Sudden weight gain? PCOS might be the reason. Read to know more

If are a woman, have started suddenly putting on weight and your periods have been irregular off late, you might be suffering from PCOS - Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Haven’t heard about it? Well, then you should know about it, as PCOS is a medical condition that can cause hormonal imbalance, menstrual difficulties, metabolism problems, can create difficulties if you are planning for a baby and also causes weight gain. If you have PCOS, you may find it difficult to lose weight as well. 

What causes women with PCOS gain weight?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) makes it difficult for your body to use insulin, the hormone that helps your body to convert sugar & starch to energy. This condition is called ‘insulin resistance’ which results in insulin and sugar build up in the bloodstream. High levels of insulin increase the production of male hormones called androgens (including testosterone). This high androgen levels lead to weight gain and other symptoms of PCOS like increased body hair growth, acne and irregular periods.

Weight gain caused due to PCOS in women is generally seen around the abdomen area. So, instead of having a pear shape, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have more of an apple shape. As PCOS can cause weight gain in you, more weight increases your risk of PCOS and makes it difficult to get relief from PCOS symptoms. However, the good part is that even if you lose 10 percent of your body weight, you can regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms of PCOS.

Here’s how you can lose or maintain weight

• Exercise: Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 times a week. It will improve the sensitivity to insulin and thus manage your hormones. The activity can be as simple as a brisk walk if you do not like going to the gym or do yoga.
• Eat well: Avoid eating after 8 pm and stop eating when you are 80 percent full. Chew your food slowly as eating fast can make you eat more.
• Eat a high-fiber, low-sugar diet. Include a lot of fruits, vegetable, nuts, and whole grains in your diet. Avoid processed and fatty foods. Eat 4-6 small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. This will help control your blood sugar levels.
• Have 2 spoons of flaxseeds daily. It helps in reducing testosterone levels and hence manages ovarian cyst symptoms.

Your doctor can give you a customized treatment plan to prevent complications of PCOS. Homeopathy has proven efficacy in treatment of PCOS. It treats the root cause of ovary cyst, corrects hormonal imbalance, and restores normal menstrual cycle, that too without any side-effects.