What is PCOD ,Ovarian Cyst?
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries produce a high number of immature or partially mature eggs. Over time, these eggs can develop into cysts within the ovaries, leading to the enlargement of the ovaries.
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of how women are affected by PCOS is not fully understood. However, there are several significant factors that play a role:
• Excess insulin production: Elevated levels of insulin in the body may contribute to increased production of androgens (male hormones present in lower levels in females), which can disrupt ovulation.
• Excess androgen production: The ovaries may produce an unusually high amount of androgen hormones, resulting in symptoms like acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body).
• Low-grade inflammation: Recent studies have indicated that women with PCOS often experience low-grade inflammation. This inflammation can contribute to higher androgen levels, potentially leading to cardiovascular or heart issues.
What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD problem / PCOS Symptoms /polycystic ovaries ?
- Irregular menstruation (Oligomenorrhea)
- Skipped or absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
- Excessive Hair growth (face, body – including on back, belly, and chest)
- Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
- Weight gain
- Hair loss (hair on the scalp gets thinner and fall out)
- Skin darkening (Neck, in the groin, and under the breasts)
Complications of PCOS / PCOD problem
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Infertility or hypertension Infertility
- Type 2 diabetes
- Preterm labor and premature birth
- Metabolic syndrome (risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke)
- NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Depression (Many women end up experiencing depression and anxiety due to unwanted hair growth and other symptoms)
- Sleep apnea (More common in women who are overweight, causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep)
- Endometrial cancer (Due to thickened uterine lining)
- Miscarriage (spontaneous loss of pregnancy)
PCOS / PCOD problems in future
Females who have been diagnosed with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) should maintain regular health monitoring to prevent potential complications in the future. If these conditions are left untreated, they can give rise to various issues:
Untreated PCOD can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other mental health problems due to hormonal imbalances.
On the other hand, untreated PCOS can result in more severe complications. These may include an increased risk of hypertension, hyperglycemia, endometrial cancer, as well as pregnancy-related issues such as premature birth, preeclampsia, and miscarriage.
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Difference between PCOD and PCO
Both PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are medical conditions associated with the ovaries and hormonal imbalances that commonly affect women during their reproductive years, which typically span from ages 12 to 51. While these conditions exhibit similar symptoms, there are important distinctions between them that every woman should be aware of:
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): PCOS is a significant medical condition affecting a portion of the world’s female population, with approximately 0.2% to 2.5% being affected.
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease): PCOD is a condition characterized by the ovaries producing numerous immature or partially mature eggs. This can result from factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalances. PCOS is considered a more severe form of PCOD and can lead to anovulation, a condition where the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
PCOD vs. PCOS Differences:
Fertility: PCOD does not necessarily impact fertility significantly; women with PCOD can still ovulate and conceive with some assistance, often through medication. In contrast, PCOS can greatly affect fertility. Women with PCOS may experience irregular ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Additionally, if they do become pregnant, there’s a heightened risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or pregnancy complications.
Complications: PCOD generally lacks serious complications. On the other hand, PCOS carries substantial risks, including the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer in later stages.
Common Factors for Improvement: In both conditions—PCOD and PCOS—implementing certain lifestyle changes has shown effective results. These include weight loss, adopting a healthy diet, avoiding junk and processed foods, and engaging in regular exercise. Early diagnosis of the diseases is crucial for effective treatment. If you experience skipped or irregular periods, acne, or excessive hair growth on the back or face, it’s advisable to consult a gynecologist and undergo proper medical evaluation.
Diagnosis of PCOD / PCOS
To diagnose PCOD or PCOS, a Doctor may recommend:
- Pelvic examination: Physically checking the reproductive organs for masses, abnormalities, or any growth
- Blood tests: Blood tests will help to understand the hormone levels, these includes fasting lipid profile (to check the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), glucose tolerance tests.
- Imaging test: Ultrasound imaging test to check the size of ovaries, the lining of the uterus, and cysts in ovaries. In the report, we can find bilateral polycystic ovaries, Haemorrhagic cysts, and Chocolate cysts.
Lifestyle modification and home remedies for PCOD / PCOS
PCOD and PCOS primarily impact the hormone balance in females. Taking the following steps can help decrease androgen levels in the body:
• Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight: A healthy BMI (body mass index) ranging from 18.5 to 24.9 is considered ideal for females. A BMI above 30 is considered obese and not conducive to health. Maintaining a healthy body weight or achieving weight loss can lead to improvements in overall cholesterol levels, decreased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, it aids in maintaining optimal insulin and androgen levels, which, in turn, can help restore the ovulation phase in the menstrual cycle. For personalized guidance on weight loss and achieving a healthy BMI, it’s recommended to consult a weight loss expert at KANAKAVEDA.
What is the best possible treatment for PCOD Problem / PCOS?
Treatment for PCOD and PCOS is tailored to address individualized concerns such as irregular periods, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can play a significant role in regulating your menstrual cycle.
The treatment approach depends on specific symptoms like hair growth, acne, and metabolic issues. This includes:
• Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: Medications are used to treat hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Ovulation Induction: Customized medications can be employed to enhance the quality and quantity of ovulation.
• Infertility Treatment: Addressing the challenges associated with infertility.
• Excessive Hair Growth Treatment: Managing unwanted hair growth.
• Skin Treatments: Treating acne and pigmentation.
• Weight Loss Treatment: Managing weight to mitigate symptoms.
Regarding the possibility of losing weight when you have PCOD/PCOS, the answer is yes. One effective program is the “Eat Well Lose Weight” initiative by Kanakaveda. This research-based weight loss program offers a non-surgical, non-gym, and non-crash dieting approach to weight loss, without side effects.
This fast weight loss program is particularly suited for individuals who are hypothyroid, overweight (with a BMI of 25 and above), and have not found success with traditional diet and exercise approaches. The program is designed to result in significant weight loss while still allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines. Customized medicines are employed to control hormones and assist in addressing ovarian cysts without resorting to surgery. The program aims to provide an alternative treatment for ovarian cysts, promote weight loss, and address the root causes of conditions like PCOD and PCOS.
Like other weight loss methods, the “Eat Well Lose Weight Program” necessitates a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, this program also offers the potential to prevent and reverse conditions such as PCOD, PCOS, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and hypothyroidism.