Understanding PCOD- Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

PCOD stands for Poly Cystic Ovary Disease. This condition affects the ovaries in women by causing cysts. This leads to a hormonal imbalance with the body producing more male hormones than needed. The hormonal imbalance leads to problems in menstruation and fertility apart from other issues. Women with PCOS may have irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, as well as high levels of the male hormone androgen. The ovaries may produce a large number of tiny collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to release eggs regularly. If left untreated, PCOD can cause more serious problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Causes of PCOD

In PCOD, many small sacs fill up with fluid inside the ovaries. Each of these contains an immature egg that never triggers ovulation. The absence of ovulation leads to a hormonal imbalance with a high release of male hormones. Research hasn’t pointed out the exact reasons why PCOD problems happen. However, certain factors contribute to it. They are:

•            Genetic makeup

•            Insulin Resistance

•            Obesity

•            High levels of inflammation

•            Excess insulin

•            Excess androgen

Symptoms of PCOD

•            Irregular or missing periods

•            Severe Acne

•            Feeling Fatigued

•            High Testosterone Levels

•            Skin Discolouration

•            Hair Thinning

•            Mood Swings

•            Ovarian Cysts

•            Weight Gain or Obesity

•            Abnormal Facial Hair

Complications due to PCOD

Infertility

PCOD causes infertility as it reduces the frequency of ovulation in the body.

Diabetes

PCOD causes insulin resistance in the body leading to diabetes.

Heart Disease

PCOD increases the blood pressure in the body leading to vulnerability towards heart problems.

Endometrial Cancer

Because there is delayed ovulation, the body experiences a thickening of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. This increases the odds of getting endometrial cancer.

Depression

Many women suffer from depression due to hormonal imbalances in the body.

Treatment of PCOD

While there is no cure for PCOD, the treatment aims to manage the symptoms and improve overall health. The treatment options for PCOD may include:

•            Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help regulate hormones and improve insulin sensitivity.

•            Hormonal Birth Control: Oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and help control symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth.

•            Anti-Androgen Medications: Medications that block the effects of androgens can help reduce symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

•            Fertility Treatments: Women trying to conceive may benefit from fertility medications or assisted reproductive techniques to induce ovulation.

•            Management of Other Symptoms: Additional treatments may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as acne, hair growth, or weight loss.

Conclusion

PCOD is a condition that has no cure. But with proper care and treatment, it can be curved. Visit Health Village Hospital, the best multispecialty hospital in Bhubaneswar to get relief from PCOD and gynaecological issues.