Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is more commonly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which affects 5-10%  of women of reproductive age across the world. 

What do we need to know about PCOD?

The medical condition pertains to a formation of numerous follicle cysts (small fluid-filled sacs)  inside the ovaries. Sometimes, women with this condition also secrete abnormal amounts of androgens or male sex hormones which are otherwise present in small amounts in women.  

One of the major features of this problem include irregular periods. 

To seek treatment, you can consult any of the gynecology doctors in Bangalore. Or you can search online for gynecology doctors near me.

What are the possible causes of PCOD?

Direct causes are yet to be known. Some possible ones are:

• PCOD can be caused by abnormal hormone levels, particularly male hormone (androgens) levels.
• PCOD is also said to run in families and is likely to be genetic, so if your mother has it, there are chances that you might be diagnosed with the condition as well. 
• Several women with PCOD also have high levels of insulin. When the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin it is termed as insulin resistance which eventually leads to higher than normal insulin levels. Several women with PCOD suffer from insulin resistance especially those who are overweight or have unhealthy eating habits.

What are the common symptoms of PCOD?

While few women start noticing symptoms of the condition from their first period itself, for others the condition becomes evident during their teenage years or mid-twenties.

• Irregular or no periods at all - As there is limited ovulation, it does not allow the uterine lining to shed every month leading to erratic periods. In certain cases women get less than 8-10 periods a year or sometimes none at all. 
• Fertility problems - As there is very limited and irregular ovulation, it can lead to problems while trying to conceive. 
• Hair growth - Excessive hair on the face, chest belly and on the back, apart from thinning of scalp hair
• Acne - Excessive male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on the face and chest as well as on the upper back.
• Weight gain - Women with PCOD often find it difficult to lose weight.

When do you need to see a doctor?

In case you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention so that the symptoms can be managed. Let your doctor know about your medical history so that proper diagnosis and timely detection can be possible. You will be referred to a specialist such as an endocrinology doctor or a gynecology surgeon for further assessment. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is PCOD diagnosed?

Your doctor will probably ask you about your symptoms to rule out any other problem/condition and check your blood pressure.
There is no particular test to diagnose PCOD but to eliminate the possibility of any other issues your gynecologist will recommend a number of hormone tests and a physical exam.
You will need to get:

• A variety of hormone tests to check the level of excessive hormone production (androgens) in the body. This will help in eliminating the possibility of any other hormone-related issues or common health problems like thyroid disease.
• Your doctor may also check your blood glucose level as well as cholesterol just to be sure before the final diagnosis. 
• A pelvic ultrasound test examines the size of your ovaries  and looks for cysts in order to check the endometrium (i.e. the lining of the uterus).

What kind of treatment is required to control/cure PCOD?

• For women with PCOD, a  healthy diet and physical activity can help you lose weight and also reduce your symptoms. These changes help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels and may help you ovulate.
• In case you are trying to conceive, your gynecologist will provide you with medication that will help the ovaries release eggs normally and on time.
• Birth control pills or progesterone pills is another medication used to treatPCOS - these will regularize your menstrual cycle and also help in reducing acne.
• Diabetes medicines are used to lower insulin levels in PCOD and also reduce hair growth.

Conclusion

Imbalance in hormones affects women in many ways and PCOD is one of the many conditions related to it. An early diagnosis will help in managing the symptoms and reduce further health risks posed by PCOD.