Suffering's from PCOS which gets worse during PMS?

By :Dr. Chandhi Rajapakshe

Senior Lecturer, Doctor of Ayurveda | M. Sc (University of Peradeniya) | BAMS (University of Colombo)

What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (more commonly known as PCOS) is in its simplest terms, a factor that triggers hormonal imbalances in women, leading to a not-so-ideal lifestyle.

Before we get into details, let us first understand a few terms (which would ultimately prove beneficial in understanding why PCOS is so commonly heard of): Polycystic – ‘poly-’ meaning numerous, ‘-cystic’ meaning cysts. Cysts – in terms of PCOS, cysts are pouches/sacs filled with fluid.

(To know more about cysts, refer: Cysts, Lumps and Bumps: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments (webmd.com)) Ovary – each woman has two ovaries which help in producing ova. Ova – commonly known as egg cells; their function is to carry/hold onto the genetic material of the mother until it is fertilized by a sperm cell in order to form a zygote, which then develops into a human being over the course of 9 months. Accordingly, in a biological sense, PCOS occurs due to formation of cysts in a woman’s ovaries, encapsulating the ova.

Think of it as a sealed box that contains a book. Since the box is sealed, you are unable to take out the book. Similarly, since the ova are inside the cysts, they cannot be released into the fallopian tubes which carry them towards the uterus during the ovulation window.

This in turn caused irregular periods and even difficulties in conceiving. What is PMS? Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS, concerns the weeks prior to your periods where women undergo certain temporary changes both physically and mentally. Is there a connection between PCOS and PMS? As found through a Roman Research, it could be understood that both are branches that get intertwined due to hormonal imbalances, which makes women suffering from PCOS more susceptible to pain caused by PMS.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what these two Syndromes are and how they could be connected, let us explore each in detail: PCOS Who is affected by PCOS? Women who are of conceivable/reproductive age (having the ability to bear a child) (usually between the ages of 15-44 years) could succumb to hormonal imbalances which lead to PCOS.

How do you know if you are suffering from PCOS? You may notice certain changes within your body including: Irregular menstrual periods – a woman’s ovaries do not release egg cells each month due to the cysts inhibiting such action, thereby preventing consistent menstruation.

Acne – since hormones fluctuate as a result of PCOS and since more male hormones (androgens) are produced, the skin becomes oily, making it more susceptible to breakouts. Weight gain – it is a common understanding that women who may be more towards the obese side have a higher tendency to also have PCOS. Excessive growth of hair – a condition called hirsutism that arises due to the excessive production of androgens, causing women to have excessive facial hair, back hair etc. Skin darkens in certain areas – including underarms The above-mentioned signs do not comprise an exhaustive list of symptoms. How could PCOS be detected? Consult your doctor: It is common knowledge that blood tests are used to analyze hormones in humans. Thus, the doctor may ask you to take a blood test in order to detect if you are producing androgens in excessive amounts. If such is the case, there is a possibility that you could be diagnosed with PCOS.

A more obvious way of detecting PCOS is via tracking your menstrual cycles to detect any irregularities. What causes PCOS? Genetics Insulin resistance – Insulin is a hormone that breaks down sugar in food to simpler substances that can be absorbed by blood so as to carry out bodily functions, including the provision of energy. Thus, when this hormone cannot be adequately absorbed by body cells of women with PCOS, more insulin is produced since the demand for insulin rises, ultimately causing excessive production of androgens as well, thereby resulting in some of the above-mentioned symptoms. If you are suffering from PCOS, keep in mind that you are not alone. Is there a cure? You could start by changing your way of life, i.e., eating nutritious foods (with low carbohydrate content so as to help lower insulin levels in the body) and including exercise into your routines to reduce weight. You could also control it with the help of contraceptive pills or with other medication as advised by your doctor. Please note that the above-mentioned information is non-exhaustive and has been sourced from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (healthline.com) in order to better understand how women would benefit from Secrets of Tea’s PMS Be Gone Fruits Tea (as would be explained below). PMS Please note that the information regarding PMS has been sourced from Dealing with PMS in PCOS! – FIGHT PCOS INITIATIVE (wordpress.com) to better explain how Secrets of Tea’s PMS Be Gone Fruits Tea would prove helpful for women. Who is affected by PMS? Women who have the ability to menstruate succumb to certain symptoms prior to the start of their period. Symptoms of PMS: Mood swings – getting irritated/annoyed by the simplest of things. Feeling tired Tender breasts Acne (as does occur with PCOS) Thus, it is understandable why a woman who has succumb to PCOS, when faced with PMS as well, feels extreme discomfort and agitation. How can you relieve yourself from the physical and emotional pain attached to PMS? Stay hydrated Keep your soul and body engaged (yoga, meditation) Eat nutritious food Get adequate sleep Try Secrets of Tea’s PMS Be Gone Fruits Tea Secrets of Tea’s PMS Be Gone Fruits Tea might be just the solution you are looking for. To understand how this tea can help provide a sense of wellbeing to menstruating women, we would first understand what PCOS is, next what PMS is and finally how the PMS Tea can be a natural supplement that helps ease your pain.

 How could this Tea serve to be the pain reliever you never knew you needed? PMS Be Gone Fruits Tea by Secrets of Tea is blended to perfection to include hand-picked premium USDA organic herbs which are naturally sweet, with the aim to ease PMS. All tea produced by Secrets of Tea are FDA approved, completely vegan, USDA Organic, Kosher and Halal Certified, with no Preservatives. And that’s not all; it’s also Dairy, Gluten and Soy Free. So now you know that this PMS Tea as well, provides the best of all worlds. You know your tea is amazing when it has 100% natural ingredients and that is exactly what we guarantee. The PMS Be Gone Tea consists of: Organic Rooibos CC Organic Hibiscus CC Organic Skullcap Organic Raspberry leaf Organic Turmeric Organic Whole fennel seeds Organic Chaste tree berries Organic Dandelion Organic Lavender Organic Lemon Balm CC Organic Licorice CC Organic Chamomile CC Organic Calendulas Organic Rose Hip CC Organic Orange peel CC Organic Raspberry CC Strawberry Natural flavor Granules Strawberry Natural flavor Liquid. As a bonus, who wouldn’t love the aroma of a hot cup of tea that has been infused with a fruity blend which certainly oozes nutrients and benefits? All you have to do to experience this, is get your hands on our product through our website, let 8 oz of hot water seep your tea bag for 2-3 minutes and you are good to go! And another bonus: you can use each tea bag twice! This tea would certainly be beneficial for all women who experience PMS, especially those who are also troubled with PCOS, since the PMS Tea can serve as a soother amongst all other health-related issues a woman would have to deal with. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself this Tea, consume it as and when needed (ideally 1-4 cups a day) and notice changes in your lifestyle like you’ve never noticed before!