PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease

PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease Treatment & Diagnostics in Chunni Ganj, Kanpur

PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a common condition that affects women in the age group of 12-45 years. It affects about 5-10% of women in this age group.

It is a condition of hormonal imbalance which can cause problems for women during menstrual periods and can make it difficult for them to conceive.

What is PCOD?

Also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that results in enlarged ovaries with small cysts around them. ‘Polycystic’ means many cysts. It is common among women of reproductive age.

The ovaries produce an abnormal amount of the male hormone which results in irregular or prolonged menstrual periods, acne, weight gain, excessive body hair. PCOS may also cause difficulty in conceiving as the polycystic ovaries may not develop follicles and release eggs regularly.

PCOS causes cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male hormone production, and irregular periods.

What are the symptoms of PCOD?

Some women experience the symptoms during their first period cycle and others only realize that they have PCOD when the symptoms have gotten severe, they’ve gained a lot of weight, or have trouble getting pregnant. Common symptoms of PCOD are:

• Irregular periods- prolonged or infrequent menstrual cycles are caused because the lack of ovulation prevents the shedding of the uterine lining every month.
• Heavy bleeding during periods. Due to the irregularity, the uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time leading to heavier periods than usual.
• Excessive hair growth of face and body
• Acne due to the imbalance in the male hormone produced which is more than usual in women who have PCOD
• Weight gain and trouble in losing it
• Hair thinning on the scalp causing male pattern baldness
• Darkening of the skin increases like the neck or groin area or under the breasts
• Headaches
• Fertility issues

Women may experience all or only a few of the above-mentioned symptoms. On visiting your gynecologist, more tests to determine sugar levels, thyroid, and ultrasounds might be done to rule out any other symptoms you might experience.

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What are the causes of PCOD?

There are no specific reasons that can cause PCOD but there are some factors that might lead up to it:

• The ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgen which is the male hormone. This causes hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne.
• PCOD can be genetic in some women. Genetic correlation may exist in women who have PCOS.
• Excessive production of insulin- insulin is produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels in the human body. During PCOD a woman’s body may become insulin resistant which means that the amount of insulin produced is not being used. Excess insulin leads to more production of the male hormone causing hirsutism, acne, and difficulty in conceiving.
• Presence of low-grade inflammation in the body, which leads to again more production of androgen.
• An unhealthy lifestyle can also be a contributing factor.

When should you see a doctor?

A gynecologist should be consulted if you are experiencing irregular periods or any of the other symptoms during your periods. You are experiencing weight gain and have difficulty losing it. Hair growth on your face and body. If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months and failing, contact your doctor immediately.

Complications of PCOD

• Infertility or difficulty in conceiving
• Miscarriage and premature births
• Chances of getting endometrial cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• Obesity-related health problems like blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions

How can PCOD be treated?

PCOD can be treated and controlled by making lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes like keeping a check on body weight, regular exercise, and diet regulation can be beneficial. Medication for regular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalance can be given. Birth control pills can also be prescribed. No medication should be taken without consultation.

Conclusion:

PCOS is a condition common among women which causes irregular period cycles, fertility issues among women in their childbearing age. A high level of production of the male hormone causes excessive hair growth and acne.

Lifestyle changes to keep body weight and diet in check and medication can help keep it under control.