What is polycystic ovary disorder?
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a hormonal condition that affects approximately 5-10% of women in their childbearing age (12 to 45 years). While the prevalence of PCOD varies, it affects approximately 9% to 22% of Indian women. In China and Sri Lanka, the number is around 2% to 7%. In this situation, the hormones of the woman become unbalanced. This leads to various symptoms, including absence of ovulation, irregular menstruation, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism. PCOD, also known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), if left untreated, can lead to health complications like diabetes, obesity, heart disease and high cholesterol.
Common Symptoms of PCOD / PCOS
The early signs and symptoms of PCOD usually develop during the first menstrual cycle at puberty. PCOD can also develop later due to weight gain over the years.
There are many symptoms of PCOD. Some common symptoms are:
- Increased androgen levels – Excess male sex hormones can result in various physical manifestations, such as excess facial and body hair and male-pattern baldness.
- Irregular Periods- You may notice irregular periods or delayed menstruation due to abnormality in the maturation of the egg.
- Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular and delayed or failed ovulation – Abnormal levels of hormones prevent follicles from maturing and releasing an egg, leading to delayed or failed ovulation. This greatly affects the menstrual cycle and thus your periods. Many women are diagnosed with PCOD when they go to the doctor about their unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant.
- Hair loss or excessive thinning of hair- This symptom is also due to the increase in the production of male hormones in the body.
- pimples on skin
- weight gain
What causes polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)?
Family history
There is a 50% chance of PCOD in women whose close female relatives are suffering from PCOD. As you age, this PCOD can lead to type 2 diabetes, as PCOD is a risk factor for developing diabetes. So far, no single gene has been found to cause PCOD, and it may be complex and involve multiple genes.
Insulin resistance and lifestyle
About 70% of women with PCOD have peripheral insulin resistance. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone to help the body use sugar from foods for energy. Insulin resistance causes the cells to be unable to use insulin properly and the body's demand for insulin increases. To compensate, the pancreas makes more insulin.
Factors of insulin resistance:
- Insulin resistance as a result of genetic factors
- Insulin resistance as a result of being overweight (related to diet and inactivity)
- a combination of these two factors
Stimulation
Women with PCOS may have increased levels of inflammation. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation. Studies in PCOD have shown that more inflammation is associated with higher androgen levels.
Weight
Sometimes, being overweight can worsen the symptoms of insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some women with PCOD report that they do not experience symptoms such as menstrual irregularities or excessive hair growth and are at a healthy weight. However, these symptoms appear only after weight gain.
How is PCOD diagnosed?
While there is no specific test to confirm PCOD, your doctor will discuss your medical history and perform a physical exam to confirm the condition. they can then recommend
- a pelvic exam
- blood tests to measure hormone levels
- an ultrasound to check the appearance of your ovaries and uterus
If you are diagnosed with PCOD, your doctor will recommend regular checkups.
What are some problems associated with PCOD?
Some complications can arise from PCOD. These include various diseases and medical conditions, such as
Various metabolic syndromes including high blood pressure, heart disease, raised cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- abortion
- infertility
- gestational diabetes
- sleep apnea
- diabetes type 2
- depression and other mental disorders
- endometrial cancer
- abnormal uterine bleeding
- Untreated acne, showing hormonal problems
- chronic hepatitis
Studies also show that by the age of forty, about fifty percent of women with PCOD develop pre-diabetes or are already diabetic, while many other women of childbearing age develop it. Infertility has to be faced.
Treatment of PCOD?
The cure for PCOD has not yet been determined. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage the condition. Your health care team is likely to follow a multidisciplinary treatment approach for PCOD. This may include gynecologists, endocrinologists, dieticians, infertility specialists, and dermatologists.
One of the most practical ways to manage and keep your symptoms under control is proper weight management. Did you know that even if you can lose 5% of your weight, it will make your treatment easier and more effective? Therefore, women with PCOD must exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. If you have this condition, be sure to cut down on your carbohydrates and sugar and eat more fiber and high protein foods.
