Understanding PCOS: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Healthy Habits for Managing Your Health
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you know that it affects much more than your menstrual cycle. For many women, the symptoms of PCOS can be unpredictable and overwhelming. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms, but the choices you make every day can make a big difference in how you feel. Healthy lifestyle habits will not cure PCOS, but they can reduce symptoms, improve your overall health, and lower your risk for future complications.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormone disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. “PCOS can cause the ovaries to produce higher-than-normal levels of hormones called androgens. This hormone imbalance can interfere with ovulation and cause a wide range of symptoms,” says Leslie Gonzalez MD, an obstetrician gynecologist at PIH Health.
Common signs of PCOS include:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Acne
- Excess hair growth on the face or body
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Many people with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which means the body has trouble using insulin effectively. Over time, this can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.
How is PCOS Treated?
Treatment depends on the symptoms you are experiencing and whether you are trying to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Birth control pills to help regulate periods and lower androgen levels
- Medications to improve insulin resistance (e.g., metformin)
- Medicines to help with acne or excess hair growth
- Fertility treatments if pregnancy is the goal
Lifestyle changes are also considered an important part of treatment and may even help medications work better.
Healthy Habits That Can Help Manage PCOS
These lifestyle habits will not cure PCOS, but they can help you deal with symptoms while keeping you healthier overall:
- Aim for a balanced diet. While there is not a specific PCOS diet, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps keep blood sugar levels steadier. Limiting sugary drinks and highly processed foods may also improve insulin resistance.
- Stay physically active. Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively. It can also improve energy, mood, and heart health. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, along with strength training a couple of days each week.
- If needed, lose a small amount of weight. In some cases, losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight may help regulate your menstrual cycle, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce some symptoms. However, not everyone with PCOS is overweight, so weight loss is not the goal for everyone.
- Get enough sleep. Poor sleep can affect hormones, appetite, and blood sugar control. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night whenever possible.
- Manage stress. Living with a long-term condition can be stressful. Activities like walking, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or spending time with friends can support both physical and emotional health.
Regular checkups are also important so your doctor can make sure your individualized treatment plan is working for you.
