Ovaries are the main female reproductive organs, and they require a very delicate system of balance to function properly. Slight changes here and there may wreak havoc. They are a factory of the most essential female hormones necessary for healthy menstrual and reproductive function. But in today’s scenario, almost every other woman has some issues related to menstrual cycles and conception and is on a cocktail of pills. Is this really needed? Is this a norm?
Tell-Tale Signs
- Menstrual irregularities – A perfect hormonal cycle is necessary for ovulation which happens every month. Anything which disturbs the hormonal cycle will affect ovulation and in turn reflect as a disorder of the menstrual cycle. It can either be absence of menses, delayed and irregular menses, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Painful periods – Painful periods are considered a norm, which is not. Mild discomfort prior to or during the process is acceptable, but any associated pain should be given due importance and the cause analyzed.
- Infertility – Any difficulty in the natural process of conception after a certain period. Ovulation is one of the key factors for conception and any deviation can result in infertility.
What is affecting the ovaries?
- Circadian rhythm – The body has a natural cycle called the circadian rhythm. In simple words, the body responds to the day-night cycle, being more active post-sunrise during the day and vice versa. Present-day work patterns are in direct contrast with the natural cycle, and increased use of gadgets emitting blue light has created chaos in the cycle, directly affecting the ovaries and hormones.
- Diet and exercise – Ovaries, being very delicate organs, are easily affected by what we ingest. The diet of a modern woman is laced with chemicals and pesticides which have a direct negative impact on the ovaries. Increased consumption of hormone-filled meats causes major harm to the organ. Widespread consumption of junk food, combined with lack of exercise and overdependence on gadgets, increases the proportion of visceral body fat. This in turn causes excess estrogen in the body, causing the hormonal cycle to go out of balance.
- Pollution – The air and water quality in general has worsened due to rampant industrialisation. The very air we ingest brings with it a host of chemicals which impact the ovaries adversely.
- Plastics – Plastic has penetrated every aspect of our life. So much so that even the water we consume has minute plastic pellets which go unnoticed. Plastic has become an inherent part of our food chain. The red meat we consume comes from cattle which have tons of plastic in their belly, and this directly enters our food. Plastic food containers are very commonly used these days for packaging. Plastic, when heated, forms a substance called xenoestrogen, which is a synthetic form of estrogen. It resembles the natural hormone but is heat-resistant and can disturb the hormonal milieu.
How to keep ovaries healthy?
- Lifestyle modification – The single most important factor is to modify your lifestyle to bring it as close to the circadian rhythm as possible. Wake up at sunrise and reduce your activity post-sunset, and be in bed by 10 pm to ensure 7-8 hours of sound sleep. Avoid using gadgets at night, as they affect sleep quality. Have plenty of water throughout the day. Eat wholesome, organic, home-cooked meals, spread across 5-6 meals over the entire day without much gap between each meal. Breakfast should be the heaviest and dinner the lightest. Avoid junk foods and high-calorie aerated drinks. Exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic, should be done at least 4 days a week, each for 30 minutes.
- Ayurveda – The ancient science of Ayurveda has many solutions; however, before you unscrupulously pick one from the internet, you should go to a good vaid.
- Yoga – Yogic practices like Sanatan Kriya are known to harmonize the various aspects of mind and body, normalizing any imbalances. For any benefits to show the regime has to be followed regularly for a minimum of three months.
