PCOD: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
PCOD, also known as Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is a hormonal disorder that affects most women. During their reproductive years, this is relatively prevalent. In India, PCOD affects between 10% and 25% of women. Various hormones in our bodies operate in tandem to ensure that all systems function properly. A woman's hormones go out of sync when she has PCOS. This causes a variety of issues, such as irregular menstruation, infertility, weight gain, acne, and so on. If addressed, this illness can lead to significant health issues in women, such as heart disease and diabetes.
What is PCOD?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease is caused by a hormonal imbalance in women. Ovulation is the process of release of an egg from a woman's ovary throughout her menstrual cycle. Ovaries also create a limited amount of androgens or male reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance in PCOD causes an overproduction of male hormones, and this causes periods to be delayed and cysts to grow in the ovaries. This disease can also result in a total lack of ovulation, leading to infertility in women.
Symptoms of PCOD
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
- Inconsistent Periods: The most common symptom is irregular or light periods signal hormonal imbalance.
- Excessive Hair Growth: Known as hirsutism, this occurs due to elevated androgens, leading to unwanted facial and body hair.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal imbalances often trigger emotional changes.
- Severe Acne: Hormonal disruption leads to cystic acne and oily skin.
- Rapid Weight Gain: PCOD weight gain often affects the lower belly.
- Hair Thinning or Loss: Hormonal imbalances can cause significant hair thinning or baldness.
- Darkened Skin: Skin darkening around the neck and private areas is common.
- Diabetes Risk: High insulin levels increase susceptibility to diabetes.
When to see a doctor?
Once you notice irregularities in periods, immediately visit your doctor. Irregular periods or no periods can be a sign of many health conditions.
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: A family history of PCOD and PCOS increases your likelihood of developing it.
- Obesity: Obesity causes excess body weight and contributes to insulin resistance, worsening hormonal imbalances.
- Inflammation: High levels of inflammation stimulate androgen production, exacerbating PCOD.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, poor sleep, and unhealthy diets disrupt hormonal balance.
- High Insulin Levels: Elevated insulin can impair ovulation and lead to higher testosterone production.
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Get A Second OpinionComplications Of PCOD
Higher-than-normal androgen levels in PCOD/PCOS can lead to serious health issues. Here's what to watch for:
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Irregular or heavy periods.
- Infertility: Difficulty in conceiving due to hormonal imbalance.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Caused by insulin resistance.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure linked to PCOD/PCOS.
- Preterm Labor: Increased risk of premature birth.
- Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions and also including high blood sugar, high BP, heart disease and stroke.
- NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis): Severe liver inflammation not related to alcohol.
- Depression and Anxiety: Triggered by symptoms like unwanted hair growth and weight gain.
- Sleep Apnea: Pauses in breathing during sleep, common in overweight women.
- Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial Cancer due to the thickened uterine lining.
- Miscarriage: Higher risk of pregnancy loss.
Diagnosis of PCOD
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:
Physical Examination
Signs of acne, hirsutism, and weight gain.
Tests and Imaging
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels.
- Ultrasound to assess the ovaries and show the thickness of the uterine lining.
- Screening for diabetes and cholesterol levels.
Treatment Of PCOD
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 PCOD 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.
Do’s and Don’ts
A woman with PCOD has to follow sets of do's and don'ts to manage related symptoms. Following these tips will help in decreasing its complications.
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Eat healthy food |
Eat Refined flour and junk foods |
|
Take proper rest |
Do smoking |
|
Regular exercise, yoga, or any physical activity |
Take alcohol or other beverages containing alcohol content. |
|
Maintain a healthy weight |
Take much stress |
|
Take medications on time |
Ignore menstrual cycle abnormalities |
If you follow the above-mentioned tips, it will be easy for you to manage PCOD and Fertility concerns, reducing future complications like infertility.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentAdvanced Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of Gynecologists and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to patients. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of PCOD/PCOS. We have an excellent team of top doctors and women's health specialists who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that brings successful treatment outcomes.
Citations
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PCOD affect fertility?
PCOD can disrupt the normal ovulation process, making it difficult for women to conceive. It may also affect the quality of eggs and hormonal balance needed for pregnancy.
Can PCOD cause weight gain?
Yes, PCOD can lead to weight gain due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Difficulty in managing weight is a common challenge for women with PCOD.
Can women with PCOD get pregnant?
Yes, women with PCOD can get pregnant with the right medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and ovulation management. Early intervention can improve fertility outcomes.
Can stress affect PCOD?
Stress can exacerbate PCOD symptoms by increasing cortisol levels, which further disrupt hormonal balance. Managing stress is important for better PCOD management.
Can PCOD lead to other health problems?
Yes, PCOD can lead to complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and high blood pressure. Long-term health monitoring is essential to prevent these risks.
