Category: PCOS

Categories
PCOD PCOS Women's health

PCOS & MENTAL STATE OF WOMEN

PCOS is a condition in which the imbalance of hormones leads to the formation of one or more cysts inside the ovaries. These cysts target the whole body of a woman creating a number of complications showing its presence. These complications include:

  • Glucose level fluctuations
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Infertility
  • Skin disorders such as acne, skin patches
  • Hair disorder such as alopecia, facial hair growth
  • Thyroid
  • Obesity
  • Endometrial cancer, etc

It has been demonstrated that approximately 34% of women with PCOS have depression compared to 7% of women in the general population and around 45% have anxiety, compared to only 18% of the general population.

These symptoms are so over expressive that within a short period of time, they start to target the psychological condition of a woman. When the mental state of a woman is affected in the form of stress & depression, the brain cells start to actively participate to advance the effect of cysts to a much higher level. This worsens the state of PCOS.

2

Research shows that PCOS gives rise to a variety of emotional and mental conditions such as

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Chronic stress
  • Eating disorders

HOW PCOS AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH?

As in the mechanism of PCOS, higher testosterone (androgen) levels in the ovaries give rise to the development of cysts. Testosterone tends to inhibit the maturation of follicle containing egg. Thus, immature follicle becomes cyst.3

It has been demonstrated by animal studies that these high levels of testosterone in PCOS women affect that region of the brain, which is responsible for emotions and behavior. They observed that high testosterone doses in animals significantly interfered with the activity of a gene in the brain region called amygdala that regulates the androgen receptor. They also identified alterations in the receptors for a form of estrogen due to high testosterone doses, as well as changes in the genes that regulate serotonin and GABA – neurotransmitters involved in the control of anxious behavior.

MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN PCOS

It is clear from the reported data that women with PCOS are at risk of a wide range of significant psychological difficulties, which lower the quality of life also. Thus, treatment of PCOS is at extreme need to prevent physical and psychological issues.

A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, plentiful exercise and targeted nutritional supplements and/or prescription medications can help to bring the PCOS psychological issues under control.

4

Anti-androgens can also be consumed on prescription by doctor. Anti-androgens help to lower testosterone levels in the body. Normal levels of testosterones in women do not target the uncontrolled activity of amygdale (brain region for emotion & behavior) in the brain. This strategy will help to improve psychological condition in the women with PCOS. Other management measures include:

  • Management of skin issues: Skin provides feminism to the women. Any changes in skin lead to depressive and stressful behavior in women. During PCOS, skin problems are taken as one of the symptoms. They are always taken as an outcome in PCOS. Treatment of skin issues such as acne & skin patches contributes in the management of mental health in women. Skin issues can be managed with the help of either natural remedies or by dietary modifications or by prescription medications. Any of the treatment measure can help resolve the skin issue.
  • Management of hair loss: Another outcome of PCOS which adds-in towards depression and anxiety is “hair loss”. Management of hair loss can be done by consumption of anti-androgens because hair loss due to PCOS involves the over-production of androgens (testosterone) in the body. Testosterones interfere in the normal cycle of hair-follicle growth due to which hair density is also thickened. Thus, anti-androgens lower the production of testosterone and help in the growth cycle of hair follicles.
  • Obesity management: Obesity is a major reason behind depression and anxiety in PCOS women. Healthy lifestyle, controlled diet and regular exercise help to control obesity. Weight loss medications can also be consumed to treat obesity. According to the reported studies, participation in physical activity programs is associated with lowering obesity and depressive symptoms and improvements in quality of life.
  • Cyst management: Reduction of the cysts in PCOS is the primary line-of-treatment. This can be achieved by controlling testosterone levels in the body along with management of insulin resistance. Testosterones can be controlled by either anti-androgens or testosterone suppressing drugs. Both of these treatment regimens can help to lower cyst size and cyst number which will automatically help to manage menstrual irregularities and infertility problems. They might contribute well to lower mental health issues in PCOS.

These management strategies are a key towards improvement in the mental health issues. By controlling PCOS as early as possible, mental health issues can also be controlled.

