Women Menopause

1.
I have been diagnosed as having POLYCYSTIC OVARIES. I also have lot of PMS problems. I am overweight and I have been trying to lose weight for a year now but without results. Will I ever be able to lose weight? How do I go about it?


In the case of polycystic ovaries, we find that there is usually a hormonal imbalance and some times periods are irregular. The condition by itself cannot make a person fat, but it can cause excessive fluid retention the body. In a normal woman, we see that during the middle of the cycle, 12-17 day, and also close to the date of the period, 25-30th day, there is a tendency to retain water and we see an increase in the weight by half to 1 kg.

In the case of a hormonal imbalance, one may see 2-3 kg weight gain from fluid retention. If the period is delayed, this retention remains for a longer duration. The fluid gets collected in the body, from head to toes and fingers as well. When it collects in the head, it results in severe headache, migraine, depression and makes people short tempered and wanting to cry. Many women quit jobs and even break marriages at this time and even tend to break things easily. Face gets swollen, eye becomes puffy, abdomen distended, the lower back starts aching, legs and feet feel heavy. Some times severe constipation occurs at these times. Worst of all, you eat the same food and do the same exercise and gain weight.

This is because all your movements slowdown and you become sluggish as you have suddenly got a 2-3 kg bag of water strapped on to your body. Worse still, some times food cravings are also stimulated. Hunger levels in most cases are high during these periods. As the signals to the body are such that tissue and blood loss is happening and body has to make new tissue and blood so give more food or cals. I know many careful eaters who lose control at this specific time and put on a kg or 2 every cycle. If you lose that weight during the rest of the month, it is fine. But if you do not, by the end of the year, you may have added 10 kgs.

It is important to understand your body and know how it functions.

  • Do not get depressed or anxious about your weight and end up eating more out of frustration

  • Do not give into cravings. Control yourself and remember it will pass.

  • Drink plenty of water. The only natural way to pump out fluid retained in the body is to drink and pump in more.

  • Eat more fresh salads like cucumber, tomato, cabbage, carrot, onion and fresh fruits like watermelon, orange. mosambi, apples, pears, guavas etc. They give you vitamins and minerals, which keep you fresh and also help in releasing your constipation and fluid retention.

  • Resist the urge to sleep and not move much. Stick to your regular exercise schedule. Regular walking is the best medicine. It not only helps to reduce weight but also helps to regulate the hormones and keep a balance and improves blood circulation and mood.

  • Finally explore your creativity. Research has proved that this can be a very creative and productive time.

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