What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 12% of Australian women. It can develop in women during teenage and childbearing years, causing a hormonal imbalance that triggers cysts to form over the ovaries.

Amongst many others causes, chronic stress can often trigger PCOS symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances, reduced immunity levels, increased blood fats, glucose levels and the insulin resistance. Recent studies have also shown that women with PCOS in particular were prone to physically reacting to stress, making it all the more important for them to find a way to manage it.

The practice of meditation is an ideal way to lower anyone’s stress levels. It returns the body to a calm state in which it can heal itself from the physical, emotional and mental symptoms of PCOS. Please read on for more information.

Meditation involves relieving the thinking mind by placing a person into a deep state of awareness and relaxation. It may be practiced sitting up straight or lying down, and is best done somewhere private and quiet where you won’t be disturbed for at least 5-20 minutes.

Whilst there are hundreds of meditation techniques available to practice, all fit into either for the following categories:

1. Concentration Meditation, where the mind is focused on a specific object. When the mind wanders into old thought patterns, the individual’s focus is brought back to the selected object.

2. Mindfulness meditation, where the mind is focused also on an object or a process such as the breath, a mantra or visualization.

3. Transdental meditation, in which the individual experiences a shift in consciousness or physiology.

Meditation works to relieve the symptoms of PCOS through relaxation techniques. Physically speaking, meditation:

• Slows down the breath
• Assists you to breath more efficiently
• Normalizes blood pressure
• Decreases the heart rate
• Reduces sweating
• Reduces Cortisol (the ‘stress’ hormone) production from the adrenal glands
• Regulates the appetite
• Reduces the rate of ageing
• Improves overall levels of immunity

PCOS patients may also benefit from meditation as it:

• Increases self-awareness
• Reduces negative emotions
• Gives new perspective on stressful situations
• Guides you to focus on the present moment.

Whilst there are many other lifestyle and genetic factors to consider, reducing one's stress levels with the practice of meditation will improve the overall condition of the polycystic ovaries, and assist in the shrinking of the cysts themselves.

For more information about how meditation may alleviate symptoms of PCOS, speak to a professional massage therapist.