Yoga Program For Obesity And PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease)

By Patricia | November 14, 2008

What Is PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is a condition that affects the ovaries of a woman. The ovaries are present on both sides of the uterus and produce ova or eggs. Theses eggs move towards the uterus during the menstrual cycle. The ovaries are also responsible for secreting certain hormones such as estrogen, the female hormone and small quantities of testosterone, the male hormone.

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. There are however certain factors which play a role in the occurrence of this condition. Genetics is believed to be one such factor and women affected by PCOD usually have a close female relative with the condition. The primary underlying problem in PCOS is hormonal imbalance. The ovaries start producing abnormally high amounts of androgens which are male hormones. This hampers the production of eggs in the ovaries. The release of the eggs which occurs during ovulation is also disrupted. Some experts believe that the production of insulin may be associated with PCOD. Insulin is a hormone which regulates the breakdown of certain foods into energy for the body. Those with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have high levels of insulin in the body. Excessive amounts of insulin may also elevate the levels of androgens. Pcod symptoms include infertility, scant or irregular menstruation and formation of cysts in the ovaries. There may also be other symptoms such as excessive growth of facial hair, acne, weight gain and depression. Some women may also experience male pattern baldness and discolored patches on the skin. Sleep apnea could also occur in some cases.

Treatment for PCOD is aimed at managing the symptoms. Lifestyle changes are required to reduce the severity of the symptoms. This includes regular exercise and healthy diet. The diet should consist of more vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. Maintaining healthy body weight is essential in restoring normal menstruation. Birth control pills also help to reduce the levels of male hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. Diabetes medications may also be prescribed in order to control the production and functioning of insulin. Infertility problems arise when ovulation does not take place. For women who want to become pregnant, various medications may be prescribed which help to stimulate the process of ovulation. To reduce the abdominal pain and discomfort caused by the condition, warm compresses or warm baths are beneficial.

PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a rather widespread health condition nowadays and many women of reproductive age suffer from it. Surprisingly, PCOD is not an ovarian disease but one involving the entire body. The exact cause of PCOD remains unknown. Women suffering from it normally have someone in the family – a mother or a sister – also suffering from PCOD. But medical science has not yet come up with adequate evidence to prove any genetic link to this complaint. A lot of women suffering from PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease) also have a problem with weight. For this reason the medical fraternity is exploring the connection between PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease) and the female body’s ability to generate insulin, the hormone that is responsible for the assimilation of starches, sugar, and other foodstuffs into energy so that the body is able to use or store for the future. As some women suffering from PCOD tends to generate too much insulin, it so happens that their ovaries respond by generating an excess of male hormones. This, in turn, causes conditions such as acne, hirsuitism, obesity and ovulation problems.

Symptoms Of Women Afflicted By PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease)

  • Their level of male hormones, called androgens, is in excess.
  • They have irregular menstrual cycles. Sometimes some women stop menstruating altogether
  • They are rather obese.
  • By and large women suffer from little cysts in their ovaries. These are small fluid-filled sacs. Some women may not develop cysts but still exhibit all the other signs and symptoms of PCOD.

So, essentially Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease is not a really rare condition. In fact, 5 – 10% percent women in the USA alone are afflicted by PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease).
Yoga could help to a great extent patients suffering from PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease), particularly when they exhibit signs of obesity. For one thing Yoga cautions against wrong food habits, particularly high calorie foods such as confectionery products, fried stuff, chocolates, sweets, and other junk foods. These are very harmful to the system. In addition, there is a special Yoga program for dealing with both obesity and PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease:

1.  Yogasanas (Yoga postures) to be done Standing, Sitting, Supine. Under no circumstances should you even attempt prone and inverted poses.

2.  Do plenty of Pranayama (Yoga breathing exercises). Begin with slow, deep breathing, and then do Ujjayi (Ocean Breath) and Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing).

3.  You require lots of relaxation. For this Shavasana (the Corpse Pose) is ideal. Do it two to three times a day.

4.  You should pay careful attention to your diet. While coping with PCOD, the patient needs to pay have to attention to obesity. So let your food be Sattvic (pure and simple). Have a predominantly vegetarian diet rich in fluids, fruits and salads. Steer clear of spicy and fried foods as they will only worsen your condition.

5.  Keep a cool calm mind through relaxation and meditation. Anxiety and tensions will only aggravate your condition. Most of all don’t let up on your Yoga practices.