It has been reported that fenugreek is an effective remedy to treat PCOS patients. It is clinically proven safe and effective in the management of PCOS. It has been observed that Furocyst® (fenugreek seed extract) significantly reduced the cyst size, showed complete dissolution of the cysts and reported regular menstrual cycle on completion of the treatment. It also increased insulin sensitizing activity & peripheral utilization of insulin thus helped to manage PCOS.

 

REFERENCES

Categories
PCOD PCOS Uncategorized Women's health

ARE YOU A WOMAN WITH PCOS & BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. For the diagnosis of this syndrome the Rotterdam Criteria is used. According to this criterion, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is diagnosed in the presence of at least two of three criteria:

  • Menstrual disorders or amenorrhoea with chronic lack of ovulation
  • Clinical and/or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism
  • The presence of polycystic ovaries in ultrasonography after the exclusion of other endocrine disorders

Prevalence: In the United States, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders of reproductive-age women, with a prevalence of 4-12%. Up to 10% women are diagnosed with PCOS. In some European studies, the prevalence of PCOS has been reported to be 6.5-8%.

PCOS is a disease, which is associated with many complications such as obesity, diabetes, thyroid, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, etc. Bipolar disorder is one of the diseases associated with PCOS. It is not clear whether PCOS generates bipolar disorder or vice-versa but its occurrence is common in PCOS-affecting females.

Bipolar disorder 1

This disease is characterized by the occurrence of the periods of mania and depression. They are divided into:

  • Bipolar disorder I (full-blown mania and major depression),
  • Bipolar disorder II (hypomania and episodes of major depression)
  • Unspecified bipolar disorder (bipolar symptoms that do not meet criteria I or II)

Prevalence: During an epidemiological study, it was found the prevalence of bipolar disorder is very less. 1% of the population is found to be prevalent with bipolar disorder I, 1.1% with bipolar disorder II & 2.4% with bipolar disorder III. The overall prevalence of the bipolar disorder is 4.4% in US population. Bipolar disorder II has the highest persistence (73.2%), with Bipolar disorder I (63.3%) following second and bipolar sub-threshold third (59.5%).

Relation between PCOS & bipolar disorder

PCOS & bipolar disorder are reported to be linked to each other. It has been found from the clinical studies that women with bipolar disorder are at higher risk of PCOS and vice-versa. In a clinical study on 110 women with PCOS, it was reported that 88 women were suffering from bipolar disease also.

3Both PCOS and bipolar disorder show increased levels of stress and high cortisol. This could be due to a dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is responsible for stress response. Cortisol is released to handle stress. Then the body is supposed to calm itself down when the stressor no longer exists. When there is a problem with this cycle, like there is in bipolar disorder and PCOS, the cortisol sticks around. High cortisol levels can lead to many cognitive problems and depressive symptoms. The hormone imbalance could also lead to hyperandrogenism in PCOS.

Multiple studies have shown a link between PCOS and the drug valproic acid/valproate, which is an anticonvulsant, used to treat bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer & epilepsy. One study showed that 43% of the women receiving valproate for epilepsy had polycystic ovaries. In bipolar disorder, one study found that 47% of patients taking valproate had PCOS compared to the 13% of patients who were not.

Women with bipolar disorder are almost twice as likely to have irregular menstrual cycles, than healthy controls. While medications can cause irregularities, irregular periods often occur before a patient is even diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

BIPOLAR DISORDER QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WOMEN WITH PCOS

The following given questionnaire is helpful to screen women with bipolar disorder:

Positive screening for bipolar disorder on the basis of following scores:

  • YES to 7 or more than 13 points in Question 1
  • YES to Question 2
  • “MODERATE PROBLEM” or “SERIOUS PROBLEM” to Question 3

These symptoms can only be treated if regular therapy for PCOS is administered to the suffering females.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To know more, click on the link –

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stress/

REFERENCES

Categories
PCOD PCOS Women's health

REDUCING THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER IN PCOS

REDUCING THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER IN PCOS

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Female uterus contains a lining known as endometrium that contains tissue full of blood vessels. Under healthy condition, this endometrium lining is built up (by cell multiplication) for up to one month for probable pregnancy. If there is no possibility of pregnancy, then, after one month of cycle, this lining full of tissues breaks down as menses.

