Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting many girls and women in Australia. If you know a girl diagnosed with PCOS or suspecting she might have it, your support can make a significant difference in her wellbeing and management of the condition. Here’s a practical, compassionate guide on how to help a girl with PCOS in Australia.
1. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits
One of the most effective ways to manage PCOS symptoms is through lifestyle changes. Encourage her to:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on regular meals rich in whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid fast food and processed snacks, which can worsen insulin resistance and weight issues.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling helps with weight management, improves insulin sensitivity, and boosts mood. Even moderate physical activity can make a big difference.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: For girls who are overweight, even a modest weight loss (5-10%) can improve symptoms like irregular periods and excess hair growth.
Working with a registered dietitian experienced in PCOS can provide personalised nutrition advice tailored to her needs.
2. Support Stress Management and Mental Health
PCOS can impact emotional wellbeing, leading to anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. Stress can also worsen PCOS symptoms. Help her by:
- Encouraging relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Supporting her in seeking professional help if she experiences mental health challenges. Many Australian GPs can refer her for Medicare-subsidised counselling through a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Connecting her with PCOS support groups, either online or in-person, where she can share experiences and feel less isolated.
3. Help Navigate Medical Care
PCOS management often requires a team approach. Assist her in:
- Finding a GP or women’s health specialist knowledgeable about PCOS. Some clinics, like Clinic66 Online, offer consultations without referrals.
- Understanding treatment options which may include hormonal contraceptives to regulate periods, medications like metformin to improve insulin sensitivity, or anti-androgens to manage excess hair growth and acne.
- Exploring fertility advice if she is planning a family in the future.
- Using reliable resources such as the AskPCOS app, developed by Australian experts, which provides evidence-based information and self-management tools.
4. Promote Open Communication and Education
Help her feel comfortable talking about her symptoms and concerns. Educate yourself and her about PCOS to dispel myths and reduce stigma. Understanding that PCOS is a syndrome-not a disease-and that symptoms vary widely can empower her to manage her health confidently.
5. Encourage Patience and Positivity
PCOS management is often a gradual process. Celebrate small victories, whether it’s improved energy, more regular cycles, or better mood. Remind her that with the right support and care, many women with PCOS lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Supporting a girl with PCOS in Australia means encouraging healthy habits, facilitating access to medical care, promoting mental wellbeing, and fostering understanding. Your empathy and practical help can make a meaningful impact on her journey with PCOS.