Written by Risha Chaurasia
Polycystic Ovary Disease commonly known as PCOD/PCOS is a type of hormonal disorder. It refers to a condition wherein small cysts develop in the ovaries. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances.
PCOD causes unpredictable hormonal behaviour and may trigger diabetes, infertility, acne, and excessive hair growth. It is very common and affects one in every 10 women.
It affects the hormone level in women and causes them to skip menstrual periods. PCOD makes it tougher for women to get pregnant. Women in their childbearing years (15-44) are most susceptible to get PCOD.
Symptoms start appearing during or soon after the first period. However, 70% of all women infected aren’t even aware that they are suffering from this condition. Symptoms include:
Irregular periods
Hirsutism: excess hair growth. 70% of women grown hair all over their bodies, including their, face, back, belly, and chest.
Acne: PCOD causes an increase in male hormones and makes the skin oilier. This causes breakouts in the skin
Weight gain: 80% of women suffering are obese
Baldness
Headaches
Darkening of skin: Dark patches form on body creases
Doctors are still not sure about what is the real cause behind PCOD. Although research has found that it is genetic. PCOD causes an increase in androgen production. Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation are all linked to PCOD.
Insulin resistance: Refers to the condition wherein cells can’t use insulin properly. 70% of women suffer from insulin resistance. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps the body use sugar from foods for energy.
When cells are unable to use insulin properly, the body’s demand for it increases. This demand causes increased production to compensate. Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones, causing PCOD.
Having abnormal androgen levels can affect fertility and other aspects. It causes metabolic syndrome, causing obesity. Both obesity and PCOD cause risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It also causes sleep apnea, a condition causing repeated breaks in breathing while sleeping, disturbing a good sleep. Infertility, endometrial cancer, and depression can also cause side effects.
Birth control pills and other medicines are an effective medium of treatment. They help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat symptoms like hair growth and acne. Metformin also helps.
All in all, reduction of weight and having a regular BMI helps treat PCOS. Lifestyle interventions are recommended for PCOSand often work well. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.
Comments