Under diseased condition, the cells of the endometrium lining begin to grow out of control, causing endometrial cancer. The cancer is staged according to where the cancer cells are found, from Stage I being completely within the uterus to Stage IV, where cancer has spread beyond the boundaries of the pelvis.

1

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Unusual vaginal bleeding: About 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer have abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as a change in their periods or bleeding between periods or after menopause. This symptom can also occur with some non-cancerous conditions, but it is important to have a doctor look into any irregular bleeding.

Vaginal discharge: Non-bloody vaginal discharge may also be a sign of endometrial cancer. Your doctor should check out any abnormal discharge.

Pelvic pain & Weight loss: Pain in the pelvis along with unintentional weight loss can also be a symptom of endometrial cancer. These symptoms are more common in later stages of the disease.

HOW PCOS INCREASE THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER?

2Women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are reported to be at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. It has been seen in many females that the PCOS suffering females are three times more prone to endometrial cancer as compared to normal females. But it is also clear that it’s not mandatory for a PCOS female to develop endometrial cancer. Whenever PCOS is at extreme levels, then, it might cause endometrial cancer.

PCOS is associated with irregularity in the hormonal balance, which produces cyst(s) in the ovaries of the females. During healthy condition, shedding of endometrium lining is inhibited only during pregnancy. But in PCOS, irregular hormones also do not allow the endometrium lining to break down during menses. This irregularity of hormones involves very lesser quantity of progesterone (causes shedding of endometrium in menses) & higher amount of estrogen (causes ovulation). Thus, endometrium lining grows to a much thicker level than normal due to deficiency of progesterone. This condition leads to pre-cancerous situation called endometrial hyperplasia. If this condition is left untreated, it develops to endometrial cancer.

MANAGEMENT OF PCOS-GENERATED ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

The endometrial cancer can be managed in two ways as given below:

  • Reduce the risk of development of endometrial cancer
  • Treat the developed endometrial cancer

It is up to the stage of the cancer in the patient through which the treatment strategy can be opted. It there is only a risk of development of the cancer, but it has not developed yet, then, first option can be chosen. If the cancer has already developed in PCOS suffering female, then, second option can be chosen. Following treatment strategies have been given accordingly.

REDUCE THE RISK OF DEVELOPMENT OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

3

  • PCOS treatment: When you know that the PCOS is the obvious reason for the risk of developing endometrial cancer, then, it should be treated first. If left untreated, hormone levels will remain abnormal and affect your whole body and your cancer risk.

PCOS is generally treated with the help of oral contraceptives. These medications are prescribed by doctor. Oral contraceptives containing progesterone-only pills are best to reduce endometrial cancer risk. But these do not come with their side effects.

PCOS can also be managed with the help of a clinically proven dietary supplement in the form of fenugreek seed extract i.e. Furocyst™. It has been proven to be safe & effective for the management of PCOS. It has been clinically evaluated and patented and has no known side effects.

  • Healthy body weight: Most of the women with PCOS are obese or overweight. Obesity or overweight contributes highly to the development & progression of PCOS. Obesity is also known to be one of the risk factors of endometrial cancer because it also increases estrogen levels in the body.

Regular exercise and sticking to a healthy diet can lose excess weight and minimize the endometrial cancer risk.

  • Regular examinations: 4If you already know you are at a greater risk for endometrial cancer because of your PCOS, it’s important to keep an eye on the early signs of cancer. Thus, it is a big requirement for regular –
  • Pap smears: Tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix (opening of the uterus).
  • Pelvic exam: Examination of vulva and internal reproductive organs including cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina.

