Does winter make PCOS worse?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The disease can cause irregular menstruation, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth and difficulty conceiving. Many women notice these symptoms as they become more severe as the weather turns cold.
According to Dr. Rakhi Goyal, an infertility expert at Birla Fertility & IVF (India), changes in winter have a physiological basis, not just due to feeling. Cold weather, low sunlight and changes in living habits can affect hormones and metabolism, thereby making PCOS symptoms more pronounced.
Factors that make symptoms easily worse
Lack of sunlight and vitamin D: In winter, sun exposure time is reduced, easily leading to vitamin D deficiency. This condition is related to reduced insulin sensitivity and ovulation disorders. In people with PCOS, who already have a risk of insulin resistance, this deficiency can cause irregular menstrual cycles and increased feelings of fatigue.
Reduced exercise: Cold weather makes many people rarely go out and reduce exercise. When physical activity decreases, insulin sensitivity also decreases, increasing the risk of weight gain and hormone disorders. This can slow down ovulation and make manifestations such as acne and excessive hair growth more obvious.
Eating a lot of starch and sweets: Winter often comes with the trend of eating a lot of starchy foods, fried foods and sweets. These foods cause blood sugar to rise rapidly, promote inflammation and affect egg quality as well as menstrual cycle.
Affects sleep and mood: Lack of natural light and changes in rhythm can cause sleep disorders. Poor sleep increases insulin resistance and stress hormones, thereby negatively affecting the menstrual cycle.
In addition, a study by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay published in the journal BioPsychosocial Medicine also showed that PCOS can affect concentration and reflexes, suggesting that this disorder affects more broadly than reproductive issues alone.
What to do to control PCOS in winter?
According to experts, women with PCOS should maintain regular daily exercise, including walking indoors or short strength training. Diets should prioritize protein, fiber, seasonal vegetables and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar.
Checking and supplementing vitamin D if deficient is necessary. In addition, maintaining a stable sleep time and exposure to morning light helps regulate circadian rhythm and hormones.
Winter can make PCOS symptoms more easily manifested, but the disease can be completely controlled if you maintain a reasonable lifestyle and monitor your health regularly.
