Do you know that over 5%-10% of women in the age group 12-45 years have either PCOD or PCOS? What are PCOD and PCOS? These are medical conditions that are associated with the female reproductive system, especially the ovaries.
Disruption in the normal functioning of the reproductive system due to certain factors causes symptoms that affect physical and mental health. These are conditions that require immediate medical attention to help curb the symptoms and reduce the effects in the long run. Let’s get to know more about PCOD and PCOS, its cause, symptoms, and treatments.
What’s PCOD
Every female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, and every month one of the ovaries releases an egg alternatively. Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a condition where multiple cysts develop in the ovaries leading to issues relating to the functioning of ovaries and the release of the required reproductive hormones, affecting the body in different ways.
PCOD is mostly seen in young adults, and therefore is important to be diagnosed as early as possible to seek the best medical help. Almost one-third of women around the globe suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease.
Causes of PCOD
An unhealthy lifestyle in the early stages of menarche involving reduced importance to balanced diet and exercise are sometimes found to cause PCOD. But the real cause of PCOD is hasn’t been detected yet.
Moreover, it’s also associated with the production of male hormones and insulin in excess levels, which disturbs the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Unnatural conditions like pollution can also harm the body leading to PCOD in females.
Symptoms of PCOD
Symptoms of PCOD vary for different women; some might have many symptoms, while some might experience very few or none at times. Here are few common symptoms associated with PCOD:
- Irregular periods
- Increase in weight; especially around the waist
- Unwanted facial hair
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Stubborn acne
- Hair loss
- Pigmentation on the skin, especially around the neck
Treatments
PCOD is a condition that does not have a complete cure in one go. But it can be highly managed and controlled. Major lifestyle changes are recommended if you are still on an unhealthy binge of fast food and chocolates.
A well-balanced diet with good importance to proteins and fiber includes leafy vegetables, fruits, egg, etc. Moreover, it’s always best to be engaged in proper exercise to help manage the weight and thereby improve the health of the body and its functioning. Based on the symptoms, the treatment methods can vary from person to person.
- Oral medications are prescribed to help maintain the hormone levels facilitating regular periods.
- Skin conditions are treated with a consultation with a dermatologist.
- Laser treatments are recommended for the removal of excessive hair growth
- In case of fertility issues, treatments in consultation with a fertility expert are considered.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is also a condition associated with the reproductive system, but the severity of the condition is more as compared to PCOD. PCOS is generally characterized by prolonged or less frequent menstrual periods. It has severe effects on menstrual health, from irregular periods to painful crams. The development of fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries prevents the release of eggs. In addition, an excessive release of male hormones like androgen in the female body disrupts the normal functioning of the reproductive system causing varying symptoms.
Causes
PCOS is an endocrine disorder, which means it disrupts the normal functioning of other body systems. Women with PCOS also have insulin resistance. Insulin is responsible for breaking down the sugar to be used up as energy. PCOS reduces the function of insulin, forcing the pancreas to release more insulin than the normal level.
This can cause serious issues like the onset of type 2 diabetes and even cause other issues in the body if not taken care of at the earliest stage. Moreover, genetics also play an important part in PCOS. If there is a history of PCOS in the family, it’s more likely to be seen in the coming women generation too. There are also chances of low-grade inflammation for women with PCOS, which stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens causing other bodily issues.
Symptoms
- Occurrence of menstrual periods once in 2-4 months; Irregular periods
- Severe cramps
- Obesity
- Excessive hair fall with approaching baldness
- Excessive body hair growth
- Acne and oily skin
- High pigmentation
- Increased mood swings
- Depression
- Infertility
Severe cases of PCOS can cause complications like Metabolic syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, etc.
Treatments
PCOS treatment is highly dependent on the age, severity, symptoms, pregnancy plan, etc. Moreover, due to the higher risks for diabetics, the treatment also includes medications for it. Eating healthy and reducing weight can highly determine the progress of the treatment.
Also, in case if you are not planning to become pregnant, then birth control pills will be prescribed to help control the hormone levels. Medications are also prescribed to help manage the symptoms.
How are PCOD and PCOS diagnosed?
A pelvic examination is usually recommended to check the health of the reproductive system. In addition to it, other tests are also conducted to confirm PCOS and PCOD, which includes-
- Ultrasound – Ultrasound provides clear images of the interior of the reproductive systems. It also enables checking the size of the ovary, presence of cysts, or any abnormalities.
- Blood test – A blood test is usually conducted to understand the levels of different hormones in the body. Especially androgen, progesterone, and estrogen.
Conclusion
Though not fatal at most times, it is important to understand that PCOD and PCOS affect not only the reproductive health but also the normal functioning of a body. It’s always best to have a regular checkup with your gynecologist so that early diagnosis of these can help cure it without any major effects on the body. Always understand that staying healthy helps to keep your body fit and keeps the functioning of various systems in the right order.
Eat a healthy balanced diet and reduce the intake of carbohydrates and sugars. Drink plenty of water to regulate the body temperature and improve circulation. Never skip the medications and always have a follow-up. The general taboo of, Women with PCOS cannot lead a happy life is wrong. Believe in the process, and you will get the best results.