TREAT THE DEVELOPED ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

5

If a female is diagnosed with endometrial cancer along with PCOS, it is very important to talk with a specialist as soon as possible. A number of treatments are available and only a specialist can help determine the best option. The option can be one of the following:

  • Surgery: Surgery is the main treatment for most of the women with endometrial cancer. It is carried out according to the stage of this cancer. If the cancer is limited only to the uterus then, the doctors opt for hysterectomy e. removing uterus from the body. If the cancer has spread to other organs such as fallopian tube, ovaries, part of vagina, etc, then, they may need to be removed as well.
    • For any of these procedures, general anesthesia is used so the patient is asleep or sedated during the operation.
    • The doctor may feel that chemotherapy or radiation treatment is necessary as well to prevent cancer from spreading.
    • The patient is recovered after surgery by staying in the hospital for 5-7 days. Complete recovery takes 4-6 weeks.
    • The only disadvantage of this surgery is infertility (not being able to start or maintain a pregnancy).
  • Radiation: This type of therapy involves killing the cancer cells by exposing them to high-energy radiation. It can be done in two ways:
    • Either from a machine (sends the radiation through the body towards the cancer cells)
    • Or internally with seeds, needles or catheters which are placed directly in contact with cancer.
    • With one radiation machine strategy, the device is usually left in place for about 1 to 4 days. The patient needs to stay immobile to keep the radiation sources from moving during treatment and so she is usually kept in the hospital overnight.
    • Another radiation machine strategy is a bit intense. Each dose takes a very short time (usually less than an hour) and the patient can go home the same day.
  • Chemotherapy: When this type of treatment is opted, special chemicals are introduced into the body, either by mouth or intravenously, which directly kill the cancer cells. These chemicals enter the bloodstream and reach throughout the body, making this treatment potentially useful for cancer that has spread beyond the endometrium.
    • Combination chemotherapy sometimes works better in treating cancer than one drug alone. Combination chemotherapy sometimes works better in treating cancer than one chemical/drug alone.
    • Chemo is often given in cycles e. a period of treatment, followed by a rest period. The chemo chemicals/drugs may be given on one or more days in each cycle.
    • These chemicals kill cancer cells but can also damage some normal cells. This produces side effects including nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth or vaginal sores and hair loss.
    • Most of the side effects of chemotherapy stop when the treatment is over, but some can last a long time.
  • Hormone therapy: If cancer responds to hormonal stimulation, there are medications, which can help block the hormone from interacting with cancer. This can help prevent further growth of cancer. Hormone treatment for endometrial cancer includes:
    • Progesterone: Slows the growth of endometrial cancer cells.
    • Tamoxifen: Prevent the circulation of estrogen hormone. Also prevents estrogen from nourishing the cancer cells.
    • Luteinizing hormone agonist: It switches off the estrogen production by the ovaries in women who are premenopausal. They are injected every 1-3 months.
    • Aromatize inhibitors: Even after the ovaries are removed (or are not functioning); estrogen is still made in the fat tissue. This becomes the body’s main source of estrogen. Drugs called aromatase inhibitors can stop this estrogen from being formed and lower estrogen levels even further.

YOU QUERIES TO DOCTOR AFTER TREATMENT

When the treatment has been completed, following questions should be asked by the patient to the doctor for satisfactory completion of treatment as well as for future health:6

  • Are there any limits on what I can do?
  • What symptoms should I watch for?
  • What kind of exercise should I do now?
  • What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
  • How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
  • Will I need any blood tests?
  • How will I know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for?
  • What will my options be if the cancer comes back?
  • When can I resume my usual activities at work and/or around the house?

For more info visit https://furocyst.com or

Call : +91 9915002390

Click here for more

REDUCING THE RISK OF ENDOMETRIAL CANCER IN PCOS

Categories
PCOD PCOS Women's health

PCOS MIGHT BE ATTACKING YOUR LIVER TOO

PCOS MIGHT BE ATTACKING YOUR LIVER TOO

NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) is a very common disorder to be associated with PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome). NAFLD is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. The most common form of NAFLD is a non-serious condition called fatty liver. A small group of people with NAFLD may have a more serious condition named non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In NASH, fat accumulation is associated with liver cell inflammation and different degrees of scarring. NASH is a potentially serious condition that may lead to severe liver scarring and cirrhosis.

NAFLD is highly prevalent in PCOS affecting females. It has been seen that 15% to 55% of women with PCOS are diagnosed with NAFLD. The liver isn’t meant to store fat. Its role is to serve as the detoxifying organ for the body filtering out harmful substances. Thus, when PCOS starts to contribute in accumulating fat inside liver then, the condition of the female worsens.

