PCOD: Its Complications, Causes, and Treatment

Do you know that about 10% of women worldwide suffer from PCOD? 

Regretfully, it is a fairly common disease, but one with no exact cure. 

Alarming, Right? Owing to the detrimental work-life culture, India’s reproductive age group is constantly suffering from infertility issues compared to earlier. One of the major reasons is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). 

What is PCOD? 

It is a medical condition in which, during reproductive age, the ovaries of a woman generate immature or partially mature eggs, which develop into cysts in the ovaries over time. 

Due to the cysts in the ovaries, they become large and release high amounts of androgens (male hormones), resulting in infertility issues in women. Also, they suffer from abnormal menstruation, unexplained weight gain, and other health concerns. 

How is PCOD different from PCOS? 

Despite the fact that PCOD and PCOS sound similar, there are critical differences between them, including: 

Difference	PCOS	PCOD
Definition	Polycystic ovarian syndrome occurs when the ovaries produce abnormal amounts of male sex hormones. (androgens)	Polycystic ovarian disease occurs due to the overproduction of immature eggs in the ovaries.
Impact on Fertility	Risk of miscarriage and premature babies.	Delayed pregnancy and less likely to impact fertility.
Complications	Diabetes, heart ailments, and hypertension	No severe health conditions
Treatment	Only cured with hormonal medicine	Easily treated with lifestyle changes
Morbidity in India	Approximately 9.13% of women go through PCOS.	Around 22.5% of women suffer from PCOD.

Significant causes of PCOD problems in women

PCOD, or polycystic ovary disease, is a complicated problem where hormones in a female body go crazy. 

As such, there is no clear-cut cause detected by gynecologists for the PCOD problem; however, there are five major factors responsible for this female problem, such as 

1. Family History: Patients with a family history of PCOD are much more likely to develop the condition. 
2. Overproduction of Insulin: The excess insulin production in a female body might increase androgen production, which creates problems with ovulation. 
3. Lifestyle Habits: The regular consumption of junk food over a balanced diet, little or no physical activity, smoking, and drinking hint towards a poor lifestyle, resulting in insulin irregularities. Hence, this may further develop PCOD in women. 
4. Higher levels of androgen: Commonly known as the male hormones, the higher levels of androgens in females can lead to excessive facial and body hair, acne breakouts, irregular or absent periods, skin problems, and cardiovascular diseases. 
5. Over-the-Counter Medicines: There are certain over-the-counter medicines that can cause hormonal imbalances in women.

Females who are diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS should monitor their health regularly to avoid any complications in the future.

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/womens-reproductive-health/pcod-vs-pcos-its-causes-its-symptoms-and-treatment-in-india/ 

What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD in women?

Although the symptoms of PCOD vary, some girls experience PCOD with the onset of their first menstrual period. However, there are some other symptoms that immediately call for medical attention.

5 common symptoms of PCOD in females: 

1. Amenorrhea: the absence of menstrual periods. It begins when a girl has not had a period by the age of fifteen. It can be caused by emotional stress, poor nutrition, medications, or reproductive disorders. 
2. Missed or irregular periods: when periods last for many days or involve missing periods or not having a period at all. You may also experience heavy bleeding.
3. Irregularities in bodies: You should get a diagnosis for PCOD when you see acne growth and male-pattern baldness. 
4. Polycystic ovaries: It is a condition in which ovaries in a female body produce androgens that are usually present in small amounts. 
5. Unexplained or sudden weight gain: Individuals with PCOD have higher testosterone levels, contributing to weight gain. This further increases their appetite for high-calorie foods and fat deposits around the abdomen. 

The symptoms of PCOD can be worse, putting women at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and mental issues due to hormonal imbalances. 

4 Helpful Ways to Diagnose PCOD 

Females with signs and symptoms of PCOD should consult with medical experts in order to monitor their hormone levels and determine how effective the problem and treatment options are. 

1. Blood Test: Your doctor may ask you for a blood test for androgen levels, which tend to be higher in women with PCOD. He or she may also inquire about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and the use of any medications on a regular basis. 
2. Ultrasound Examination: During the imaging test or ultrasound examination, the doctor moves a wand around your ovaries, uterus, and the associated reproductive organs. It helps them discover abnormalities or unwanted outgrowths.
3. Pelvic Test: It is a physical examination that is usually done during the initial consultation with your healthcare provider. It involves checking the reproductive organs and the surrounding area to diagnose cysts, masses, and abnormal growth in the pelvic region.
4. Mental Health Screening: The mental health screening is helpful to rule out the signs of anxiety and depression that often lead to hormonal imbalances in the body. 

In addition to these tests, your doctor may also like to monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and perform screening for obstructive sleep apnea to diagnose the actual cause of PCOD. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/womens-reproductive-health/pcod-and-pcos-difference-different-conditions-similar-challenges/

What is the most effective treatment for a PCOD problem in females?

You need not worry if you are diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS, as treatment is very much possible depending on the severity of the condition. However, a comprehensive understanding of PCOS and the signs and symptoms of PCOD will solve more than half of your problem. 

5 Crucial Steps in PCOD Treatment in Women Include: 

1. Improve your lifestyle: Keep yourself physically active. Letting go of your sedentary lifestyle and incorporating healthier ways will surely help PCOD women with their weight management. 
2. Balanced Diet: Women who undergo PCOD or PCOS should make dietary adjustments to control the symptoms of PCOD. They should include fruits daily in their diet and eat foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates.
3. Progestin Therapy: It is a 10- to 14-day program, usually recommended for women with irregular periods who are at risk of endometrial cancer. Undergoing the treatment will help regulate their ovulation process and bring their periods back on track.
4. Birth Control Pills: Your doctor might suggest birth control pills to regulate androgen production.
5. Medication supporting Ovulation: The intake of medications such as clomiphene, gonadotropins, metformin, and letrozole can reduce insulin resistance, stimulate the ovaries, and regulate the menstrual cycles. 

There is no specific cause of PCOD. If you suspect or are experiencing symptoms related to PCOD, you should consult with a top gynecologist and fertility expert for symptom relief or a decrease in consequences. 

Take Away:

You are not alone in suffering from PCOD and PCOS. One in five women experience the PCOD problem before or after marriage. Both of these problems are complicated hormonal issues that negatively affect the ability of a woman to experience motherhood and her overall health. However, adopting an improved lifestyle and healthy habits can assure you of a peaceful and happy motherhood.