PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that affects the lives of several women. It is a common disorder affecting 10% of all women worldwide.
In PCOD, the ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs due to poor lifestyle choices, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
There are no serious complications associated with PCOD. As long as the medication is taken to complete pregnancy, PCOD doesn't affect fertility in women. In this condition, women can still ovulate and become pregnant without much assistance.
Women suffering from PCOD or PCOS have enlarged ovaries, which produce progesterone and estrogen hormones, which regulate the menstrual cycle along with small amounts of androgens and inhibin.
PCOD Problem - What Does It Mean?
In PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), the ovaries produce large amounts of immature or partially mature eggs, which turn into cysts over time. As a result, the ovaries become large and secrete large amounts of male hormones (androgens), resulting in infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss, and abnormal weight gain. It is possible to control PCOD through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of PCOD
It is common for women to experience symptoms around the time of their first period, and others do not discover symptoms until they have gained a great deal of weight or have trouble getting pregnant. Women suffering from PCOD or PCOS typically experience the following signs and symptoms:
- An irregular menstrual cycle (Oligomenorrhea)
- Absence or skipping of menstruation (amenorrhea)
- An abnormally heavy menstrual flow (menorrhagia)
- Hair growth on the face, body, and back (especially the belly, chest, and back).
- An acne outbreak on the face, chest, or upper back
- Gaining weight
- Loss of hair (thinning hair on the scalp)
- Darkening of the skin (on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts)
What Causes PCOD?
The exact cause of PCOD in women is unknown, but these are some significant factors:
- Having an excessive level of insulin in the body can cause the body to produce more androgen (a male hormone that is very low in females), causing difficulty with ovulation.
- Abnormally high androgen hormone levels in the ovaries can lead to acne and hirsutism (hair growth all over the body).
- A recent study showed that women with PCOD have low-grade inflammation, which causes a higher level of androgen production, which can lead to blood vessel or heart problems.
- Several genetic factors are associated with PCOD in women.
Talk To A Lady Doctor Now
You should see your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Your periods haven't been regular, and you're not pregnant.
- There is hair growth on your face and body due to PCOD.
- The process of getting pregnant has been unsuccessful for more than 12 months.
- Excess thirst and hunger, blurry vision, or weight loss without explanation are symptoms of diabetes.
A lady doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help you manage PCOD. To connect with a lady doctor, click here.