What is PCOD?
According to Google, “Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition affecting 5% to 10% of women in the age group 12–45 years. It is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance.
It can cause problems with menstrual periods and make it difficult for her to conceive. The principal features include no ovulation, irregular periods, acne and hirsutism. If not treated it can cause insulin-resistant diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol leading to heart disease.”
CAUSES OF PCOD
- Ordinarily, the ovaries make female sex hormones and a little measure of male sex chemicals (androgens). This assistance controls the ordinary advancement of eggs in the ovaries during each feminine cycle.
- Polycystic ovary condition is identified with unevenness in these sex chemicals. In PCOS, they begin making marginally more androgens. This makes patients quit ovulating, get pimples and develop additional facial and body hair.
- Follicles are sacs inside the ovaries that contain eggs. Typically, at least one eggs are delivered during each period. This is called ovulation.
- In polycystic ovary disorder, the eggs in these follicles don’t develop and are not delivered from the ovaries. All things considered, they can frame little sores in the ovary, consequently the name polycystic ovaries.
- PCOS appears to run in families, so the possibility of having it is higher if different ladies in the family have PCOS, sporadic periods, or diabetes.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Acne
- Weight gain and inconvenience losing more weight
- Excessive hair on the face and body. Frequently ladies get thicker, hazier beard growth and more hair on the chest, tummy, and back.
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Unpredictable periods. Regularly ladies with PCOS have less than nine periods per year. A few ladies have no periods others have substantial dying
- Fertility issues. Numerous ladies who experience PCOS experience issues getting pregnant (infertility)
- Depression
- Examinations like glucose assessment, thyroid chemical tests, ultrasound of the midsection and pelvis are finished. At times serum androgens, luteinising chemical and other chemical assessments might be requested
HOW PCOD IS DIAGNOSED
Doctors typically diagnose PCOD in women who have at least two of these three symptoms:
- high androgen levels
- irregular menstrual cycles
- cysts in the ovaries
Your doctor should also ask whether you’ve had symptoms like acne, face and body hair growth, and weight gain.
A pelvic exam can look for any problems with your ovaries or other parts of your reproductive tract. During this test, your doctor inserts gloved fingers into your vagina and checks for any growths in your ovaries or uterus.
Blood tests check for higher-than-normal levels of male hormones. You might also have blood tests to check your cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels to evaluate your risk for related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to look for abnormal follicles and other problems with your ovaries and uterus.
DIET AND LIFESTYLES TIPS TO TREAT PCOS
Treatment for PCOD for the most part begins with a way of life changes like weight reduction, diet, and exercise.
Losing only 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help control your menstrual cycle and improve PCOD indication. Weight reduction can likewise improve cholesterol levels, lower insulin, and lessen coronary illness and diabetes chances.
Any eating habits that assist you with getting thinner can help your condition. But, a few eating regimens may have benefits over others.
Studies looking at consumes fewer calories for PCOD have tracked down that low-starch eats less are compelling for both weight reduction and bringing down insulin levels. A low glycemic list (low-GI) diet that gets most sugars from natural products, vegetables, and entire grains manages the menstrual cycle better compared to a customary weight reduction diet.
A couple of studies have tracked down that 30 minutes of moderate exercise three days to seven days can assist ladies with PCOD to get more fit. Getting fitter with practice additionally improves ovulation and insulin levels. Exercise is much more valuable when joined with a good eating routine. Diet in addition to practice assists you with losing more weight than, and it brings down your dangers for diabetes and coronary illness.
MYTHS ABOUT PCOD
1. ONLY OVERWEIGHT WOMEN HAVE IT
Women within a normal weight range and underweight women can also have but overweight women are at risk of having it more.
2. THE ONLY TREATMENT IS ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Simple lifestyle changes go a long way while reversing PCOD
3. YOU CAN’T GET PREGNANT
Once your PCOD is reversed, you have chances of getting pregnant.
By Suhaani Hardikar
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