Relationships and PCOS: From Intimacy to Communication

Relationships are essential no matter what the challenge is, whether it is mental or physical. For eg: conditions like PCOS influence relationships in different ways due to its effect on the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of individuals.

Firstly let’s understand what PCOS is ?

The general perception of PCOS is that it is a complex issue and that is made even more complex by our use of medical terminology. But if presented in everyday terms, it is simple to understand.

The ovary is one of the woman’s reproductive organs. Millions of eggs are present in the ovary, and since the ovary produces eggs throughout a woman’s lifetime, she will never run out of eggs. These immature eggs are kept in follicles.

Every month, one free egg is released into the fallopian tube; if this egg fertilizes, you are pregnant; if it does not, menstruation should result. In women with PCOS, however, this does not occur; the egg will not get fertilized and the immature egg will not mature and will instead remain as a cyst on the ovaries as a result of hormonal imbalances.

What are the causes of hormonal imbalances?

There are ten modern lifestyle root causes for hormonal imbalances related to PCOS:

1. Food Related Causes- inflammation, toxicity, acidity, excess male hormones, insulin resistance
2. Exercise-Related Causes : Sedentary lifestyle, lack of muscle strength, excess ovarian fat
3. Sleep-Related -Causes Poor sleep quality (Lack of Deep Sleep)
4. Stress-Related Causes – Chronic Stress

As a result of the aforementioned factors of modern lifestyle, women develop hormonal abnormalities, which lead to PCOS. As a result, having this condition may have an impact on one’s personal life, making it more difficult to manage the condition.

How PCOS may affect relationships?

Due to its physical symptoms, fertility issues, and emotional swings, PCOS can cause relationships to suffer. To navigate its impact as a group, communication, empathy, and support are essential.

Here are some effects:

1. Emotional and mental health: PCOS can cause hormonal abnormalities, which can lead to mood swings, anxiety, despair, and irritability. These emotional swings may influence how a person interacts with their relationship, resulting in misunderstandings and disagreements. It may be difficult for partners to negotiate these mood swings and provide the required emotional support.

2. Body Image and Self-Esteem: PCOS can induce weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth, all of which can have an impact on self-esteem and body image. Individuals with PCOS may experience low self-esteem, which can contribute to insecurities in their romantic relationships. They may perceive themselves as less desirable or beautiful, which may affect their openness and comfort with their relationship.

3. Intimacy and Sexuality: Due to hormonal imbalances and physical discomfort induced by symptoms such as pain during sex, PCOS can cause changes in libido. This can have an impact on the sexual dynamics of a relationship, potentially leading to frustration and decreased closeness.

4. Fertility Issues: PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility. Dealing with fertility issues can be emotionally draining for both parties. The stress and strain of infertility can strain a relationship and lead to feelings of disappointment, remorse, and frustration.

5. Communication: Dealing with a chronic disease like PCOS necessitates efficient communication between spouses. Miscommunications might occur if one partner does not completely comprehend the physical and emotional elements of PCOS. Feelings of neglect or lack of support may result from a lack of open communication.

6. Changes in Lifestyle and Routine: Managing PCOS frequently entails adopting healthier lifestyle choices, such as dietary and activity modifications. These changes can occasionally interrupt routines and social activities, potentially affecting shared activities and quality time spent together.

7. Support and Understanding: Partners who do not understand PCOS may say or do things that are upsetting or dismissive. Partners who educate themselves and provide emotional support might help ease some of the emotional challenges associated with PCOS.

How to address the effects PCOS has on relationships?

Even though PCOS affects relationships in many ways we can always solve those issues through communication and co-operation with our partner.

Here are a few steps to address the relationship issues due to PCOS:

1. Communication: It is critical to communicate openly and honestly. Ascertain that your partner is aware of PCOS, its symptoms, and how it impacts you both physically and emotionally. This will allow them to better understand and sympathize with you.

2. Educate: Encourage your spouse to learn more about PCOS. The more they understand, the better they will be able to sympathize and provide appropriate support.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Together: If your PCOS symptoms are interfering with your self-esteem or body image, consider adopting a healthy lifestyle together. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet can help you manage PCOS and increase your self-esteem.

4. Include Your Partner in Treatment: If you’re having PCOS treatment, include your partner in the process. This can assist them in comprehending the steps you’re doing and making them feel like an active participant in your trip.

5. Patience and Understanding: Patience and understanding are required in relationships since PCOS symptoms can be distressing and unexpected. When dealing with mood swings, weight fluctuations, and other issues, both partners should exercise patience and understanding. 

6. Support Each Other: Remember that partnerships are a collaborative effort. Just as you would expect your partner to support you, you should also support them when they confront difficulties in their lives. Mutual support might help to build your relationship.

7. Stress Management: Stress can aggravate PCOS symptoms. Find healthy ways to deal with stress jointly, such as practising mindfulness, deep breathing techniques, or participating in activities that you both like.

8. Set realistic expectations: Recognize that managing PCOS is a journey, and that progress is not always linear. Be gentle with yourself and your spouse as you go through the ups and downs.

9. Maintain Intimacy: PCOS symptoms can have an impact on libido and sexual function. It is critical to have open dialogues about intimacy, express your wants, and collaborate to sustain a fulfilling physical connection.

10. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize your progress in treating PCOS symptoms. This can include weight loss, improved mood, better hair and skin management, and other benefits. Recognizing these successes jointly can help to improve your relationships.

This way, one can address any relationship concerns that may arise as a result of PCOS. Further, the below 5 pillar strategy explains how PCOS can be reversed naturally by balancing hormones.

The 5-pillar strategy to reverse PCOS naturally:

 

1. Eat Right: Embrace living, water-rich, whole, plant-based foods that nurture our genetic potential. By opting for local and seasonal choices, we honour nature’s wisdom. Eliminating packaged and processed foods liberates us from epigenetic imprints, elevating our hormonal health.

2. Move More: Embark on a journey of holistic lifestyle changes, where staying active transcends mere exercise. Embracing constant movement throughout the day optimizes epigenetic expression, igniting hormonal balance. Engage in pleasurable physical activities, dance, or even mindful walks to unlock the power of epigenetic triggers.

3. Breathe Aware: As we deepen our understanding of Pranayama, the science of breath, we access a profound gateway to support gland function and harmonize hormones. Harnessing the breath’s epigenetic influence, we transcend the ordinary and elevate our hormonal well-being.

4. Sleep Better: Unlock the secrets of deep sleep, a transformative practice for healing and regeneration. With the art of Yog Nidra, we embrace epigenetic potential, unearthing hormonal harmony in the realm of dreams. Rejuvenate your entire being through this exquisite dance with the epigenetic clock.

5. Mind Free: Journey into the realm of emotions, thoughts, and stress resilience, where journaling, gratitude, and emotional practices become our guiding compass. Embracing epigenetic intelligence, we shift our narrative from stress to serenity, empowering our hormonal landscape.

 

By adopting the above 5 strategies in day-to-day life one can reverse PCOS naturally. So as an understanding and co-operating partner in a healthy relationship, one should help his partner to adopt the above strategies and follow them consistently to have the result they are hoping for.