PCOD 

PCOD  Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

PCOD 

Every month, one egg matures from either of your ovaries (ovulation), and in the absence of pregnancy, it is followed by menstruation. Ovaries naturally produce hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgen (male sex hormone). 

In some females, the ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs during ovulation, caused by hormonal imbalance. Such eggs turn into cysts and lead to a condition termed Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). Due to the formation of cysts, the ovaries become larger and produce a large amount of androgen. This results in irregular menstruation, abdominal weight gain, infertility, and male pattern hair growth.

What Are the Symptoms of PCOD?

Women start noticing the symptoms of PCOD around their menstrual cycles, such as:

1. Irregular menstruation due to lack of regular ovulation
2. Heavy bleeding since uterine lining builds up for a longer time
3. Hair growth and male pattern baldness
4. Acne
5. Abdominal weight gain
6. Headaches

Causes of PCOD

 Other than family history, there could be many factors resulting in PCOD in females, like:

1. There are many genes associated with PCOD that you might inherit from your parents.
2. If your cells become resistant to insulin action, the blood sugar levels in your body increase, amplifying androgen (male hormone) production.
3. If your ovaries produce more than the usual amount of androgen, it can result in acne and male pattern baldness.
4. If you have low-grade inflammation, then it may stimulate polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.

When to See a Doctor?

You must visit your doctor if your periods are irregular and you are experiencing infertility. In case of unusual hair growth and male pattern baldness, the doctor will perform tests to detect PCOD. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Diagnosis of PCOD 

While diagnosing PCOD, the doctor focuses on symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, cysts in your ovaries, high androgen levels, and body hair growth. Various diagnostic tests used to detect PCOD are:

1. Physical examination – It includes checking signs of hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance. 
2. Pelvic examination – It helps in the assessment of ovaries and uterus. 
3. Blood tests – Blood tests help to check the level of male hormones, cholesterol level, insulin, and triglyceride levels in your body. 
4. Ultrasound – Ultrasound waves help look out for cysts in the ovaries and problems in the uterus. 

How Is PCOD Treated?

While treating PCOD, the doctor focuses on lowering the blood sugar level, treating hirsutism, restoring fertility and fertility, and preventing endometrial cancer in females. Various treatments available for PCOD are:

1. Medications like Metformin decrease insulin resistance and regulate ovulation.
2. The menstrual cycle will become regular after the prescription of progesterone-containing birth control pills.
3. Clomiphene citrate helps in regulating ovulation in females.
4. Laser hair removal can help you get rid of unwanted hair from your body.
5. Ovarian drilling procedure restores regular ovulation by making tiny holes in your ovaries. 

Risks or Complications Associated With PCOD 

It is imperative to treat PCOD on time since there are several risks associated with it in females:

1. Risk of endometrial cancer and breast cancer
2. Obesity
3. High blood pressure
4. Diabetes
5. Infertility
6. High cholesterol level
7. Sleep apnea
8. Stroke
9. Miscarriage
10. Anxiety and depression

Conclusion

PCOD is one of the most challenging diseases to afflict women since it affects their health and daily life to a great extent. There is no cure for the disease, but with the help of some treatments, other disorders associated with it like irregular periods, acne, hormonal imbalance can be cured. It is essential to get yourself diagnosed early by your doctor if you observe such symptoms.