Lifestyle Changes for PCOS Management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The condition is characterized by an imbalance of hormones that can lead to a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and infertility. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are lifestyle changes that can help manage the symptoms and improve overall health. 

In this blog, we will explore the various lifestyle changes that women with PCOS can make to improve their quality of life and better manage their symptoms. From dietary changes to exercise routines, and stress management techniques to sleep hygiene, we will cover a range of strategies that can help women with PCOS lead healthier, happier lives. 

Whether you have just been diagnosed with PCOS or have been living with the condition for years, this blog will provide valuable insights and practical tips for managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.

How Can Lifestyle Changes Help in Managing PCOS?

In the case of PCOS, lifestyle changes refer to modifications in the way a person lives their daily life that can help manage the symptoms of the condition. These lifestyle changes typically include improvements in diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene. For example, adopting a low glycaemic index diet that is rich in fibre and low in sugar can help manage insulin resistance and reduce the risk of weight gain, which are common symptoms of PCOS. 

Regular exercise can also help manage insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. Stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety, while good quality sleep can improve overall health and manage symptoms such as fatigue. In some cases, supplements such as inositol and vitamin D may also be recommended to help manage PCOS symptoms. We will look at many other lifestyle changes in detail in a short while.

What Lifestyle Changes Are Needed to Manage PCOS

Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing the symptoms of PCOS. Here are some ways that lifestyle changes can help:

Diet

Diet plays an important role in managing PCOS symptoms, and making specific changes to one's diet can help improve insulin resistance, manage weight, and reduce inflammation. Here are some diet changes that can help manage PCOS:

1. Choose complex carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as they are high in fibre and help keep blood sugar levels stable.
2. Avoid added sugars: Limit the intake of added sugars such as sodas, juices, and sweets, as they can increase blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance.
3. Focus on healthy fats: Include healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet. They help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms.
4. Lean protein: Incorporate lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes in your diet, as they help manage blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
5. Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
6. Avoid processed foods: Processed foods can be high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, so it's important to avoid them as much as possible.
7. Consider a low glycaemic index (GI) diet: A low GI diet can help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Foods with a low GI include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

By making these diet changes, women with PCOS can manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. It's important to consult an OB-GYN or registered dietitian to develop a personalized diet plan that meets individual needs and goals.

Exercise

Exercising can be highly beneficial in managing PCOS symptoms. Here are some ways that exercise can help:

1. Improving insulin sensitivity: Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in the body, which can help manage PCOS symptoms such as insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia.
2. Promoting weight loss: Exercise can help with weight management and reduce the risk of obesity, which is a common symptom of PCOS.
3. Reducing inflammation: Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms such as acne and hirsutism.
4. Managing stress: Exercise can help manage stress and anxiety, which are common symptoms of PCOS.
5. Improving overall health: Regular exercise can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve quality of life.

It's important to engage in regular physical activity to manage PCOS symptoms. A combination of aerobic and strength training exercises is recommended for maximum benefits. It's also important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if there are any underlying health conditions that need to be considered. By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, women with PCOS can improve their overall health and manage their symptoms more effectively.

Stress management

Stress management can be an important part of managing PCOS symptoms. Chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol, which can cause hormonal imbalances and worsen PCOS symptoms. Here are some ways that stress management can help in managing PCOS:

1. Reducing cortisol levels: Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can improve hormonal imbalances.
2. Improving sleep quality: Stress can disrupt sleep, and good quality sleep is important for managing PCOS symptoms. Stress management techniques can help improve sleep quality.
3. Managing anxiety and depression: Stress management can help manage anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of PCOS.
4. Reducing inflammation: Chronic stress can cause inflammation in the body, which can worsen PCOS symptoms such as acne and hirsutism. Stress management techniques can help reduce inflammation.

Stress management techniques that can help in managing PCOS include:

1. Meditation and deep breathing: These techniques can help reduce cortisol levels and manage anxiety.
2. Yoga: Yoga can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation.
3. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
4. Regular exercise: Exercise is a great way to manage stress and improve overall health.
5. Getting enough sleep: Good quality sleep is important for managing stress and improving overall health.

By incorporating stress management techniques into their daily routine, women with PCOS can improve their overall health and manage their symptoms more effectively. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized stress management plan that meets individual needs and goals.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep and practising good sleep hygiene can be important in managing PCOS symptoms. Here are some changes that can help improve sleep and manage PCOS symptoms:

1. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, which can improve sleep quality.
2. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make sure the bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to promote good sleep.
3. Limit screen time before bed: Exposure to electronic devices before bed can disrupt sleep. It's recommended to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt sleep. Stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help manage stress and improve sleep.
5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep, so it's recommended to avoid them before bedtime.
6. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and promote overall health.
7. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime: Eating a heavy meal before bedtime can disrupt sleep. It's recommended to avoid heavy meals at least two hours before bedtime.
8. Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques such as yoga and deep breathing can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Supplements

Taking certain supplements can help manage PCOS symptoms. Here are some supplements that have been shown to be beneficial:

1. Inositol: Inositol is a type of B vitamin that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.
2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and has been linked to insulin resistance and other PCOS symptoms. Supplementing with vitamin D can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.
4. Chromium: Chromium is a mineral that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
5. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC is an antioxidant that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and regulate menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if there are any underlying health conditions that need to be considered. It's also important to note that supplements should be used in combination with lifestyle changes and other medical treatments for managing PCOS symptoms.

Check Out Newmi Care’s PCOS Care Plan

Newmi Care’s PCOS Care Plan is an excellent resource for women struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome. With a comprehensive approach that includes personalized meal plans, exercise routines, and targeted supplements, this program can help manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.

Check out the PCOS care plans and enrol now!