You’re tired of reacting to the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and you’re seeking effective strategies to improve your health.
PCOS affects millions of women, often leading to symptoms that disrupt your daily life and your long-term health. The condition is characterized by a combination of symptoms that may include irregular periods, excessive body and facial hair, acne, weight gain, and fertility struggles.
It’s linked to an imbalance of reproductive hormones and insulin levels, which can complicate the management of the condition.
At his private practice in Queens and White Plains, New York, Daniel S. Kushner, MD, specializes in helping women navigate the difficulties of PCOS. As a board-certified OB/GYN, he understands the need for personalized strategies and creates tailored treatment plans for each patient.
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to significantly improve your PCOS symptoms and boost your overall health, too. Here are five changes you can make for a better quality of life.
One of the most impactful ways to manage PCOS is through diet. Focusing a diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and lean proteins while reducing your intake of processed foods and refined sugars is key.
This dietary approach helps regulate your insulin levels, which is often a concern with PCOS because of the increased risk of insulin resistance.
High-fiber foods — such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains — can help control blood sugar levels, while lean proteins sustain energy and muscle health without excessive caloric intake, helping you manage your weight, improve hormonal balance, and reduce insulin spikes.
Regular exercise is another key strategy for effective PCOS management. Activities such as aerobic exercise, strength training, and even yoga help reduce insulin resistance and improve symptoms.
In addition, exercise helps normalize your hormone levels and reduces the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, which is often seen in PCOS patients.
Regular physical activity also helps with weight management, an important aspect of PCOS care, and it boosts your mood and energy levels, combating the fatigue and depression that can accompany PCOS.
Stress management is essential if you have PCOS, because chronic stress can make hormonal imbalances and symptoms worse. Adding stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or even regular breathing exercises to your daily routine can significantly improve your quality of life and lessen symptom severity.
This is because stress triggers the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which disrupt hormonal balance and aggravate PCOS symptoms. By managing stress, you help stabilize your body’s hormonal environment, minimizing the effects of PCOS on your daily life.
While lifestyle changes form the foundation of PCOS management, medications and supplements can also play a crucial role.
Doctors often prescribe metformin, for example, to improve insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Likewise, your provider may recommend hormonal contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles and improve acne and hair growth.
These treatments target the hormonal imbalances at the root of PCOS, providing symptom relief and improving reproductive health. Just be sure to always consult with your provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
Finally, regular checkups with a specialist who understands the ins and outs of PCOS are key to your overall well-being. Dr. Kushner offers personalized PCOS consultations to review your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment options, ensuring that you receive the most effective care tailored to your needs.
Our practice uses a holistic approach to treating PCOS, focusing on comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of your health. Whether it’s refining your diet, adjusting your exercise routine, or managing medications, Dr. Kushner and our care team are here to support you.
Don’t let PCOS dictate your life. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Kushner at his Queens or White Plains office to find out more about lifestyle changes that can help you better manage PCOS.