1 2

NAFLD is a silent condition. Most women with PCOS won’t know that they have it until getting blood results. Having fatty liver or NAFLD increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. If not treated, NAFLD can progress to more advanced stages of liver damage such as NASH & liver cirrhosis.

DIAGNOSIS

3

  • Diagnosis by blood test named as “Liver function test” (LFT) including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) & aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  • Confirmation by ultrasound of the liver or liver biopsy

HOW PCOS CAUSES NAFLD

4

Insulin resistance and obesity in PCOS causes NAFLD in women. Insulin resistance in adipose tissue results in accelerated lipolysis, causing an increased flow of free fatty acids to the liver, thus favoring hepatic fat accumulation. Visceral adipose tissue by increased free fatty acid flow to the liver seems to be an important regulator of fatty liver.

ASSOCIATED FACTORS WORSENING NAFLD IN PCOS

There are some factors which contribute in worsening the condition of NAFLD in women with PCOS. These are:

 

  • Excess abdominal weight
  • Insulin resistance5
  • Elevated androgens (testosterones)
  • Hightriglycerides
  • High LDL cholesterol level
  • Low HDL cholesterol level
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

TREATMENT

Therapeutic interventions primarily target the risk factors for NAFLD – obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Curing these risk factors might automatically prevent the development of NAFLD in PCOS females.

Dietary modification 6

Fat, sugar, and excessive intake of processed foods are the main nutrition contributors to fatty liver disease. Consumption of trans-fats, fats typically found in processed and fast food, is linked with insulin resistance, inflammation and increased triglycerides. Fructose is also linked to worsening insulin resistance and inflammation which is found in corn syrup, juice and other flavored beverages.

Keeping trans-fats, sugar and processed foods out of the diet will improve the condition of the liver. Liver can remain healthy by eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, beans and legumes, fish and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Lose Weight

7Weight loss is effective for treating fatty liver disease as it can improve insulin resistance, triglycerides and visceral fat. An inactive lifestyle is one of the contributing factors to NAFLD. Engaging in regular physical activity consisting of aerobic and resistance training, can decrease fatty liver even if weight loss isn’t achieved.

Participants who engaged in 30 to 60 minutes of exercise two to three times each week saw significant reductions in liver fat.

Thus diet, weight loss and exercise are the cornerstone of treatment and may be combined with insulin-sensitizers.

Fish Oil

8Omega-3 fatty acids like the ones found in cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and trout are effective at reducing triglycerides, inflammation and insulin in women with PCOS. In a clinical study, women with PCOS who supplemented their diets with 4 grams of fish oil for 8 weeks saw a significant decrease in liver fat and triglycerides.

Supplement with Vitamin E

9Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher levels of oxidative stress than women without PCOS. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to diseases like NAFLD. Antioxidants work to fight oxidative stress and have been suggested in the treatment of NAFLD. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, is commonly recommended to those with NAFLD.

Fenugreek

10Fenugreek has been clinically shown to be effective in the treatment of PCOS and its complications. Fenugreek seeds extract-based product – Furocyst™ has shown to improve the condition of PCOS. It is a patented and clinically evaluated product proven safe and effective with patients in PCOS. Fenugreek is also reported to be a good antioxidant to fight against oxidative stress. It may be able to manage NAFLD in PCOS suffering females.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women with PCOS is common and serious, but can easily be reversed with diet and lifestyle changes!

For more info visit https://furocyst.com or

Call : +91 9915002390

Click here for more

PCOS MIGHT BE ATTACKING YOUR LIVER TOO

Categories
PCOD PCOS Women's health

CO-EXISTENCE OF PCOS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

CO-EXISTENCE OF PCOS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]THE CO-EXISTENCE OF DISEASES MEANS THE PRESENCE OF MULTIPLE DISEASES AT ONE TIME. In that way, the poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism co-exist. Generally it has been observed that long-term untreated hypothyroidism always generate PCOS in females due to the imbalance of hormones in thyroid gland.

