Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can feel isolating sometimes, but you’re not alone in this. Statistics say that about 10% of women have been diagnosed with PCOS — but the real number is far higher, as up to 70% of women with the condition remain undiagnosed.
At Luxe Women’s Health, our founder, certified nurse-midwife and advanced nurse practitioner Jennifer Wright-Bennion, CNM, APRN, is a leading obstetrics and gynecology provider in the Queen Creek, Arizona, area. She’s particularly renowned for her work with PCOS patients thanks to her empathetic and understanding manner.
Jennifer and our caring team provide comprehensive PCOS support, from lifestyle guidance to medical interventions. This blog aims to help you lay the groundwork for four meaningful lifestyle changes that can make your life with PCOS much easier.
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for PCOS management. Up to 80% of women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, and more than half have type 2 diabetes by age 40. Managing your diet properly can help improve your blood sugar levels and balance hormones, too.
Some important ways to nourish your body while reducing your diabetes risk are:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help stabilize your blood sugar and stave off cravings.
Up to 80% of women with PCOS struggle with their weight. Combining good nutrition and regular exercise can make a huge difference in all aspects of your life, not just in weight management.
Alongside shedding some extra pounds, prioritizing regular exercise can help improve your energy levels, relieve stress, and balance your mood.
We understand that it can be challenging to begin — and stick with — a new exercise plan, so we recommend starting slow. Choose an activity you enjoy: walking, dancing, rock climbing, whatever you find fun! Shoot for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. When you opt for activities you enjoy, you’re more likely to find them manageable and keep up your routine.
Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms, so good stress management is crucial. Find activities that give you a sense of peace and calm and use them to take control of your stress.
Activities that women with PCOS may find helpful include deep breathing, yoga, and meditation. A recent study showed that mindfulness-based stress management can significantly ease anxiety and stress in women with PCOS.
Good sleep hygiene is important for everyone, but for women with PCOS, it can have an even bigger impact. As you sleep, your body restores itself, from balancing hormones to managing your metabolism. Getting proper sleep may help you avoid problems like insulin resistance while also improving your mood, energy, and whole-body health.
Establish a stable sleep routine, in which you go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same times every day. Shoot for a minimum of 7 hours a night. Adults who sleep less have a higher risk of health issues, so people with PCOS may experience a significant health decline with chronic poor sleep habits.
At Luxe Women’s Health, we’re here to support you in making lifestyle changes that foster both physical and emotional well-being. We want to empower you to live your best life with PCOS.
For a personalized approach to PCOS management, schedule your appointment online or call our Queen Creek office today.
