By Deborah Bamisaye
You remember the fight for sugar between those two siblings? I believe you also remember that: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition that happens when a female’s body makes more “male hormones” than usual? As you know, females normally have a little bit of these hormones. PCOS is like when the body’s hormones get a little mixed up, causing changes in periods and hair growth, etc. More information is in the last edition.
Should I continue? Great! You seem to have a very good memory there! Ok then, in this edition, we will be considering the way forward, we spoke about the problem, I’m sure knowing the solution is more important to you. Shall we?
Wondering if there is any Possible Treatment?
Yes, PCOS can be treated, though there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing specific concerns such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, insulin resistance, and fertility issues.
Treatment plans are tailored to individual symptoms and fertility goals, often requiring a combination of approaches under medical supervision.
Can Mothers Help their Girls?
Of course! Mothers can help their girls reduce the risk of PCOS by shunning sugary foods and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits before their girls have the problem and where PCOS already exists, the following measures would still work for either situation:
– Limiting processed foods and refined carbs.
– Encouraging regular physical activity or exercise, which helps regulate hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, and maintain a healthy weight.
– Helping maintain a healthy body weight, as even modest weight loss (around 5-10%) can improve symptoms and hormonal balance related to PCOS.
– Supporting regular medical care and partnering with healthcare providers who specialize in PCOS to monitor symptoms and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
– Educating about the genetic component of PCOS, so families with history can be especially careful about lifestyle factors.
While there is no proven way to prevent PCOS entirely, these lifestyle measures can improve overall health and reduce symptoms, potentially lowering the impact of PCOS even if it develops. In addition to these:
Mothers can encourage girls with or those at risk of PCOS to include natural foods that help manage symptoms and hormonal balance. PCOS-friendly foods are:
– Fruits and vegetables: Non-starchy leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, tomatoes and berries (blueberries, strawberries) provide antioxidants and nutrients that reduce inflammation and support hormone health.
– Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (flaxseeds, chia), and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) rich in omega-3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels
– Legumes and whole grains: Beans, lentils, brown rice, oats, and barley help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels.
– Specific superfoods: Green/raw papaya (regulates menstrual cycles), wheatgrass (detoxifies and balances pH), pineapple (anti-inflammatory bromelain), flaxseeds (reduce testosterone), fenugreek seeds, and black/nigella seeds support hormonal balance and metabolism.
– Herbs and natural supplements: Adaptogens like maca root, ashwagandha, holy basil, and cinnamon can help with insulin resistance and stress management.
It cannot be over-emphasized that avoiding high-sugar, processed, fried, and high-fat foods, is also important to reduce insulin resistance and PCOS severity. So, can one say that, Segun who decided to consume more sugar than her sister should just be given a license to continue? No! Generally, too much sugar is not healthy. Though it is not just outright sugar that should be avoided but also other starchy or carbohydrate foods, can lead to the problem of insulin resistance.
Don’t Ever Forget these 2:
Mothers would do well both for themselves and for their girls not to joke with these two super stars: Papaya and Flax!
– Green/raw papaya helps regulate the menstrual cycle and induce periods. It is rich in vitamins (A, B-complex), calcium, and potassium, which boost metabolism and improve digestion, creating a better hormonal environment for the ovaries.
– Flax seeds contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens that help reduce androgen (testosterone) levels, a key factor in PCOS symptoms like irregular periods and acne. Their high fiber content slows carbohydrate digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes and improves insulin sensitivity, which is often impaired in PCOS. Flax seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties that further support hormonal balance and cardiovascular health. Flaxseed is very common in the market; most of those selling Powdered Ginger and Turmeric sell it. Users need to roast it on a low heat before consumption. Kindly do your research. For those who intend to use flaxseed, please note that flaxseed’s beneficial hormonal effects in PCOS are likely dependent on continued intake, because current evidence from clinical trials and meta-analysis indicates that the hormonal changes caused by flaxseed supplementation are not consistently sustained after stopping intake. In other words, consistency in consumption is key and perhaps making it a new normal for those who decide to tow this path, would be the right step in the right direction.
So, now you know that Papaya supports menstrual regularity and metabolism, while Flax seeds help lower male hormone levels, improve insulin resistance, and reduce inflammation, all crucial for preventing or managing PCOS symptoms.
Let’s take a word or two from Dr. Abayomi:
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi is a Fertility specialist and the Medical Director at Nordica Fertility Centre.
– PCOS has no definitive cure, but its symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility interventions.
– Dr. Ajayi emphasizes a proper diagnosis: at least two of three main symptoms (irregular periods, elevated testosterone, polycystic ovaries) must be present.
– He points out psychological impacts, such as depression, and urges healthcare professionals to address these with empathy.
He further advised that women with PCOS should consult maternal health specialists for individualized management and consider treatments like ovulation induction or IVF if needed.
I believe Mama Segun now knows what to say to her children.
A woman is asking if ‘a fallout between females and sugar should still be looming or…?’ Another person just screamed, ‘It starts now!’ and yet another, ‘It’s urgent!!!’
‘So, what’s your take on this? Did I hear you say something? Pardon me please, ‘What did you say?’’
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