HYPOTHYROIDISM is the condition when the thyroid gland is not producing sufficient thyroid hormone. Thyroid gland is an organ of the body located in the front lower part of the neck. Hormones produced by this gland i.e. triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), travel through the bloodstream and get circulated in every part of the body. Thus, thyroid gland affects every part of the body. In hypothyroidism, there occurs imbalance in the levels of hormones inside body which causes many auto-immune diseases too.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) is one such condition which is affected highly by the imbalance of hormones. Testosterone is one of those hormones. Increase in testosterone (male hormone) inside females causes the reproductive system to become infertile along with the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries. This worsens the condition of PCOS.

Thus, hypothyroidism gives rise to PCOS inside females. It has been seen that thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common endocrine disorders in the general population.

WHAT COULD BE THE REASON BEHIND DEVELOPMENT OF PCOS DUE TO HYPOTHYROIDISM?

One reason has been given that increase in testosterone levels causes PCOS in hypothyroid-affecting females.

Another reason is the rise in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Rise in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in primary hypothyroidism leads to increased prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Prolactin contributes toward polycystic ovarian syndrome by inhibiting ovulation as a result of the change in the ratio of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from the adrenal gland. This causes PCOS in females suffering from hypothyroidism.

co-existance of PCOS

DIAGNOSIS Hypothyroidism

Blood test including:

 

  • TSH:
  • It measures how much T4 the thyroid is being asked to make. Abnormally high TSH levels may mean you have hypothyroidism.
  • T4 tests(Free T4, free T4 index, total T4): It assesses the amount of T4 your thyroid is producing.
  • Thyroid peroxidase antibody(anti-TPO) (TgAb): It checks for thyroid antibodies and to detect autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease.
  • T3 and ReverseT3 (rT3): It assesses the amount of T3 your thyroid is producing and its ability to convert T4 to T3.

PCOS

  • Ultrasound: To detect cyst in the ovaries.
  • Blood test including:
  • Hormone levels: Such as thyroid hormones, testosterone levels, etc.
  • Blood sugar: To check the common occurrence of insulin resistance in PCOS females.
  • Lipid levels (LDL, Total Cholesterol, HDL and Triglycerides)

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

To prevent the occurrence of PCOS developed along with hypothyroidism, it is better to cure the hypothyroidism as soon as possible. Possible prevention and treatment strategies for hypothyroidism are:

  • Dietary modification
  • Making dietary changes is the first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism.
  • Carbohydrate: Reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar.
  • Protein: Protein transports thyroid hormone to all the tissues and consumption of protein at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic,grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.
  • Glutathione: Glutathioneis a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and is one of the pillars of fighting Hashimoto’s. It can boost the body’s ability to modulate and regulate the immune system, dampen autoimmune flare-ups and protect and heal thyroid tissue.
  • Medication Hypothyroidism can be easily treated using thyroid hormone medicine. The most effective and reliable thyroid replacement hormone is man-made (synthetic). Symptoms of hypothyroidism start to improve within the first week after you start treatment.

  • Thyroid medicine levothyroxine is generally prescribed. Diets rich in soy and high fiber can interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Medications and supplements also can reduce absorption. These include calcium supplements, iron supplements, cholestyramine and aluminum hydroxide (present in some antacids).
  • Lifestyle modification to manage PCOS

  • Lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and increased exercise in combination with a change in diet consistently reduce the risk of diabetes. This approach has been found to be comparable to or better than treatment with medication and should therefore be considered first-line treatment in managing women with PCOS.
  • These modifications have been effective in restoring ovulatory cycles and achieving pregnancy in obese women with PCOS. Weight loss in obese women with PCOS also improves hyper-androgenic features.
  • Medication for PCOS

  • Medical management of PCOS is aimed at the treatment of metabolic derangements, anovulation, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularity.
  • The use of insulin-sensitizing drugs  to improve insulin sensitivity is associated with a reduction in blood glucose levels, as well as improvement in both the ovulation rate and glucose tolerance.

  • First-line medical therapy usually consists of an oral contraceptive to induce regular menses. The contraceptive not only inhibits ovarian androgen production but also increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) production.
  • Treatment for ovulation induction when fertility is desired is clomiphene citrate.
  • Other natural treatment strategies include consumption of food supplements such as fenugreek seed extract – Furocyst®, which has been clinically proven to treat PCOS and its symptoms.

mindbodygreen.com

For more info visit https://furocyst.com or

Call : +91 9915002390

Click here for more

CO-EXISTENCE OF PCOS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

Categories
blog PCOS Women's health

HOW PCOS & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RELATED?

