PCOD Full Form is Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder involving infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods, and often excess male hormone (androgen) levels.

What is PCOD?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or also known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)is a condition in which the female’s ovaries are affected. It has been found that over 10% of the female population is currently dealing with PCOD.

The woman who is suffering from PCOD, will have a condition in which her ovaries will start to produce underdeveloped eggs. These eggs in future take the form of cysts inside the ovaries, but the increment of the male hormones (androgen) produces the follicular cysts in the ovary every month. Because of this the woman starts to have anovulation and starts to have difficulty in normal release of eggs.

Problems caused by PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease):

The symptoms of PCOD affect a woman’s physical and mental health very harshly. It has been found that women who are dealing with PCOD tends to develop serious mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies etc. That’s is why it’s a must that the early diagnosis of PCOD should happen at all cost, to avoid all these mental and physical complications associated with it, which will increase by the time.

Many women who have PCOD just feel very much disheartened and lifeless, they experience things like;

  • Mood swings
  • Poor or negative social interactions
  • Lack of self worth
  • Low confidence in self expression
  • Eating and sleeping disorders
  • Lack of inspiration

What are the symptoms of PCOD/ PCOS?

PCOD mainly impacts the ovaries. The ovaries belong to the reproductive system of the woman. Every woman has a pair of ovaries and these discharge egg cells (also known as ova). Ovaries produce two important female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. They also produce male hormone known as androgen. Because of PCOD, the balanced secretion of these hormones will be disturbed and excessive male hormone tends to occur.

Some of the common symptoms of PCOD are as follows;

  • Irregular or untimely menstrual cycles.
  • Excessive bleeding during periods
  • Increase in body hair
  • Pimples
  • Baldness or excessive hair fall
  • Problem in pregnancy
  • Weight gain
  • Change of color around the neck
  • Difficulty in sleeping properly
  • Depressive tendencies

What Causes PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)?

It’s still mystery as what is the exact cause of PCOD. In medical researches it has been found that PCOD can be genetic and also can be metabolic.

Here are some reasons that can cause PCOD;

  • improper feeding habits
  • Lack of movement or exercise
  • Excessive pollution
  • Hormonal medications
  • Side effects of some medicines and supplements.

In a lot of cases, it is in the family history and is considered totally a genetic disease. It has been discovered that some of physiological causes tends to increase the possibility of PCOD;

  • Too much insulin production: Insulin is a naturally produced hormone which is generated in the pancreas. It helps the body in maintenance of healthy sugar levels in the blood. But if the excess production of insulin helps this also leads to increase in male hormone androgen in the female body, which is a key factor that leads to PCOD.
  • Inflammation in the body: There are many physiological reasons which can increase inflammation in the body. Some minor kinds of autoimmune illnesses can also be a reason for this inflammation in the body.
  • Increase in Androgen Levels: The male hormonal increase in the woman is the primary and most common cause for PCOD, which can be visible with the symptoms like growth in facial hairs, too much acne, skin related issues and various cardiovascular diseases.

What is the method to diagnose PCOD?

Diagnosis is the necessary step in dealing with problems associated with PCOD. The gynecologist will investigate the patient physically and also look at the history of all the symptoms carefully. And after that these are the few tests will be recommended:

  • Blood tests: Blood tests will be done, to identify the levels of insulin, blood sugar, cholesterol and hormonal condition.
  • Ultrasound of pelvic region: the purpose of this test is to check for the cysts in the ovaries and to check the lining of the uterus.

Types of Treatments for PCOD patient:

There are many types of medications given to the PCOD patient depending on her symptoms and in rare extreme cases doctors suggest surgery.

The medicines used for treatment are:

  • Progestin: this is used for the correction of amenorrhea or non-existence of periods.
  • Birth control medicines: many of the birth control medicines have estrogen and progesterone in them and that’s why it can help in reduction of androgen.
  • Letrozole and clomiphene: these medicines help in fighting against anovulation.
  • Metformin: this is the primary medicine for balancing the blood sugar levels and also helps in weight management.
  • Immature follicle aspiration:  helps in the reduction of immature or underdeveloped follicles, hence making the ovulation process better.

In very rare cases there is a surgical treatment given to the patient, which is called Laparoscopic ovarian drilling, it helps with reduction of male hormone in the ovaries.

FAQs: PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

Question 1. Is there any way to cure PCOD permanently?

Answer1. Unfortunately, PCOD can’t be cured permanently, only the symptoms can be managed.

Question 2. Are dairy products prohibited in PCOD?

Answer2. There is no such harmful effects of consumption of dairl products found in PCOD patient, but it’s better to use them in moderation.

Question 3. What types of foods should be strictly avoided in PCOD?

Answer3. Here’s the list of foods that should be avoided in PCOD at all costs.

  • Refined carbohydrates, like white bread, refined flour foods etc
  • Junk foods, burger, chowmein etc
  • Fried foods
  • All high sugar drinks, like soda, energy drinks etc
  • Processed meat, like sausages, hot dogs etc
  • High fat foods
  • Red meats in excessive quantity

Question 4. Will there be any complications during pregnancy for a woman with PCOD?

Answer4. Unfortunately yes, but if the symptoms are managed properly their is high chance that no complications will occur and she will give birth to a completely healthy child.

Question 5. What type of exercises are recommended for a PCOD patient?

Answer5. Mild exercises like jogging, swimming, brick walking etc are the best exercises for a woman who is dealing with PCOD

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