4 Ways To Lower Cholesterol

If you have PCOS, you may already know that there are various body mechanisms that are not functioning properly. Aside from the possibility of developing diabetes, there is also a strong chance that women with PCOS will eventually have high cholesterol levels. Some PCOS women may already have high levels of cholesterol before they reach 40 years old.

Before I had PCOS, I was living a healthy lifestyle. I was very particular with what I ate, and I always made time for exercise. So when I learned that PCOS women are prone to have elevated cholesterol levels, I wasn’t really worried. Regardless of my weight gain, I still made an effort in eating healthy. But my test results didn’t seem to agree. I was surprised to find out that I suddenly have borderline-high cholesterol levels.

Since then, I always made a point not to aggravate my situation. After all, a particular treatment may not be effective if you solely rely on medications. To prevent your cholesterol levels to skyrocket, there is a need to make lifestyle changes. Here are some tips on how you can lower down cholesterol:

1.     Eat a heart healthy diet. Many of our well-loved Filipino dishes are definitely tasty, but they are also very high in fat and cholesterol. Since walnuts and salmons are not readily available and affordable in this part of the world, you can choose from other options. Oatmeal is quite popular in lowering cholesterol because it has soluble fiber, which has been found to lower low-density liporprotein (LDL), or what is commonly known as bad cholesterol. Other foods with soluble fiber include apples, prunes, pears, carrots, dried peas, grains, and beans.

Try to consume as well foods that are fortified with stanols, which can be found in some margarines, orange juice, and soybean products. However, there is still a need to observe the right food portions. These healthy foods are absolutely not an excuse for you to overeat or to consume what is only necessary.

2.    Exercise regularly. Start out slow and gradually increase your level of activity when you feel that you can take it a step further. A good principle to remember is to choose an activity that can increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time. When the heart pumps quicker, your body will respond by increasing energy expenditure.

3.    Lose weight. Losing weight does not only lower your LDL cholesterol, but it also increases your good cholesterol or HDL. It is common for PCOS women to have difficulty with losing weight, but regular exercise and proper diet can still lead to many health benefits in the long run.

4.    Check with your doctor whether you already need cholesterol lowering agents. It is vital that you work with your doctor in making sure that your cholesterol levels are properly controlled. Some women may not need medication to control their cholesterol levels, but lifestyle changes alone may not work for others. Stay informed about your treatment by discussing with your doctor possible side-effects or any adverse reactions.

Since PCOS women are predisposed to developing cardiovascular problems, it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to remember that while there are different ways on how you can lower your cholesterol level, the best approach is still a combination of these steps. To attain optimal results, consult your doctor so you will be guided with your treatment plan.

8 Preventive Screening Tests For Women

A hospital is not among the places that many people are dying to visit. But ever since I was diagnosed with PCOS, I could no longer count the number of times that I had to see my doctor so I can get some tests done. Since my symptoms worsened, I vowed to take better control of my health because I could no longer allow PCOS to rule my life.

Due to PCOS, I hated going to hospitals because I just can’t stop worrying. I guess it is due to the fact that there were plenty of instances before when some doctors won’t associate my new symptoms with PCOS. So when the test results would still indicate PCOS, I would always heave a big sigh of relief. I seriously can’t handle another health issue on top of my PCOS.

I have learned that regardless of age, the possibility of being afflicted by an illness is still inevitable. If not for my racing thoughts, I would not have found out earlier about the disease. And it would have taken me longer to take on an active role in managing the syndrome. Prevention is always better than cure, and women should take it upon themselves to be proactive in the management of their health. Here are some of the common screening tests that are recommended for women:

1.    Body Mass Index – BMI is basically a number that is derived from a person’s height and weight. It is a reliable indicator of body fat and it is used as a screening tool in identifying future weight related problems. You can get your own results through the web or you can ask your doctor during a routine visit.

2.    Pap Smear/ Pap Test – It is a valuable tool in screening cervical cancer. When cell changes or any abnormalities occur in the cervix, the right treatment can stop the development of cancer. Hence, women should take full advantage of this screening tool and the fact that cervical cancer can be prevented through a series of shots. If you are between the ages of 21 to 65 and if you are sexually active, it is best to get a pap test every 1 to 3 years.

3.    Self Breast Exam (SBE) – Make a habit of checking your breasts each month. If you are familiar with the feel of your breasts, you can easily notice changes like lumps or masses. Try to check your breasts one week after your period, or during the same time each month. Ideally, SBE’s should be done by women aged 20 years old and above.

4.    Mammograms – Many women dislike mammograms because it can cause mild discomfort, but it is a test that can detect breast cancer at its earliest age. Yearly mammograms are recommended for women 40 years old and above.

5.    Cholesterol Screening – Some doctors usually recommend cholesterol screening for women who are 45 years old and older. But they may recommend early monitoring if you have a health history of heart disease, or if you have diabetes, PCOS, hypertension, and many other related illnesses. Check with your health care provider to determine the best schedule.

6.    Blood Glucose Test – For healthy individuals aged 45 years old and above, a blood glucose test is recommended every 3 years. But it can also be a case to case basis depending on your health history and condition. These days, many doctors order a blood glucose test along with an annual, or even before a woman reaches 45 years old to ensure that no abnormalities are present.

7.    Test for Colorectal Cancer – There are actually a couple of screening tests for colorectal cancer but colonoscopy is usually preferred by many doctors. It is a test that allows the visualization of the entire colon through a flexible tube that is inserted in the rectum. Health care professionals are now urged to recommend the testing at the age of 45. Your doctor will evaluate your risks whether a colonoscopy should be done earlier than recommended.

8.    Test for HIV, Chalmydia and other STD’s – Women who are sexually active and with a history of multiple sexual partners are encouraged to get screening tests. Talk openly to your doctor about your sexual history so he can recommend the right screening tests for you.

These tests are only among the most common screening exams ordered for women. There are certain exceptions to the rule and it is important that you work closely with your health care provider to ensure that you are following the right plan.