PCOS (Poly cystic ovary syndrome) is a disease involving the development of multiple cysts in the ovaries. Its global prevalence is increasing day by day due to the development of multiple complications along with it. The complications originated by PCOS involve infertility, hirsutism, skin problems, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health risk, etc.

It is reported that women with PCOS are nearly twice as likely to suffer from atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in the arteries), than women without the syndrome. Atherosclerosis sharply increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

 2

 REASON FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PCOS

The underlying causes of PCOS in women are:

  • Insulin resistance
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Elevated levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity

REASON FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN PCOS3

Numerous studies have found that PCOS put the sufferers at higher risk of developing future serious, life-threatening health conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke due to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension
  • Excessive fat tissue in and around the abdominal area
  • Blood fat disorders (high triglycerides and low HDL)
  • Hyper-androgenism (elevated levels of male hormones)
  • Insulin Resistance

DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF “INSULIN RESISTANCE” IN PCOS

Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the circulatory system where it is the key to the absorption of glucose by the cells. If the cells resist insulin, both insulin and glucose build up in the blood. Excess insulin leads to weight gain and high blood pressure. As insulin comes in contact with the interior wall of the arteries, it damages the tissue, causing the initial injury that produces plaque. Therefore, having both insulin resistance and PCOS directly causes negative changes in the blood lipids and overall cardiovascular health.

4.jpg

 

 

This is due to the higher levels of insulin that have been associated with PCOS and are known to increase one’s risk for elevated triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), high cholesterol, blood pressure and atherosclerosis. These conditions can increase the risk for a heart attack and stroke.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE

  • Blood pressure & cholesterol: The first step to reduce the risk of cardiovascular health is to have the blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked routinely and talk to the doctor about the risk factors.5
  • Dietary modification: The most important thing which can be done is to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. This can be done through careful food choices.

Reducing the intake of saturated fat and salt is important. Sources of saturated fat typically include animal products such as red meat, processed poultry and butter. Instead, replace saturated fat with unsaturated sources of fat such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain fiber and phytonutrients, is also helpful. Additionally, including 2 grams each day of plant stanols has been shown to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.6

 

The more body fat that you have and the more you weigh, the more likely you are to develop coronary heart disease. Losing weight and increasing physical activity work together to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Especially in overweight women, weight loss is a major parameter for treating PCOS along with reducing the risk of cardiovascular health.7

Loss of just 3 to 5% of current body weight can lower triglycerides and glucose levels in the blood, as well as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 3 to 5% body weight loss also can improve blood pressure readings, lower bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol.

  • Manage stress: 8Hypertension is a major contributor in both PCOS and cardiovascular health risk. Emotionally upsetting event, particularly anger, can serve as a trigger for the heart attack or angina in some people. This can contribute to high blood pressure and thus, cardiovascular health risk. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities such as
  • Visiting a qualified mental healthcare provider
  • Participating in a stress management program
  • Practicing meditation
  • Being physically active
  • Trying relaxation therapy
  • Talking with friends, family, and community or religious support systems

  • Medication:

    Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to control the blood cholesterol levels.9

For managing cardiovascular health risk

You may need statin medications to control or lower the cholesterol. By lowering cholesterol levels, you can decrease the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

For managing PCOS

  • Combinationestrogen and progestin hormones in birth control pills, vaginal rings, or skin
  • Androgen-loweringspironolactone, which is a  It is often used with estrogen-progestin therapy reducing hair loss, acne and abnormal hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism).
  • Insulin sensitizer drugs for controlling insulin, blood sugar levels and androgen levels.
  • Clomiphene (Clomid,Serophene) (fertility medicines) and gonadotropin injections (LH and FSH).
  • Herbal treatment including clinically proven therapy for PCOS e. fenugreek seed extract – as Furocyst®

REFERENCES

Categories
blog PCOS Women's health

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME is one of the most common diseases among women of childbearing age and cause of infertility. There are over 5 million affected women in the US and 105 million worldwide who are suffering from PCOS.

