as fish and poultry, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds.
Replacing processed foods with whole, fiber-rich foods can help regulate your insulin and blood sugar levels. Even modest weight loss can reduce some PCOS symptoms and help regulate your menstrual cycle.
If you need help planning a healthy diet, consider meeting with a registered dietitian. Your health insurance may cover nutrition counseling with a dietitian.
In addition to helping with weight control, exercise can help boost your mood, increase your sensitivity to insulin, and lower your blood sugar. And it can make you feel better about yourself.
Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Start with small periods of exercise, and build up over time.
Various types of medication can help you stay in control of acne and other PCOS-related skin problems and unwanted hair growth. Laser treatments and other hair-removal procedures may help you feel better about your appearance.
A range of medications can help manage PCOS symptoms. For example, anti-androgen medicines can help normalize hair growth. Metformin, a diabetes drug, can have a beneficial impact on blood sugar, insulin, and some hormone levels. And hormonal birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve hair and skin problems.
If PCOS is interfering with your ability to get pregnant, Dr. Rubal can offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for infertility, including holistic methods.
Don’t let PCOS symptoms interfere with your life any longer. Dr. Rubal can guide you as you make the lifestyle and treatment choices that can reduce the impact of PCOS on your health, fertility, and happiness.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rubal at our office in Newport Beach, California, call 949-415-6704 or use our online scheduling tool to make an appointment.
