Lifestyle-Doctor's Desk

Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

Polycystic ovarian disease is a common condition amongst young women. As ultrasonography has become a common investigating tool ,the reporting of PCOD has also increased .This raises fear in the minds of many young ladies .Is it a dangerous disease? What causes it?. Can it be cured?.Will it require surgery? . Does it require life long medication?. What are its long term implications?.So on and so forth.Lets us take a brief look into this disorder.

PCOD is characterized by menstrual disturbences, acne(pimples), hirsutism(male pattern of hair growth ) ,obesity , infertility and a scan showing polycystic ovaries. A person may have two or three of these problems to fall into the PCOD condition.

CAUSES

The exact cause of PCOD is not known. Many biochemical and hormonal problems lead to the condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOD) sometimes runs in families. For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOD the hormones get out of balance. One hormon change triggers another, which changes another,and the cycle continue. For example:

The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOD, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair.

The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes.

As India is slowly becoming the diabetic capital of the world so is the incidence of PCOD increasing

SYMPTOMS

Menstrual irregularity is most common problem.Some may require medication to have periods.

Difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)

Weight gain

Thinning hair and hair loss from the head

Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) - usually on the face,chest, back or buttocks

Oily skin or acne

HEALTH-CONCEQUENCES

* ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS
a condition where the skin becomes thickened and dark in colour,particularly over the neck,axilla,lower breast, inner thigh.

* DIABETES
Most of these women develop diabetes by the third or fourth decade of life

* ENDOMETRIAL AND OVARIAN CANCERS
Increasing cholesterol and high blood pressure levels causing higher risks of heart attacks and stroke.Uterine cancer later in life due to decreased protective hormone effect consequent to lack of ovulation. Similar is the case for ovarian cancers.

TREATMENTS

Just a scan report of PCOD when none of the symptoms are present requires no treatment. Just like high BP or diabetes much of the problems can be brought under control by life style modifications.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can't be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Regular exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are the key treatments for PCOS. Treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and help prevent long-term health problems.

• Try to fit in moderate activity and/or vigorous activity often. Walking is a great exercise that most people can do.

• Eat heart-healthy foods. This includes lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. It limits foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meats, cheeses, and fried foods.

• Most women who have PCOS can benefit from losing weight. Even losing 3 to 5 kg may help get your hormones in balance and regulate your menstrual cycle.

• If you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher androgen levels that may contribute to PCOS symptoms.

The best way to beat PCOD is by the above said methods .If it doesnot work you need to see a doctor to help you out. Your doctor would give medications as per your symptoms; that is if your main problem is excessive hair growth ,you will be given medicines to control that. If getting pregnant is the concern ,then ovulation inducing drugs will be given. Sometimes surgery is offered to patients not responding to ovulation inducing agents.

You may also need regular tests to check for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other possible problems. It is heartening to note that life style changes can make a big difference . So, get started!.

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