World PCOS Day was on 1 September, and this month is dedicated to promote PCOS awareness and support the millions of people impacted by this disease. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is currently the most common cause of infertility, affecting over 10% of women. It is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder, the investigation of which falls within the scope of internal medicine, endocrinology and gynecology.
What can be the symptoms?
- Elevated insulin levels or insulin resistance (IR) is common. It means that the body produces more insulin than optimal, which causes hormonal and metabolic disturbances.
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycle is, and often there is no ovulation at all.
- Large ovaries with many small follicles which look like cysts, hence the name “polycystic”.
- Excess weight due to the disruption of the hormonal balance.
- Elevated testosterone and androgen levels in blood, with signs such as acne, hair on face and thinning hair on the scalp.
- High blood pressure levels, high blood lipid levels.
The root of the disease is hormonal imbalance due to the overproduction of insulin, which does not always cause cysts, but is only one of its possible symptoms. The basic treatment is often aimed at suppressing insulin resistance. Doctors often prescribe medications that can relieve symptoms of PCOS, or rebalance hormones, which is regularly birth control pills. But what if you don’t want to take medication but want to help the condition naturally?
Introducing lifestyle changes
Lifestyle plays an important role in tackling PCOS. Let’s look at three pillars that can be addressed.
- Your diet or energy intake. With a well-balanced diet, you can help manage your PCOS. Start with increasing the amount of fiber, include more anti-inflammatory foods, whole grains and fatty acids in your diet. A healthy diet helps with weight loss and also it may reduce the testosterone concentration in your blood.
- Exercise does not only help with weight loss but also supports restoring your fertility and ovulation, as well as help your insulin resistance. The condition can improve and the symptoms can decrease significantly, if you do physical exercise every day. The emphasis is on daily physical activity to stimulate the body’s metabolism and therefore digestion and hormonal balance. In addition, exercise contributes to reducing your male hormones levels.
- Focus on your mental health. Women with PCOS often suffer from anxiety, depression and fatigue. Seek out support through therapy, or from your social network. Practice mindfulness, meditation, breathing and relaxation. Traditional Chinese therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure, or reflexology could be helpful too. Ensure you make enough time for sleep and rest every day.
Aviva exercises for PCOS
In case of PCOS, the Aviva Method’s exercise sequences are highly recommended due to their special effect of supporting hormone balance. Practicing Aviva at least three times a week is optimal for everyone suffering from PCOS. Always practice intensively, with strong contractions, so you maximize the effect.
The daily exercise routine can be structured by alternating the Aviva Simple Method exercises with yoga, pilates, or even more vigorous exercise. If you already learnt the Ovulation Stimulating Exercises from the Aviva Method, you can make your exercise routine more varied by alternating it with the Simple Method. This will definitely give your hormonal balance a boost.
Exercises will contribute to permanent weight loss and body shaping, and also support your mental health. Remember, you are unique therefore your body has different needs than others. Aim to find the right balance for your health.
When you approach PCOS holistically, and implement improvements in all three pillars of diet, exercise and mental health, you can expect to ripe the benefits soon. For some it takes a few months, for others it takes longer to restre hormonal balance, healthy menstruation and reduced PCOS symptoms. Just be consistent and don’t give up.
Pregnancy with PCOS? It is possible.
If you are trying to conceive and have irregular cycles due to PCOS, it is hard to know when you ovulate. With the practice of Aviva Method you support your body and your ovulation. After a few months of consistent practice you can expect that your periods will start to become more regular, your hormones become more balanced and regular ovulation restores, giving you a better chance to get pregnant. If you are undergoing IVF or insemination, Aviva exercises can significantly increase the chances of success, and can reduce the side effects of hormonal medication.
The Aviva Method helped thousands of women with PCOS to restore their hormonal balance and conceive.
You can learn the Aviva Method online or in person in Abu Dhabi, in a four-hour workshop. Check out upcoming dates on the website and sign up to start your journey of natural healing.