If you’ve received a PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) diagnosis, you might be wondering what to do next. Fortunately, there are some great ways to manage your symptoms, so you can feel as well as possible. Feeling anxious and concerned after diagnosis is common, but so is PCOS! You’re definitely not alone, and with good symptom management and some lifestyle changes you can reduce the impact PCOS has on your life.
It’s important to pay close attention to your doctor’s recommendations for you. After all, they know about your medical history and understand the best treatments and options for your needs. Along with working closely with your medical professionals, though, there’s plenty you can do on your own to improve symptoms. For example, your nutrition plays a significant role in how you feel and whether your symptoms flare up.
Choosing healthy foods, including carbohydrates that are low in the glycemic index, can help battle the insulin resistance and weight gain that often comes with PCOS. You may also want to consider getting more exercise. Start slowly if you haven’t exercised much before, and try some different activities to see what you like. You don’t have to sweat it out in the gym if that doesn’t work for you. Hiking, biking, swimming, and dancing are all great ways to get moving.
Your mental health is just as important as physical health when you have a PCOS diagnosis. Because PCOS can affect fertility, you may have some pretty significant feelings about whether you’ll be able to have children. That’s completely understandable, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Talking about it can help, whether that’s with friends, your family or partner, a support group, or a mental health professional.
Medications may also help with PCOS symptoms, Metformin, which is a type-2 diabetes drug, is often prescribed to help with the insulin resistance PCOS causes. Additionally, if you’re not trying to have children right now, hormonal birth control can reduce symptoms and help improve the irregular periods and pain that also come along with PCOS. It’s important to treat yourself well and advocate for your health, so you can manage your condition more easily.
If you have any questions about PCOS, fertility, or your specific health concerns, our team at the Fertility Institute of San Diego, can give you the support you need. We are a boutique San Diego fertility center that firmly believes that total wellness is an essential component during your fertility journey and pregnancy. Dr. Hosseinzadeh and her dedicated team of fertility specialists are here to help you throughout any part of your journey. Schedule your complimentary virtual consultation today!
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