Introduction
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects six to ten percent of women in the reproductive age group around the world. Many attempts have been made to define the condition. However, it is a complex condition that, even today, the exact definition cannot be achieved. It remains one of the most common causes of infertility among pre-menopausal women. Chronic inflammation, irregular menstrual periods, excessive body hair, and hormonal imbalances such as excess testosterone and insulin resistance are some of the characteristics of the condition.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a condition caused by hormonal imbalance. The ovaries, the organ that produces and releases eggs, produce excess hormones in this condition. Excessing androgens are produced, which causes the reproductive hormones to get imbalanced. As a result, women with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovation. An ultrasound may show small cysts in the ovary as ovulation does not occur properly. Though the name is 'polycystic,' it does not necessarily mean to have many cysts in the ovary. It is a reason for infertility in many women of reproductive age.
What Are the Signs of PCOS?
The most common signs of PCOS include:
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Irregular Periods: Irregular periods can be either periods that are not regular or periods that are absent frequently. It can also be heavy bleeding during periods.
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Abnormal Hair Growth: An abnormal growth of hair on the face, hands, chest, and abdomen is seen in this condition. This is seen in about seventy percent percent of the people with PCOS.
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Acne: Acne can be seen in the condition on the face, chest, and back. It might be challenging to treat.
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Obesity: About sixty to eighty percent of people with PCOS are usually obese. They usually find it hard to maintain their healthy weight.
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Skin Darkening: Dark skin folds are found on the folds of the arm, neck, groin, and under the breasts. This is also called Acanthosis nigricans.
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Cysts: Most women with PCOS have large follicles in their ovaries. Hence, they have larger ovaries on ultrasound.
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Skin Tags: Little flaps of extra skin are called skin tags. They are usually found on the armpits and the neck.
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Thinning of Hair: Women with PCOS often lose their hair in patches. This can often cause them to become bald.
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Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among women. Not ovulating properly is the leading cause of infertility.
There are possibilities that a woman might have PCOS and yet not show any symptoms. Most of them may not even be aware that they have PCOS unless it becomes difficult for them to get pregnant or find it difficult to lose weight. It might also be possible that the condition is too mild to show symptoms. Having the condition increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and high blood pressure are the other complications of the condition.
How Does Nutrition Affect PCOS?
Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells in the body become less sensitive to the blood sugar. It affects the level of insulin in the body and is seen in seventy to ninety percent of women with PCOS. Inflammation (a mechanism of the body to protect itself from an infection) is part and parcel of the condition. Inflammation and insulin resistance complicate the body's metabolic and reproductive systems. It also increases the risk of other non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes. Inflammation and insulin resistance, as well as its associated symptoms and hazards, can either be improved or made worse by the diet and nutrition a person consumes.
For example, the excessive consumption of simple sugars like carbonated drinks, packaged snacks, juices, etc., worsens inflammation and insulin resistance. Dietary patterns that exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance in people with PCOS are associated with the abnormal functioning of the ovaries and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Hence, what is consumed daily matters in improving or worsening PCOS.
Does Having Milk Worsen the Condition?
Hormonal imbalances, as discussed previously, are a part and parcel of PCOS. Studies show that the condition has become worse after consuming milk. This is especially true among women whose androgen and testosterone levels are high. This is because consuming skimmed milk increases insulin and androgen levels. This further disturbs the imbalance in the body. However, studies show that consuming indigenous A2 cow milk does not cause a hormonal imbalance. It, instead, improves the gut health.
How Much and What Kind of Dairy Is Acceptable?
Studies show that dairy products that are fat-free or low in fat are the most influential factors in women with PCOS. Whole milk and milk with high-fat content have a higher estrogen level and lower androgen levels when compared to low-fat dairy products. IGF-I (growth hormone) can be reduced by estrogen. Skimmed and whole milk have a three to six-fold higher glycemic index response. Glycemic index response is the blood sugar levels after the consumption of food. According to reports, cheese has a lower insulinemic index when compared to other dairy products.
There are no strict guidelines regarding how much milk can be consumed in PCOS. It is still being determined whether milk must be avoided to control PCOS. However, due to the influence of consuming milk on androgen and testosterone levels, it is recommended that women with PCOS limit their consumption of milk to two glasses per day. They should also consume full-fat milk rather than skimmed or low-fat milk. One cup of milk or yogurt is recommended for women with PCOS daily. Consumption of up to 1.5 ounces of hard cheese is also recommended.
Conclusion
PCOS is a condition that causes irregular periods and many other symptoms. It is one of the everyday battles women of the current era fought. Lifestyle changes like a sedentary lifestyle, overconsumption of unhealthy food, carbonated drinks, etc. are the leading causes of the condition. It is still debated if avoiding dairy can help to improve the condition.
