Early detection is important for Endometrial Cancer while suffering from PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disorder which many women are shy to speak about. It is only off late that we have women today who openly speak about this and the complications that can arise along with this. However, Endometrial cancer is a disease which not many know about, as it is not much heard of as an ovarian cancer or a cervical cancer. It is a cancer that occurs in the uterus when the cells of the inner uterus lining start growing in an uncontrollable manner. Though PCOS is a very common endocrinal disorder in women, affecting the insulin production in the body and also hormonal and infertility issues that can lead to cancer disorders such as endometrial cancer. Women of all ages and stages having PCOS are at a risk of developing endometrial cancer, however those who have attained menopause are at a higher risk at developing endometrial cancer.
Hormones cause the endometrium to shift over a woman’s menstrual cycle. Estrogen causes the endometrium to thicken, so that if pregnancy occurs, it can nourish an embryo. If there is no pregnancy, lower levels of estrogen are released and more of the hormone called progesterone is released. This triggers shedding of the endometrial lining from the uterus and becomes the menstrual flux (period). Hence this cycle occurs on a monthly basis until the woman reaches menopause.
Early detection is the key to preventing and treating endometrial cancer. The infected cells can spread to the other parts of your body and hence routine checkups are an essential way to prevent this especially for patients suffering from PCOS. It is also important to keep a check on your sugar levels, blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, thyroid on a routine basis, and this becomes more important to do at least once in six months when you attain menopause. The fertilized eggs which used to flow in the form of periods and keep you healthy and prevented from health risks and ensures good circulatory function of the blood in your body, is no longer going to happen once you attain menopause. PCOS causes irregular periods or stagnation of occurrence of periods. This can be a health hazard by itself and one needs to take extra care and precautions for the same. Undergo a Pap Smear test if possible as this will be extremely helpful in detecting any abnormalities at an early stage itself.
Following a good diet and changing lifestyle habits are key to fight endometrial cancer as well as PCOS. Exercising, yoga and meditation and other breathing exercises where you ensure there is enough oxygen and blood supply till your uterus can help overcome PCOS and prevent endometrial cancer. Sleeping at the right time and ensuring that your body gets adequate eight hours of sleep (peaceful sleep keeping away any stress aside and your mind at rest) is very essential. When you sleep, the body undergoes many chemical reactions and blood circulates and ensures adequate oxygen supply to other body parts as well as the brain.
Do not diet; this is a strict no-no if you are especially a patient with PCOS. Just eat well and eat what will benefit your body and suit you. Monosaturated fats are good to consume in the form of nuts and olive oil instead of having huge amount of fatty foods. Include soya based foods in your food plan, as they are extremely beneficial in preventing endometrial cancer.
Improving insulin resistance is key to prevent complications that can arise with PCOS and endometrial cancer. Using insulin sensitizors like Metaformin could be beneficial and a solution to this, it is extremely safe to use and a credible treatment for Type 2 diabetes. However, you should take this only on doctor’s recommendation, as a significant drop down in your sugar level is equally hazardous to your body. But, in most cases, it has helped significantly in preventing endometrial cancer in patients with PCOS. You can try supplements as well that help you to keep your insulin level regulated and in control.
Birth control pills are used as a last resort to provide treatment to a patient with PCOS, as it is not normal to not get your periods and it needs to be provided to prevent you from other harmful problems like endometrial cancer and keep your body functioning in a normal manner despite having a hormone production deficiency and infertility issues that prevent conceiving and fining of the uterus lining in the body.
There are a few signs and symptoms women should be aware about, to suspect the occurrence of endometrial cancer. They are: Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding, Vaginal Discharge that can be foul smelling as well, enlarging of the uterus, difficulty in passing urine or occurrence of pain while passing urine, experiencing vaginal pain while having sex, and losing weight. It is important to understand and immediately consult your doctor if you are experiencing any such issues. Do not shy away from it, address it, you could prevent yourself from undergoing other problems besides PCOS with timeliness and early detection measures being undertaken in an effective manner.
