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What Is PCOD? Know It’s Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
PCOD stands for Poly Cystic Ovary Disease. The 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 on a regular basis. If left untreated, PCOD can cause more serious problems like heart disease and diabetes. Read on to find all you need to know about PCOD Problems.
PCOD Causes
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
Did You Know
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in females of reproductive age. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- The cost to the healthcare system for diagnosing and treating PCOS is approximately $4 billion annually in the United States. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- PCOS is associated with an increased risk of infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Insulin excess and obesity are common environmental factors that contribute to the development of PCOS. [source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
PCOD Symptoms
PCOS signs and symptoms usually appear around the time of puberty’s first menstrual period. PCOS can develop later in life, for example, as a result of significant weight gain. Many women do not realize that they are suffering from PCOD. There are certain common symptoms of PCOD problems:
- Irregular Menstruation: One of the most common signs of PCOD is irregular menstruation. Due to a high amount of male hormones, the body prevents ovulation. Many patients of PCOD have fewer than nine periods a year.
- Heavy Bleeding: Since the periods are irregular, the buildup of the uterine wall is more. This leads to heavier bleeding whenever the periods happen.
- Acne: due to higher amounts of male hormones, the skin secretes more oil causing more acne.
- Hair Growth: Most women, who suffer from PCOD, have hair growth on their face, back, stomach and chest. The condition is known as hirsutism.
- Weight: Most women who suffer from PCOD are obese or overweight.
- Crown Baldness: Most women with PCOD suffer from male pattern baldness with the hair thinning on the crown. Some even suffer complete hair loss.
- Headaches: Headaches are triggered by hormonal imbalance.
- Skin Darkening: Those who suffer from PCOD observe a darkening of the skin in the groin and the neck region.
- Increased androgens: Excessive male sex hormones can present physically as excess face and body hair, as well as male-pattern baldness.
Unwanted hair on face, neck and other body parts is a symptom of hormonal derrangemts as in PCOD. People often opt for hair removal sessions but do not reach out to doctors. Plz, consult your endocrinologist and gynecologist if you notice signs of unwanted excessive facial and body hair
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD
Complications due to PCOD
PCOD causes infertility as it reduces the frequency of ovulation in the body.
PCOD causes insulin resistance in the body leading to diabetes.
PCOD increases the blood pressure in the body leading to vulnerability towards heart problems.
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.
Many women suffer from depression due to hormonal imbalance in the body.
evidence is accumulated on women with PCOS potentially being at high risk for CNS and cardiovascular disease. Many of these women have extremely high levels of serum lipoprotein, blood glucose, and cholesterol, which also increase the risk of insulin resistance. Women with PCOS may also be at high risk for endometrial cancer.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Treatment
PCOD has yet to be identified as a disease with a cure. You may, however, manage the illness with correct treatment and lifestyle changes. Ultrasound and blood tests help to diagnose PCOD.
- Most patients are recommended to lose weight to reverse the effects of PCOD. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and regular exercise help in the condition.
- Birth control pills and hormonal medication are also used in treating PCOD.
- While there are various lifestyle suggestions for women with PCOD, you are recommended to follow a PCOD diet that is low in fat and carbohydrate.
PCOD can be treated with the correct lifestyle and medications. Consult your gynaecologist if you feel you may have PCOD.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
All You Need To Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)!
It’s not just about your periods. Yes, irregular and absent periods are a classic hallmark feature of PCOS but it’s only one part of the condition. PCOS is a syndrome. This means it easily overlaps and intersects with other areas of the body. While PCOS does cause reproductive problems and can affect ovulation, it’s also associated with metabolic issues. Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is highly crucial. 
You May Be At Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Metformin and oral contraceptive pills are two of the most common medications used to treat PCOS. What many don’t realize is that both medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.A deficiency of vitamin B12 is serious, as it may result in permanent neurological and nerve damage. Common symptoms in those with a vitamin B12 deficiency include mood changes, fatigue and numbness or tingling in their arms, fingers, legs and feet.Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome comes with its own complications but can be handled with care. If you take either of these medications, you should supplement vitamin B12. In addition, ask your doctor to check your vitamin B12 level, which can be done with a blood test, to see if your levels are normal.You May Suffer From Mood Disorders
As if women with PCOS don’t have enough to deal with, they are also at a higher risk for mood disorders. Anxiety, depression and bipolar depression have been shown to be more common in women with PCOS. Mood disorders may be more prevalent in PCOS women due to hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, PCOS is an extremely frustrating condition. Dealing with the metabolic, reproductive and dermatological symptoms (weight gain, hair growth, hair loss) can have a significant impact on mood.You Can Get Pregnant
Yes, PCOS is the main cause of ovulatory infertility. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. There have been new advancements in reproductive medicine over the past decade aimed to help women with PCOS conceive. One of these advancements is the use of Letrozole, which has been shown to be more effective than Clomid for ovulation induction in PCOS women and the dietary supplement Inositol, which can aid in improving egg quality and restore menstrual cycles.Your Milk Supply Can Be Affected
It’s not conclusive but it has been suggested that women with PCOS could have more difficulty producing an adequate milk supply to breastfeed their children. Part of the reasons why this could be related to the hormone imbalance of higher androgen and insulin levels, which may interfere with milk production.
One thing that is for sure is that diet and lifestyle are the primary treatment approaches for PCOS. A healthy eating plan, regular exercise, supplements, sufficient sleep and stress management all work together to manage your fertility and optimize your health. Not sure where to start or need help? Consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in PCOS for understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
