Got polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? You’re not alone. At least 12% of women of child-bearing ages have it. Many may still remain undiagnosed.
Either way, PCOS can present a host of symptoms that can drag your self-confidence and mental health down. Get back on being fabulous with these four tips:
- Treat Yourself to a Wax Salon
As many as 80% of PCOS women suffer from hirsutism or excess hair growth due to excess androgens, especially testosterone. They may also develop in the most noticeable places such as the face, chest, and legs.
Fortunately, you have plenty of options to manage their growth — and you don’t even have to shave (which is a no-no anyway). Besides laser hair removal, which can be expensive, consider waxing services in Millcreek.
Unlike shaving, waxing pulls the hair from the roots, so they’re less likely to grow fast. Moreover, you prevent ingrown, which can only lead to inflammation or infection.
- Don’t Skip on Carbs
Although PCOS usually develops from insulin resistance, skipping on carbs completely isn’t the answer. You still need them for energy and healthy, balanced meals. Instead, cut back on your intake and be selective:
- Avoid processed white carbs as much as possible, especially rice and bread. They can increase your glucose levels fast and don’t contain a lot of nutrients.
- Learn to swap. Go for black or red rice instead of white rice or high-fiber bread instead of white bread. You can even go for sourdough, which contains probiotics for a healthier gut. If you love oats, choose steel-cut or rolled varieties.
- Eat fewer carbs. Aim to eat less than 50% of your total calories.
- Consume fruits. They contain high fiber, vitamins and minerals, and natural sugars. They can be good alternatives to grains.
- Don’t eat junk food.
- Pamper Yourself with a Dermatologist Visit
The same androgens that cause hirsutism can also increase the odds of skin problems such as acne. Meanwhile, insulin resistance and weight gain may lead to acanthosis negricans, or the thick black discoloration that often appears on the body folds, particularly the neck.
That’s why PCOS women may need to make a dermatologist their best friend. These skin specialists can offer treatments that will lessen the appearance or severity of these skin issues.
For example, they can treat acne with medications like antibiotics, salicylic acid, and or retinol creams. For scarring, they can perform microdermabrasion to promote new skin cells or micro-needling to encourage collagen production.
Some acne medications can also work for acanthosis nigricans. If the problem is severe, the dermatologist may recommend laser therapy.
- Melt the Stress Away
PCOS can cause stress mainly due to the symptoms, but studies also show that stress markers are also associated with the condition. To be specific, women with PCOS are more likely to have higher cortisol levels.
Managing stress when you’re feeling your body is out of whack is difficult but doable. Here are some great ideas:
- Listen to feel-good music.
- Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day.
- Practice breathwork or deep breathing.
- Get rid of toxic people in your life.
- Get good-quality sleep. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each day.
- Limit your social media or mobile device use.
- Walk in the morning for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You get vitamin D from the sun, have some exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.
- Spend time with people you care about.
There’s no cure for PCOS, and the symptoms can recur and be bothersome. But the condition doesn’t have to rule over you either. With the help of your doctors, you can learn to manage it and still feel beautiful and confident despite the symptoms.
