Monday, January 5, 2009

Tips on Managing PCOS

PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that affects about 10% of the female population of the United States. Characterized by the irregular menstrual periods, obesity, and excessive hair growth, PCOS can cause a wide variety of discomfort and problems for women.

Diagnosis for PCOS usually comes in three stages in order to eliminate other probable conditions that may have caused the symptoms. First up is a discussion of medical history to determine whether there are past medical and health conditions that can be linked to PCOS. After this, a physical examination is conducted to check for symptoms like excess weight, darkened skin, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A gynecologic exam is done last to check for other probable infections which may have caused the symptoms. Due to the long process of getting treatment, tips on managing the condition are particularly helpful. Some ways to manage PCOS include:

1.Open communication lines with your doctor.

It can take a long time before PCOS can be treated fully. As such, constant and open communication with your health care provider is necessary. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and if you have any questions about the disorder, he is the best person to ask about it. He may also have ideas on how to speed up your recovery.

2.Follow your doctor's prescription religiously.

Often, oral contraceptives are used to treat and correct the imbalance caused by PCOS. If you are worried about the costs, you can usually buy prescription drugs online at affordable prices. Just be sure to use the medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor to get the maximum benefit for them.

3.Be open to changes.

Managing PCOS and treating it will require several key changes in your lifestyle. This can cause you stress and anxiety if you are not willing to accept these changes. Instead of thinking of these lifestyle changes as nuisances, think of them as means and ways to get better. If you have trouble coping with these changes, it is wise to enlist the help of a counselor to help you understand and make sense of what is happening to you and why these changes are necessary. Understanding and acceptance are key factors in treating PCOS and you should have a great store of these things if you want to recover.

4.Treat accompanying symptoms.

Symptoms like excessive hair growth, skin darkening, and acne can easily be treated using prescription and over-the-counter medications. Anti-acne soaps and topical ointments are also good for treating breakouts. You can use depilatory creams and methods like shaving, plucking, and waxing to keep unwanted hair growth to a minimum. Lotions and rich, moisturizing creams are also useful in reducing skin darkening and thickened patches' scaly appearance. Be sure to seek your doctor's advice before using any of these treatments.

5.Do preventive and maintenance measures.

In the case of PCOS, preventive and maintenance measures are often one and the same. Following a balance and healthy diet and exercising regularly can control two major factors that contribute to the disorder – diet and obesity. By striving to reach your ideal weight, you lower your PCOS risks and improve your chances at recovery. With these measures and the right medications, you are well on your way to recovery.


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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

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