PCOS seems to be on the rise ever since lockdown happened, says Dr Aumrita Wadhwa. Stress,
depression, anxiety and poor sleep quality are a few lifestyle factors that can lead to hormonal
imbalance and PCOS.
Your diet, level of physical activity and exercise, sleeping habits and stress levels can also determine
severity and risk of PCOS. Maintaining a balance in each of these can help in reducing symptoms and
even reversing PCOS.
Exercise and PCOS
Exercise has a positive effect on polycystic ovary syndrome. It not only helps with weight loss but also
may reduce the testosterone concentration in your blood.
About 50% of people with PCOS are overweight or obese. Short-term weight loss can help restore your
fertility and ovulation, as well as improve your insulin resistance.
Researchers say that vigorous exercise has the highest impact on body mass index (BMI), fitness, and
insulin resistance in women with PCOS. At least 120 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise each week is
recommended.
Resistance training. Fewer scientific studies have been carried out with resistance training. But as
there’s evidence that resistance training may help improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic people, it may
have an effect on those with polycystic ovary syndrome as well.
Mind-body exercises. Exercise can also improve your mental health. Polycystic ovary syndrome has been
linked with an increased risk for mental health disorders. Exercises that engage your mind and body can
help. These include yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and pilates.
Chanchal Aggarwal
Assistant Clinical Nutritionist
