Why resistance training could be the key to managing PCOS symptoms

In a recent episode of Diary of a CEO podcast, Dr Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, shared groundbreaking insights into managing endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through tailored approaches to exercise and environmental therapies.

These conditions impact millions of women worldwide, often leading to chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle disruptions.

Sims emphasised the benefits of cold-water therapy for endometriosis. "Cold water plunges around ovulation, when endometrial growth typically occurs, reduce the total inflammatory response, limiting the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus," she explained.

This innovative, non-invasive approach could provide significant relief for women who face limited treatment options for this condition. For PCOS, a condition linked to high androgen levels and insulin resistance, Sims outlined the critical role of resistance and high intensity interval training (HIIT).

“We look at properly putting in intensity and resistance training to work with blood glucose levels, which helps attenuate some of the symptomatology of PCOS,” she noted.

These targeted fitness routines aim to improve insulin sensitivity and mitigate hormonal imbalances, offering women a proactive method of managing their health.

Sims also addressed the broader issue of women’s health education, calling for more inclusive conversations. “We don't learn about this stuff in school anymore. Health programmes have been cut, leaving women and men alike uninformed about critical aspects of female physiology, "she said.

Sims stressed the need for systemic education reform and increased awareness to normalise discussions on menstrual health, menopause, and hormonal conditions.

She encouraged men to actively engage in these conversations, sharing anecdotes of male researchers and partners who have embraced the complexities of female health. "If we're going to push forward and understand how to improve the health of women and men, it requires a combination in the conversation," she added.

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