What is the link between PCOS & exercising?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS has emerged as a very common hormonal disorder among women in recent years. Many factors affect the development and severity of PCOS. This hormonal imbalance can affect the function of other organs and can significantly affect a person’s mental health as well.
After diagnosis, the doctor may recommend a variety of lifestyles and changes in diet to be followed to maintain PCOS better. Exercising regularly is also highly recommended for women with PCOS. In this article, we discuss why exercise is important if you have PCOS.
Why do I need to exercise regularly if I have PCOS?
Exercising, in general, has endless benefits for our bodies. In fact, exercising regularly must be treated as a necessity. Here is the reason why you should add it to your routine if you have PCOS:
1. Reducing the risk of diabetes
Having PCOS can significantly affect your insulin sensitivity. Exercise and practicing cardio regularly can help increase your response to insulin. Betterment in insulin management helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
2. Removing endorphins
Having PCOS can make you vulnerable to depression and various other mood disorders due to hormonal imbalances. Exercising regularly results in the release of endorphins and various other happy hormones that reduce the risk of mood disorders.
3. Improve sleep quality
Studies show that women with PCOS are at higher risk of sleep disorders such as snoring, sleep apnea, etc. Because of the lack of sufficient studies in women and sleep apnea, it might not even be detected. Therefore, it is ideal to follow a healthy exercise routine to improve the quality of sleep and reduce this risk.
4. Helps manage cholesterol
Similar to various diseases, women with PCOS may be vulnerable to cholesterol. Most women with PCOS have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can also significantly affect our metabolism. Consuming a healthy diet together with exercising regularly can help reduce risk.
5. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
In addition to high cholesterol, women with PCOS are also at higher risk of high blood pressure and more chronic heart -related diseases. In addition, exercise, in general, improves our heart health and makes us less susceptible to various diseases.
6. Promoting weight loss
This may be the main reason you are prescribed regularly exercise. Weight gain can cause or worsen PCOS. Exercising consistently can help you lose weight. Although, weight loss can take time if you have PCOS, even if you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Weight loss can also help you reduce the risk of other diseases discussed above.
7. Helps manage hormones
As mentioned above, exercising regularly helps and increases the production of happy hormones. PCOS causes hormonal imbalance which can also be managed and increased through regular exercise. Exercising also helps reduce insulin and estrogen.
What’s the takeaway?
Applying consistency by exercising can take time. However, it is very important if you have PCOS. As discussed above, exercising regularly has many benefits and can significantly reduce the risk of other chronic diseases. In addition to adding exercise regularly to your routine, be sure to also eat balanced healthy foods. You should avoid as many unhealthy foods as possible.