Another disease i.e. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS is a chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints. It has been found that PCOS also gives rise to this rheumatoid arthritis in women. Joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally develops in old age due to the weakening of immune system of the body. But it has been confirmed by scientific studies that women with PCOS having irregular menses or a truncated menstrual history (e.g., early menopause) have an increased risk of RA.

In reverse, the inflammation originated from rheumatoid arthritis worsens the condition of PCOS because somehow, the chronic low grade inflammation from RA has been linked to insulin resistance. If the insulin levels are higher than they should be, the ovaries start to produce too much testosterone, which makes PCOS even worse.

HOW PCOS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LINKED?

The immune system is influenced by signals from the female reproductive hormones. It seems that the levels of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as changes in these levels can promote autoimmunity. “Autoimmunity” is a condition whereby the immune system (which normally wards off foreign invaders of the body, such as infections) turns and attacks the body’s own tissues, such as skin, joints, liver, lungs, etc. Autoimmune diseases typically feature inflammation of various tissues of the body.

2

It is known that hormones play major role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known that PCOS is that syndrome which involves the imbalance of the reproductive hormones. Disturbance in these hormones such as progesterone & estrogen, gives rise to rheumatoid arthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

  • 3.jpgTender, warm, swollen joints
  • Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
  • Fatigue, fever and weight loss

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first – particularly the joints that attach fingers to the hands and toes to the feet.

As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.

DIAGNOSIS

 4

 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis in PCOS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Physical examination

During the physical exam, the doctor will check the joints for swelling, redness and warmth. Doctor may also check the reflexes and muscle strength.

  • Blood tests

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or SED rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP), which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.

  • Imaging tests

Doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in the joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help doctor judge the severity of the disease in body.

 

COMPLICATIONS OF RA

§  Lung disease

§  Heart problems

§  Nerve damage

§  Osteoporosis

§  Eye complications such as dry eye syndrome

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

  • Meal planning5

There are many foods that can help to reduce inflammation originated from RA inside the body. Eating a wide variety of whole foods is the key to reduce inflammation. The plant-based foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that target inflammation include:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Turmeric

Some foods are extremely beneficial to reduce inflammation. Often, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which combat inflammation. Antioxidants are found in very colorful foods, such as berries, and dark and leafy greens, and these help support the immune system. Turmeric Curcumin is also a great source to reduce inflammation.

Eating inflammatory foods should be avoided. Some of these foods include:

  • Deep-fried foods
  • Processed food
  • Red meat
  • Sugary drinks
  • Refined grains, such as those found in white bread
  • Exercise6

Being active is one of the best things you can do for yourself, even if you have rheumatoid arthritis. You just have to know how to work within your limits because too much exercising involving stress on the joints can be harmful.

Fitness as a regular part of the life provides many benefits for PCOS as well as RA patients such as:

  • Less pain fromrheumatoid arthritis.
  • Stronger bones. This is important because RA can thin your bones, especially if you take
  • You’ll move better and have more energy.
  • It’s good for yourheart and all your other muscles.
  • It helps to lose body weight in obese women
  • It helps to control diabetes

Exercises such as low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine could be beneficial to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Any of these will get the heart pumping.

Be careful about activities that put a lot of stress on a joint, or are “high-impact,” such as:

  • Jogging, especially on paved roads
  • Heavyweight lifting
  • Balancing hormones7

Maintaining normal levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to have a protective effect against both RA and PCOS. The medications given in following section can be effective at balancing hormones.

  • Medication8

Managing inflammation is a key component to living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chronic condition results in the immune system attacking the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

  • Medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include NSAIDs, DMARDs, TNF α-inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, T-cell activation inhibitors, B-cell depleters, JAK inhibitors, immuno suppressants and steroids.
  • The contraceptive pill may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets (which are usually given every three to four months, but can be given monthly).
  • A medication called clomifene is usually the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Clomifene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation).
  • Clinically proven herbal remedy for PCOS including fenugreek seeds extract (Furocyst) can also be prescribed due to its great effectiveness in the PCOS patients.

REFERENCES