1. What is PCOD?
PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Disorder is a disease that affects around 5-10% of women each year and is primarily caused by hormonal imbalance in their reproductive system. While the cause of this particular disease is not well understood, it may be relegated a host of hereditary and environmental factors.
However, this deserves particular attention as it may cause problems with menstrual periods and make it difficult for the concerned woman to conceive. The principle features of the disease include no ovulation, acne, hirsutism and irregular periods.
2. How is PCOD different from PCOS?
Before delving into what is known of the causes of PCOD and the precautions to avoid it, it is necessary to understand the difference between PCOD and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). While PCOD includes excess secretion of male hormone; PCOS, on the other hand is more of an endocrinal problem.
Women who suffer from it produce higher than usual levels of androgen, the male hormone which causes major disruption in their monthly cycle. PCOS being a metabolic syndrome is a more serious problem while PCOD, often seen as ‘temporary’ can be corrected through right diet and exercise.
3. What are the main causes of PCOD?
PCOD is mainly by a significant hormonal disbalance, specifically caused by the release of androgen, sex men hormones in a quantity which is more than necessary. While some of it may be necessary in regulating the normal development of eggs during each menstrual cycle, excess of it causes women to stop ovulating, get pimples and grow extra facial and body hair. However, it is to be noted that this disorder runs in families and women whose family members either have a history of PCOS, regular periods or diabetes are more prone to it. Also, body weight and obesity, as can be inferred is the result of PCOD, it may counter intuitively be a cause for it too.
Modern lifestyle has been attributed as one of the primary causes of the disease and hence, women with bad eating habits, irregular exercise and sleep patterns, bad stress management are more prone to it.
4. What are the symptoms or effects of PCOD?
While delayed menstrual cycle, problems in conception and extra facial hair are the more obvious symptoms of the problem, it may also lead to a significant increase in body weight and depression.
Follicles, the sacs that contain the eggs which are released by the ovary during ovulation do not mature; and are not released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovaries and hence the name polycystic ovary disorder. Infertility and problems conceiving are still the biggest shortcomings of both disorders, PCOD and PCOS.
5. What is the role of medication to relieve the women suffering from PCOD?
There is a host of medication prescribed to women who are found to be suffering from PCOD depending on the symptom that they show. Birth Control pills or progesterone pills can contribute by making menstrual cycle more regular. Metformin, a medication that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, can improve the symptoms of PCOS and sometimes will cause the menstrual cycles to normalize. For some women, it can also help with weight loss.
There are specific medications for other symptoms like acne, obesity, hirsutism, etc. This being said, making lifestyle modifications still forms the major chunk of relieving an afflicted woman from the disease.
6. What is the role of home-remedies to ease the effects of PCOD?
Women can follow a couple of home-remedies to relieve themselves of the disorder. This includes eating anti-inflammatory foods, low-carb and less of processed foods and dairy products. Consuming certain seeds may during certain phases of the menstrual cycle may also help combat PCOD or PCOS..
7. What is the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing PCOD??
Apart from this, there are certain commandments that each one of us should follow, not just to keep PCOD or PCOS at bay, but to protect us from most diseases. Women all age should follow a couple of lifestyle hacks to maintain their reproductive and physical health. These include: Regular Exercise (Brisk walk, jogging or light exercise), having a rich diet with vitamins and minerals, managing a good and disciplined lifestyle and cutting down on alcohol and tobacco consumption to a bare minimum. Last but not the least, ideologically, how you lead your life also determines the health of your body, i.e., managing the stress of work or personal life can go a long way to keep your mind and body functional and in good shape.
Besides everything else, it is crucial for women to have a team of expert gynaecologists and obstetricians, who resolve to assist them at every step. It goes without saying that you must “talk to your doctor, nutritionist and fitness counselor”. As we claim to meet all the standards and check all the boxes for being a top-notch multi speciality healthcare facility, endowed with the city’s best gynaecology department, we take pride in our affordable and accessible skill-sets and full-time experts. To know more and book your consultation, click here: https://healinghospital.co.in/gynecology/
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