Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Perks of Pelvic Floor Therapy

Your body is like a complex puzzle, with each piece playing a crucial role in keeping things running smoothly. Among these pieces are the ovaries, which help control hormones and manage your period. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause changes in your quality of life. Interestingly, PCOS often goes hand in hand with another issue: pelvic floor dysfunction. We will discuss what PCOS is all about, how it affects your body, and how it intersects with pelvic floor dysfunction, along with strategies for managing both effectively.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by imbalances in reproductive hormones, insulin resistance, and ovarian dysfunction. It’s like a puzzle where different pieces—hormones, insulin, and ovaries—don’t fit together quite right. Several factors contribute to PCOS:

1.) Hormonal Imbalance: In PCOS, there’s too much of some hormones, like testosterone, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle and make it harder to get pregnant.

2.) Insulin Trouble: Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. In PCOS, your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, leading to problems with weight gain and diabetes.

3.) Ovary Health: PCOS can cause your ovaries to have trouble releasing eggs regularly, which can make it hard to get pregnant and cause cysts to form.

PCOS Symptoms and the Pelvic Floor

PCOS can affect your body in various ways, and it can also impact your pelvic floor:

1.) Period Problems: Your period might not come every month like it should, or it might be heavier or lighter than usual due to irregular ovulation, which can affect the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor.

Trouble Getting Pregnant: PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant because it messes up your ovulation. This can lead to increased stress and tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

2.) Extra Hair: PCOS can cause excessive hair growth in places where boys usually grow hair, like your face, chest, and back (also known as hirsutism). This can be upsetting for some people and may affect their body image, leading to pelvic floor muscle tension.

3.) Acne: Hormonal changes from PCOS can cause acne, making your skin break out more than usual. 

4.) Weight Gain: Many people with PCOS find it harder to control their weight because of insulin resistance, which can lead to gaining extra pounds, especially around the belly. This excess weight can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to weakness or dysfunction.

5.) Diabetes and Heart Problems: PCOS can increase your chances of getting diabetes and heart disease later in life because of the insulin resistance and weight gain it can cause. These conditions can exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction and lead to further complications.

The combination of hormonal imbalances, weight fluctuations, and emotional stress associated with PCOS can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, including muscle tension, weakness, and urinary issues. Addressing both PCOS and pelvic floor dysfunction is essential for overall health and well-being.

How Do You Know If You Have PCOS?

Diagnosing PCOS involves talking with your doctor and doing some tests:

1.) Talking About Symptoms: Your doctor will ask about your period, any extra hair growth, and other symptoms you might be having.

2.) Doing a Physical Exam: Your doctor might look at your body and ask questions to check for signs of PCOS, like acne, extra hair, or weight gain.

3.) Blood Tests: Blood tests can check your hormone levels and see if they’re out of balance.

4.) Ultrasound: A special kind of picture called an ultrasound can show if your ovaries have cysts or other problems.

Dealing With PCOS and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: What To Do

If you’re having problems with your pelvic floor muscles and PCOS symptoms, there are some things you can try to help.

How Can You Manage PCOS?

Managing PCOS involves making some changes to your lifestyle and sometimes taking supplements. Here are some things you can do:

1.) Healthy Eating: Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help manage PCOS symptoms.

2.) Exercise: Getting regular exercise can improve insulin resistance, help with weight loss, and make you feel better overall.

3.) Supplements: Your doctor might recommend supplements like inositol or omega-3 fatty acids to help regulate your hormones and improve insulin sensitivity.

4.) Support: Talking with friends, family, or a counselor can help you deal with any stress or emotions that come with having PCOS.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help: 

In addition to lifestyle changes and supplements, pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS. Pelvic floor therapists are trained to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, which can occur alongside PCOS. Manual techniques, such as pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises and myofascial release, can help alleviate pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and sexual dysfunction commonly associated with PCOS. By addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, individuals with PCOS can experience improved pelvic health and overall well-being.

Manual Therapy in Pelvic Floor Therapy and PCOS:

Muscle Tension Relief: PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances and increased stress levels, leading to tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can help release this tension, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.

Improving Blood Flow: Manual therapy techniques stimulate blood flow to the pelvic region, which can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS. Improved circulation helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the pelvic organs, supporting their function and overall health.

Enhancing Hormonal Balance: Some manual therapy techniques, such as abdominal massage, may help regulate hormonal balance by stimulating the endocrine system. By supporting hormonal equilibrium, manual therapy can potentially alleviate symptoms associated with PCOS, such as irregular periods and excessive hair growth.

Managing Pain and Discomfort: PCOS can cause pelvic pain and discomfort, which can impact quality of life. Manual therapy techniques aim to reduce pain by releasing muscle tension, improving flexibility, and promoting tissue healing. This can provide relief from pelvic pain associated with PCOS.

Improving Urinary Function: Pelvic floor dysfunction commonly coexists with PCOS and can manifest as urinary issues such as urgency, frequency, or leakage. Manual therapy interventions, including pelvic floor muscle exercises and biofeedback, can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and alleviate urinary symptoms.

Supporting Reproductive Health: PCOS can affect fertility and reproductive health. Manual therapy can complement fertility treatments by optimizing pelvic alignment, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, and reducing pelvic congestion. Additionally, addressing pelvic floor dysfunction can enhance sexual function and satisfaction, which may positively impact fertility and overall reproductive health.

Promoting Overall Well-being: Manual therapy in pelvic floor therapy involves a holistic approach to wellness, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of health. By reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and restoring balance to the pelvic region, manual therapy can support overall well-being in individuals with PCOS.

Conclusion

PCOS might feel like a big puzzle, but with the right support and knowledge, you can learn how to manage it and live a healthy life. Remember to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about PCOS. If you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction alongside PCOS, then don’t hesitate to seek help from a pelvic floor therapist who can provide targeted treatment to address your symptoms. Seeing a pelvic floor therapist is crucial for individuals with PCOS because they can offer specialized care to address pelvic floor dysfunction, including manual therapy techniques tailored to your unique needs. By working with a pelvic floor therapist, you can receive personalized treatment aimed at relieving pelvic pain, improving urinary function, and promoting overall pelvic health, enhancing your quality of life while managing PCOS.

If you feel like this article resonated with you, then feel free to reach out to our team at Back in Motion Physical Therapy. We would be honored to walk with you through your pelvic health journey!