PCOD and PCOS: Causes, Symptoms, Differences and Treatment

Symptoms

Many women are completely unaware that they have PCOD. It is very important to pay attention to these symptoms in order to get an early diagnosis of the condition. PCOD symptoms are as follows:

• 1. Inconsistent Periods: This is the most prevalent PCOD symptom, and the initial indicator of PCOD is irregular or light periods. To detect PCOD, pay close attention to your monthly cycle.
• 2. Excessive Hair on the Face and Body: Hirsutism is a disorder characterized by excessive hair growth on the face. Ovaries release a large quantity of male hormone androgens in PCOD, causing excessive hair growth in women.
• 3. Mood Changes: PCOD is characterized by irregular periods and a hormonal imbalance in the body. This hormonal imbalance causes mood swings.
• 4. Acne Acne PCOD disrupts hormones, resulting in a variety of face issues such as acne. Acne is the most common symptom of PCOD. PCOD causes severe cystic acne in certain women.
• 5. Rapid Weight Gain: In PCOD, the body produces a lot of insulin and male hormones. This causes women to acquire weight quickly. Fat accumulation in the lower belly is a typical sign of PCOD.
• 6. Excessive Oiliness: The skin also suffers from hormone imbalance. It causes acne by producing an excessive quantity of sebum.
• 7. Heavy Bleeding: Because the periods are irregular, the uterine wall gets thickened more. This causes more bleeding every time menstruation occurs.
• 8. Hair Loss: The majority of PCOD women have excessive hair fall and hair thinning. Some women may lose all of their hair. This is caused by hormonal imbalance in the body.
• 9. Diabetes: Women with PCOD are more likely to acquire diabetes due to elevated insulin levels.
• 10. Darkening of the Skin: A typical sign of PCOD is the darkening of the skin around the neck or around the private regions.

Causes of PCOD

PCOD is caused due to a hormonal imbalance induced by a variety of factors. Some of the factors linked to PCOD include:

• Heredity: PCOD is sometimes inherited. If you have any relatives with PCOD/PCOS, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, your chances of having it are generally enhanced. This shows that PCOD may have a hereditary impact.
• Obesity: PCOD is related to a high rate of glucose intolerance due to insulin action and cell function abnormalities. Obesity exacerbates these abnormalities significantly; as a result, glucose intolerance is quite common in obese women with PCOD.
• High amounts of inflammation: Excess ovarian androgen production is directly stimulated by inflammation. Increased abdominal adiposity adds to PCOD's inflammatory burden, and its progression may be influenced by the degree of hyperandrogenism.
• High quantities of male hormone production: When there is an imbalance of hormones, and the female body starts producing more male hormones, PCOD/ PCOS starts developing.
• Unhealthy way of living: The most common cause of PCOD/PCOS is having a sedentary lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as eating outside food, disturbed sleep patterns, no physical activity, etc affect the menstrual cycle.
• Dietary deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition and intake of improper diet can cause PCOD. A deficiency of vitamins and nutrients can affect the general health and the period cycle, causing PCOD.
• Extra Insulin: High insulin levels can impair ovulation and cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone level.

Future complications

PCOD is a hormonal issue rather than a disease. Early detection, on the other hand, might save you from later issues.

• Infertility: PCOD affects the frequency of ovulation in women, resulting in infertility. It causes menstruation issues and delayed periods. All of this might contribute to infertility issues when a woman attempts to conceive.
• Diabetes: Diabetes may be caused by PCOD, which develops due to insulin resistance in the body. Diabetes might develop if PCOD is not treated promptly.
• Cardiovascular Disease: PCOD can cause a rise in blood pressure. It can result in irregular heartbeats and other heart-related issues.
• Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial Cancer: Endometrium is the uterine lining. PCOD causes ovulation to be delayed, which raises the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Depression: Depression: Many women experience depression during PCOD as a result of hormonal imbalance, obesity and acn

Diagnosis

The gynecologist may be able to diagnose PCOD based on the following criteria:

Medical history

To diagnose PCOD doctor will obtain complete information on menstrual cycles and weight changes. The presence of at least two of the following symptoms indicates PCOD:

• Periodic irregularities
• Symptoms of elevated androgen levels
• Hirsutism
• Acne
• Hair loss
• Increased androgen levels in the blood
• Ovaries with polycystic cysts

Examination of the physical body

Pelvic exam to look for tumors, growths, or other abnormalities in the reproductive organs.

Tests

Some tests are done, such as hormonal tests, blood pressure, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and so on.

Imaging

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is done to assess ovaries; no. of cysts in ovaries, it will also show the thickness of the uterine lining.

Additional examinations

• Depression and anxiety screening
• Obstructive sleep apnea screening

Treatment

There is no particular medication that can be used to treat PCOD. However, your doctor will prescribe some medications if needed. Certain lifestyle and dietary adjustments can aid in its treatment and management. The following are some methods for dealing with PCOD:

• Maintain a nutritious diet.
• Sugar and carbs should be avoided.
• Consume more high-fiber meals.
• Consume lean protein-rich foods.
• Exercise on a daily basis, and be physically active.
• Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid processed foods and saturated fats.
• Avoid meals that increase estrogen levels.
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
• Improve your stress management.
• Stop eating oily or deep-fried food.