Understanding the Metabolic Implications of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that many women experience during their reproductive years. It is usually characterised by no period or period lasting for many days.
PCOS is also closely associated with the metabolism of the body. People with PCOS are at higher risk of developing many metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Are you suffering from PCOS? If yes, then you must understand the metabolic implications of this disorder. Remember understanding the problem is the key to figuring out the solution.
Understanding Metabolic Syndrome Associated With PCOS
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of biochemical and physiological problems that can adversely affect the metabolism of the body and increase the risk of diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
About 33% of women with PCOS are affected by a metabolic syndrome that includes central obesity, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Let’s understand these metabolic factors in detail.
Insulin Resistance
One of the leading causes of PCOS is insulin resistance. It is a condition in which your body does not respond well to insulin or cannot use it to convert glucose into energy, causing blood glucose levels to rise. High blood glucose levels can consequently impact metabolism and lead to several metabolic disorders.
Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
Insulin resistance in PCOS leads to the increased shunting of free fatty acids from fat tissue to the liver. The free fatty acids can cause the hepatic synthesis of very low-density lipoprotein, resulting in elevated triglycerides and apolipoprotein B and decreased HDL levels, eventually altering lipid parameters and paving the way to atherogenic dyslipidemia, a condition adverse to the metabolism of the body.
Obesity
Obesity is known to be the root cause of PCOS in most cases. It usually occurs due to a genetic predisposition, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, thus compounding pre-existing metabolic derangements and leading to further metabolic problems.
Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure levels is closely associated with impaired metabolic homeostasis. Increased levels of insulin and free fatty acids in the body in PCOS can give rise to hypertension and consequently to several metabolic disorders.
Consequences of These Metabolic Derangements in PCOS
These metabolic derangements can lead to several diseases and disorders in the body, like:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancers (especially endometrial cancer)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Psychological problems
Therefore, managing your PCOS is extremely important. It will help keep the metabolic syndrome in check and prevent these metabolic disorders from developing.
How Can You Manage PCOS and Prevent Metabolic Implications?
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Reduce stress with the help of yoga, meditation, tai chi or other stress-relieving techniques.
- Do specific PCOS exercises for weight loss, such as yoga, swimming, brisk walking, etc., and keep obesity in check.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet for PCOS. Avoid eating processed and sugary foods (Read more: The Best & Worst Foods For Anyone With PCOS).
- Take all the medications on time.
The Final Takeaway
PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, can cause many metabolic derangements, such as insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, etc., and lead to several diseases like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer and more.
Despite the prevalence of PCOS and these metabolic implications, they are often overlooked. It is crucial to understand these factors and prevent them with the help of diet, medication and lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet for PCOS and practising PCOS exercises for weight loss can make a remarkable difference.
Your AsterDM Team
At AsterDM, our team for PCOS includes specialists trained in female reproductive medicine (gynaecologists), hormone disorders (endocrinologists) and infertility (reproductive endocrinologists). Other specialists in the endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition division are consulted frequently as well, depending on the requirements of your case. AsterDM also has registered dietitians and certified diabetes care specialists to help with weight loss and diabetes prevention and treatment.
Having a team of specialists in one place ensures that you are not getting just one opinion. Your care is our utmost priority. Therefore every step of the treatment is discussed in detail among the team full of highly specialised PCOS experts.
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