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Updated on 17 June 2022
According to various research and studies, it is said that 20% of Indian women suffer from PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease. That means every one out of five women suffers from PCOD across the globe. Women diagnosed with PCOS produce elevated levels of male hormones compared to those with PCOD. This hormonal imbalance leads to irregular menstrual cycles and reduced fertility. Additionally, PCOS can result in conditions such as diabetes, infertility, acne, and excessive hair growth due to its unpredictable hormonal effects. In this article lets us understand PCOD symptoms and Treatment and Causes.
PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease, a medical condition wherein, the women’s ovaries generate premature eggs. The eggs further develop themselves into cysts. An important thing to note here is that the increase in the male hormone (androgen) results in the creation of follicular cysts. This causes an irregular release of the eggs in the ovaries.
PCOD primarily influences the ovaries in a negative way. Every woman has two ovaries that undertake the production of estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also release Androgen, which is a male hormone. PCOD disbalances this process, thereby leading to an abnormal release of androgen. Here are the common PCOD signs and PCOD symptoms of the same.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, then you have PCOD. It is advised to consult a doctor in case you showcase any of these symptoms. Let us now look at the causes of PCOD.
The exact PCOD causes are not clear to anyone. Many doctors are of the view that PCOD can either be genetic or environmental. PCOD is caused due to the following reasons.
In most cases of PCOD, the condition primarily runs in the family, and most of the time it’s genetic. But there are several other physiological causes as well. So, let us have a look at them!
PCOD can be caused due to any of these reasons. But once you know the cause, it is important to treat them as well. Here is how one can treat PCOD.
PCOD Treatment involves both lifestyle changes as well as medications. There is no other cure for this condition but managing your lifestyle can contribute to a great extent. Here’s how!
However, there are some Medication and Surgical options as well. Let us have a look at them.
So, this is how one can treat PCOD. PCOD is an incurable disease. At the most, it can be treated through the above-mentioned ways.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and specific criteria. To diagnose PCOS, the following steps are generally taken:
The gynecologist may suggest further tests to assess for potential complications. These could involve:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) are complex endocrine disorders that can significantly impact a woman's health and well-being. Both conditions are characterized by hormonal imbalances, including higher-than-normal androgen levels, which can lead to a range of complications requiring medical attention.
While there is no cure for PCOS there are some home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Consult a healthcare professional before trying any remedies. Here are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that might be helpful:
Women diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS should consistently monitor their health to prevent potential future complications. If left untreated, PCOD can contribute to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and various mental health issues due to hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, for those with PCOS, serious complications may arise, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, endometrial cancer, and pregnancy-related concerns like premature birth, preeclampsia, and miscarriage. Therefore, regular health monitoring and appropriate medical management are essential to mitigate the risks associated with these conditions and ensure a healthier future for affected women.
Now, it is essential to note that PCOD does not turn into ovarian cancer. You need to follow a proper diet, do exercises, and have medications in order to balance the hormones in the body. Millions of women suffer from PCOD. If you are one of them, then it is important to take preventive measures from now on!
Aspect |
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) |
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) |
Definition |
A condition characterized by multiple small cysts in the ovaries. |
A broader syndrome involving cysts in ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles, and hormonal imbalances. |
Cysts |
Multiple small cysts in the ovaries. |
Presence of ovarian cysts is a part of the syndrome. |
Hormonal Imbalances |
May cause irregular menstrual cycles due to ovulatory dysfunction. |
Involves hormonal imbalances beyond cysts, such as elevated androgen levels (male hormones) and insulin resistance. |
Symptoms |
Irregular periods, fertility issues, acne, excessive facial hair growth (hirsutism), and weight gain. |
Irregular periods, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, potential fertility problems, and other metabolic issues. |
Scope |
Primarily focused on ovarian cysts and menstrual irregularities. |
Encompasses a wider range of hormonal and metabolic issues, often affecting multiple body systems. |
Diagnosis |
Based on ultrasound findings showing cysts in ovaries and irregular menstrual cycles. |
Based on a combination of symptoms, physical exams, blood tests (hormone levels), and imaging tests (ultrasound). |
Treatment |
Management often involves regulating menstrual cycles and managing symptoms. |
Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, hormonal medications (birth control pills), insulin-sensitizing medications, and fertility treatments if required. |
PCOS disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and complicates fertility, affecting 70 to 80 percent of women with the condition (Source: 18). It also raises the likelihood of pregnancy complications. Women with PCOS face double the risk of delivering prematurely compared to those without the condition. Additionally, they are at increased risk of miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes (Source: 19).
Despite these challenges, women with PCOS can enhance their chances of conception through fertility treatments that stimulate ovulation. Making lifestyle changes such as weight loss and managing blood sugar levels can also improve the prospects of a healthy pregnancy.
It's advisable to seek medical attention if:
PCOD cannot be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.
Stress doesn't directly cause PCOD, but it can exacerbate symptoms or contribute to hormonal imbalances, potentially worsening PCOD symptoms.
PCOD can start after a girl gets her first menstrual period (menarche), typically during puberty, but symptoms might become noticeable later in life.
Yes, women with PCOD can still conceive, but they might face challenges due to irregular ovulation. Fertility treatments and lifestyle changes can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOD/ PCOS due to hormonal imbalances. However, not all individuals with PCOD/ PCOS will experience weight gain.
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. PCOS is a more severe form of the condition, involving hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems along with ovarian cysts.
Yes, you can still get periods with PCOD, but they might be irregular or less frequent.
PCOD cannot be cured permanently, but its symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical care.
Yes, PCOD can affect periods, causing them to be irregular, infrequent, or sometimes heavier than usual.
Stress is not a direct cause of PCOD, but it can exacerbate the condition by affecting hormonal balance and overall health.
Foods good for PCOD include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.
PCOD is affected by hormones such as insulin, androgens (male hormones), and sometimes, an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone.
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