PCOS and Thyroid Health
PCOS and thyroid disorders are two most common hormonal disorders among women. Comparatively, Women with thyroid disorders are more likely to have PCOS and vice versa than in the general population.
What are the thyroid disorders?
- Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone.
- Hyperthyroidism : This condition develops when your thyroid gland produces excessive amount of thyroid hormone - thyroxine.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis : Women with PCOS are especially prone to this condition. It is best described as an autoimmune condition in which the immune system of your own body attacks the thyroid gland.
Do PCOS and Thyroid disorders have similar symptoms?
Despite the fact that PCOS and Thyroid disorders are very different, they share many characteristics (the symptoms are very similar). In both conditions, people may experience weight gain, irregular periods, hair fall, fatigue, and mood swings, as well as infertility in women. Because of the similarity in symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the two conditions apart. One of the best ways to tell if the symptoms are due to PCOS or thyroid disease is by consulting a trusted healthcare professional.
How Thyroid disorders worsen PCOS?
Thyroid disorders, which induce increased insulin resistance, irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, and male-pattern baldness, can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. It can also interfere with ovulation and egg development. In addition to worsening the symptoms of PCOS, hypothyroidism can cause symptoms not commonly seen with PCOS. These include bradycardia (an abnormally slowed heart rate), facial "mooning," and a goitre.
How PCOS and thyroid disease are managed?
Both PCOS and thyroid disease can be managed with simple but consistent lifestyle modifications by regulating hormone levels. This may include:
- Ayurvedic Principles: Ayurvedic approach aims to address the underlying cause of the disease and restore body balance. In Ayurveda, treatment of PCOS with thyroid disorder includes detoxification of the body, revival of the female reproductive system, rectification of hormonal imbalances, management of obesity and insulin resistance. Ayurvedic herbs are high in phytoestrogen, which can reduce inflammation and insulin resistance significantly.
- Regular exercise: Thyroid disorders and PCOS are both known to lower metabolism, it is best to exercise on a regular basis to maintain a healthy, sturdy metabolism. Exercise in the way that you enjoy the most.
- Yoga and meditation: There are beneficial yoga postures that stimulate blood circulation around the pelvic and thyroid areas which effectively eases the symptoms. Meditating regularly for at least 15 minutes in beginning of the day or before going to bed and keeping a gratitude journal helps to relieve the stress.
- Eating small, healthy and frequent meals: 4-6 small and healthy meals like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and full-fat dairy will assist you in developing an anti-inflammatory diet that will also protect your heart health and lower your risk of insulin resistance. . In treating PCOS and thyroid disorders, healing the gut is crucial. Foods high in added sugar, processed food, excessive caffeine and alcohol intake can irritate the gut.
- Managing stress: Stress can trigger further inflammation in the body and negatively impact your PCOS and Thyroid health. So, practicing gratitude, meditation, yoga, eating unprocessed and wholesome food, getting7-8 hours of sleep can not only reduce stress, but also make you more resilient to negative emotions.
- Good sleep patterns: Getting good sleep at night is vital for producing and regulating your hormonal levels of your body.
- Get a customised lifestyle modification plan from your health care partner
It’s all about creating healthy habits. We at Curate ( https://www.curate.health/ ) helps to build a healthy lifestyle and support you to become consistent. Stay positive. Stay happy.