Medicines and surgery to treat PCOD.
After consultation, your doctor will recommend various medicines to fix your menstrual cycle. He can prescribe medicines such as
- Combined birth control pill. These pills contain progestin and estrogen that reduce the production of male sex hormones and control your hormones that cause follicles to release eggs, create acne, and cause excess hair growth.
- Progestin therapy. Your doctor will advise you to take progestin for ten to fourteen days every month or two to regulate and correct the menstrual cycle in this medicine.
- immature follicles treatment. Your doctor may also recommend preterm follicle aspiration PCOD treatment to improve your endocrine and reduce the number of follicles in the ovaries, making pregnancy easier.
- Your doctor will prescribe drugs like clomiphene, letrozole, metformin and gonadotrophins to improve ovulation.
- To help reduce hair growth, your doctor will prescribe various birth control pills, spironolactone and eflornithine.
- Although surgery is not the immediate option of choice, your doctor may, in severe cases, perform laparoscopic ovarian drilling, which will help trigger ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary.
Diet for treating PCOD.
While several lifestyle recommendations are suggested for women suffering from PCOD, you are encouraged to follow a PCOD diet with low fat and carbohydrate content. This will prevent a sudden rise in your blood sugar level and help you keep a check on your weight. Foods that can be included are:
- natural, unprocessed food
- Spinach, kale and other leafy vegetables
- foods high in fiber
- Broccoli and Cauliflower
- nuts and legumes
- fish
- Whole grains
- low fat dairy
Which exercises are best for PCOD?
If you are suffering from PCOD, then your first thing to do is to reduce your body mass index (BMI). The different types of exercises you can consider are
- High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- cardiovascular workout
- mind-body exercise
- strength training
- interval training
Conclusion
There is no clear cause of PCOD. However, early detection or diagnosis of PCOD will be constructive in relieving the symptoms as well as reducing the complications involved.
PCOD treatment helps you manage your concerns, including infertility, hirsutism, acne, immature follicles, or obesity. However, specific treatments may involve lifestyle changes or medication.
For more information about PCOD, visit Best Gynecologist in India or book an appointment. You can learn more about PCOD, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?
PCOS is a syndrome in which multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs) develop on both ovaries of women. They are larger and are often composed of immature eggs as well as other secretions. Because of this women have problems in periods. Sometimes they don't have it at all or else they are unreliable and delayed. Usually, it is recognized in adolescents, mostly in the first period itself.
On the other hand, PCOD has similar effects on the ovaries, however, they are milder in nature. Small cysts are formed on the ovaries which may subside within three months (lifestyle changes are needed) and are also less in number. In PCOD, periods are normal and sometimes delayed. PCOD is diagnosed when a woman of childbearing age is not able to conceive.
PCOD is more prevalent than PCOS. About 1/3 of women worldwide have PCOD. PCOS cases are less than PCOD.
PCOD is less likely to cause infertility. In about 80% of PCOD cases, women can become pregnant with a little medical help. PCOS makes pregnancy a little difficult due to hormonal dysfunction.
How to overcome PCOD?
While there is no exact cure for PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disease), you can certainly manage your signs and symptoms for a better outcome. Here are some important points to consider in overcoming PCOD:
Maintaining a healthy weight is the key to managing PCOD. Losing weight can keep your androgen and insulin levels in check while restoring and regulating your ovulation cycle. A dietitian can guide you to achieve this.
Limit your carbohydrate intake. A high carb and low fat diet can increase your insulin levels. A low-carb diet can help you manage your symptoms well. Include complex carbs in your diet. Consult your doctor for better advice.
Exercise regularly. This will keep your blood sugar level under control. In women with PCOD, daily physical activity may help prevent insulin resistance. So, make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
How to prevent PCOD?
In most cases, you cannot prevent PCOD. However, a healthy diet and lifestyle can prevent potential complications. Read through the points given below:
Are you overweight? If so, try to reduce those extra pounds. It will improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels while regularizing your menstrual cycle and restoring fertility.
