Living with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome can be a gut-wrenching experience for a woman. It is a combination of metabolic, hormonal, and psychosocial conditions that can cause chronic medical issues, anxiety, and depression.

All in all, it is a dreadful experience.

Yet, there are ways to go around it and stay healthy. Let’s take a look at it in detail!

 

What is PCOS?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder commonly occurring among women of reproductive age. This disease causes an increase in male hormone (androgen) levels and/or infrequent menstrual cycles.

 

What are its Symptoms?

PCOS is known to have many symptoms such as:

  • Increase in body hair on your face, chest, back, or stomach
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Weight gain
  • Thinning of hair
  • Skin tags or pigmentation
  • Possibility of infertility

 

But the main one being weight gain and trouble in losing weight.

 

 

Causes of PCOS:

Excess in insulin-

Insulin is the hormone that uses sugar as the primary energy source for your body. Excess of insulin can increase androgen levels in females.

 

Inflammation-

Inflammation in the body leads to higher production of androgen levels which in turn might cause PCOS.

 

Heredity-

Other research points out that genes and heredity are one of the causes of PCOS.

Even though the exact cause of PCOS is not known, doctors believe that it stems from the above-mentioned causes! 

 

Effects of PCOS on Fitness:

One of the main symptoms of PCOS is not being able to lose weight easily. This has been a big task for women suffering from it. Especially obese women who have PCOS find it harder to lose weight when compared to lean women with PCOS. It makes them lethargic and due to all the symptoms caused by the disease, it’s easy for someone to fall prey to anxiety and depression. 

The thought of what others might perceive of them and how they look has always been a factor that has led to depression and anxiety amongst young women. 

 

 

What exercises are recommended?

1. Cardio:

Brisk cardio is beneficial as it is known to be good for reducing insulin resistance, boosting fertility, and stabilizing the mood. 

 

2. Strength Training:

Simple bodyweight exercises are recommended like push-ups, squats, tricep dips, and pull-ups. These exercises are good for reducing insulin resistance, increase metabolic rate, and facilitate the growth of muscles, and decrease in fat tissue.

 

3. HIIT Exercises:

HIIT exercises are good for increasing cardiovascular fitness and help burn fat, further leading to a decrease in weight. HIIT can help you lose 5-10% of your weight.

 

4. Pilates:

This focuses on the overall body and core strength. Pilates can help reduce lower back pain and improves the posture of the body. It is also known to support a healthy pregnancy.

Sara Ali Khan is known to suffer from PCOS and has been able to reduce massive amounts of weight just from Strength Training and Pilates. You can also achieve such a feat. All you’ve got to do is stay consistent and motivate yourself to go through your journey!

If you need any help with the workouts, be it any form, you can book a session with our best personal trainers and get started on your fitness journey.

 

Remember, anything is possible!

 

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