Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: What and How

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a endocrine disorder common among women in reproductive age. PCOS is usually caused by excess level of male hormones, androgens. Signs and symptoms of PCOS includes irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant as a result of irregular ovulation, hirsutism (usually on face, chest, back or buttocks), weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss from the head, oily skin or acne. PCOS is commonly associated with increased risk of insulin resistance, high cholesterol and pregnancy complications, like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. 

Possible causes of PCOS

  • Hormone imbalance
  • Insuline resistance / Excess insulin production
  • Genetic / hereditary factors
  • Inflammation
  • Elevated androgens
  • Obesity
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Abnormal ovulation

Why is it a concern?

Although there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed through changes in lifestyle and exercise. Often women with PCOS shows a significant reduction in their quality of life, with weight gain being the most negatively affected domain1. 

How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy treatment for PCOS is mainly managing the secondary issues that arises from this syndrome (e.g. metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and weight gain)2. Studies have shown that exercise training helps to improve cardio-metabolic outcomes and insulin sensitivity which in turn improves the quality of life in many women with PCOS. When you enter our clinic, we would access your condition by checking your current activity levels and any other concerns (like weight, activity tolerance and metabolic manifestations). We will then plan your rehab goals together, after which we will come out with an exercise plan that you can work on. Depending on your exercise preference, we would tailor your exercise plan to fit your comfort level.

It takes around 3-6 weeks before you will feel slight change to your strength and fitness level. However, it takes around 8-12 weeks before you create a habit, hence you would expect the physiotherapy program to last around 2-3 months with decreasing frequency of sessions needed towards the end.

How can you help yourself and prevent PCOS?

While you can’t completely prevent PCOS since genetics play a role, there are steps that you can take to manage your risk and promote your well-being. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity. This can help improve insulin sensitivity, a key factor in PCOS. Include fiber-rich foods and lean proteins in your diet to support steady blood sugar levels. Stay hydrated and manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. Regular exercise not only aids weight management but also contributes to hormone balance. Prioritize getting enough sleep to support overall health and hormonal regulation. If you suspect PCOS symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. Remember, while prevention isn’t always possible, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact your PCOS journey.

References

  1. G.L. Jones et al. Health-related quality of life measurement in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systemic review. Human Reproduction Update, Vol 14, No. 1 pp. 15-25, 2008
  2. Patten RK et al. Exercise Interventions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. Physiol. 11:606. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00606. 2020