Do you have diabetes, or are you pre-diabetic? If yes, contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe medications to maintain insulin sensitivity and manage other symptoms.
Do you take birth control pills? Be sure to consult your doctor before taking birth control pills. Remember, only a doctor can give you the right advice.
Are you facing problem in conceiving? If yes, then consult a fertility specialist. He may prescribe medications or alternatives like a surgical procedure to induce ovulation.
How to reduce PCOD?
There are three key things to remember when managing the symptoms of PCOD. they:
Keep your body weight in a healthy range. It helps restore ovulation by keeping androgen and insulin levels under control.
Daily Exercise. If you have PCOD or PCOS, exercising daily will ensure that your body weight is under control. When your weight is appropriate, your body can avoid many health complications and risks, which it otherwise fails to prevent.
Take a balanced and healthy diet. If you are unsure of what to eat and what not to eat, you can always consult a dietician to help you with weight control and a healthy diet as per your weight loss plan.
How to control PCOD?
PCOD is a hormonal disorder that can cause the ovaries to enlarge and a small cyst to form on the outer edge. The cause of this disease is not yet fully understood. However, several genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to its development.
The best ways to control PCOD through lifestyle changes are:
Your doctor may recommend that you lose weight through a low-calorie diet plan with moderate exercise. Losing weight will improve your health. It is effective in PCOD and to avoid infertility.
Cut down on carbs. Remove them if not necessary. Low-fat and high-carbohydrate diets create a higher insulin risk. Opt for complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbs. This will ensure that your blood sugar level rises slowly and gradually.
Keep yourself active. If you do this then your blood sugar level will remain under control. PCOS and daily activities must go hand in hand to prevent diabetes and control weight.
How to cure PCOD problems naturally?
There are many ways to treat polycystic ovarian disease naturally. You can easily follow them at home without spending much.
Exercise is the most useful and beneficial activity of the day. It balances the hormones in our blood and keeps heart problems and diabetes at bay. Not to mention that it also reduces stress, one of the causes of PCOD.
Weight loss has been proven to reduce the symptoms and risk of developing metabolic syndrome and hormone-related disorders. Reducing just 5% body fat can go a long way in getting relief from PCOD.
Dietary changes are advised to avoid developing insulin resistance or diabetes due to PCOD. You should eat a high fiber diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar and junk food.
Dietary supplements are recommended as they are seen to improve the symptoms of PCOD. Take a selenium supplement, omega-3-fish oil, chromium, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, vitamin D plus calcium, and inositol.
How to get rid of PCOD?
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal disorder that mainly affects women, causing enlarged ovaries with many small cysts on the outer edges. Excessive hair growth, obesity, acne and irregular menstruation are some of its symptoms. Although a direct and quick treatment for PCOD has not yet been determined, a multidisciplinary approach including lifestyle and dietary modifications is popular to manage individual concerns, infertility, acne, and obesity.
The best way to control this condition is proper weight management. Apart from controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, even a 5% weight loss can reverse the hormonal discrepancy to a great extent. Medical help to lower blood sugar levels, restoration of fertility and regular menstruation, effective treatment of acne, and prevention of endometrial cancer are other measures that help eliminate PCOD.
How to cure PCOD problem at home?
Maintaining a healthy weight, making lifestyle and dietary changes, and staying active are the best ways to manage PCOD. Apart from these, you can try to cure PCOD problems at home through the following:
- Eating the right foods and eliminating certain ingredients from your diet can help you manage your PCOD symptoms.
- Focus on healthy foods as they do not contain preservatives, chemicals, hormones and artificial sugars. Include more fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains in your diet while avoiding processed food products.
- Make sure to have a healthy portion of protein in your diet.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet including green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, olives, tree nuts, fatty fish such as tuna and mackerel.
- Eat iron-rich foods including broccoli, spinach, dates and eggs.
- Magnesium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, almonds and cashews are PCOS-friendly. Add these too.
- Consume high fiber diet including beans, lentils, pears, broccoli etc.
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