Taboos Regarding Pcos and Its Growing Impact on Early Teens

      

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Being a PCOS patient myself I can say that it's one of those diseases that forever stay with you, it can increase it can decrease but it won't leave you alone. Its effects are far more psychological than physical.

What is PCOS?

PCOS also is known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an ovarian disorder mainly hormonal, which results in excessive or scanty period, delayed egg production, the formation of pimple-like small cysts around the ovaries. Its most common side effect is obesity. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

Why is it a rising function?

Due to the change in the lifestyle around the globe with an inclination towards a more sedentary lifestyle and ever-increasing aptitude for junk food, it's grasping early teens the most. Wholesome grains and green vegetables being replaced by packaged food plays a great role too.

What are its effects?

Here are some of the common effects

• Delayed menstruation and cramps.
• Scanty period or heavy flow.
  
• Hormonal changes.
  
• Obesity or weight gain.
  
• Emotional eating or eating disorder.
  
• Development of male characters like mustache etc.
  
• Excessive body hair growth including facial hair.
  
• Acne and oily skin.
  
• Unhealthy scalp and hair loss.To name a few.

Psychological stress associated with PCOS

• It is probably the most misunderstood and ignored aspect of the young adult's perspective
• With ever-increasing weight they are subjected to bully, eve-teasing, nagging and the list is endless. With the sudden increase in weight comes the blows of body image issues and body shame
• We often find teens are self-destructive and cause self-harm. Have you ever wondered why? Why is your bubbly child or your funny best friend turning into a hot mess of nerves and break-downs? Why is she having self-love issues? Why does she hate her body?
• On one end she is pressurized by society about her sudden weight gain on the other end are the complications of an alarming weight gain. Even the long-distance relatives meeting once in every 5 years, comments on her body. Such is life's irony that the overweight aunty without a second thought body shame you in front of your parents and the worst part is that they happily comply
• Dear parents and friends before asking her not to eat that cupcake in front of her crush, did you even spare to moment to think that how she would feel?It's not her eating habits, it's her hormonal disorder, society stress, and her mood swings that are killing her from inside, psychologically. It's not her fault, it's the side effect of PCOS

Addressing the taboos

In India, the association of the word taboo with women's health can perhaps be called an age-old tradition.Be it menstrual hygiene or consulting a psychiatrist as long as it's about the betterment of women its taboo.

Busting the myths

• Every case of PCOS does not lead to infertility only some severe cases do
•  If your menstrual hygiene is irregular it does not mean you have PCOS
•   You become a hairy mess when you have PCOS (Moustache is a must). No. It is simply not true
• PCOS is a rare condition. (Yes, so very rare that it has over 1 million cases PER year in just India, not worldwide)
  
• Don't fall into the vortex of false information, be informed

How to cure PCOS?

Although it cannot be cured, rest assured it can be kept under control. The following are the measures you can take to keep it under control:· 

• The most important tip is to seek professional help. Open up to your elders about your problem and consult a gynecologist. Remember its nothing to be ashamed of
  
• Drink loads of water at least 8 glasses per day. It not only keeps you hydrated but also prevents breakouts on your face and we girls love clear skin so pause now and drink a glass of water
  
• Exercise at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes. It not only uplifts your mood but also helps lose weight
  
• Include a lot of green vegetables as well as omega 3 rich nuts and colored veggies with fruits in your diet. And quit junk food and sugar
• Drink green tea boosts your metabolism
• Yoga and meditation for your self-healing and self-love

 Pro Tip: OCT medication can also help.

Home made remedies:

Here are some homemade remedies to ease the pain - 

• Drink warm water

• Sweets and cocoa example dark chocolate

• Caffiene

Make sure to follow the tips and you would be up and running in no time.Have a lovely day.

Written by - Suchismita Sinha