What Is PCOD? Know It's Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

As mentioned earlier, PCOD full form or PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It is a condition in women which is caused due to hormonal imbalance.

During ovulation, a woman's ovary releases eggs throughout the menstrual period. The ovaries also produce some androgens, which are also known as male reproductive hormones.

Therefore, when androgens are overproduced through the woman's ovaries, it can lead to a delay in the menstrual cycle and the growth of cysts around the ovaries. That can cause an overall hormonal imbalance, leading to PCOD.

PCOD can be caused by a number of reasons, which may differ from one woman to another. Let us understand some of the common causes of PCOD.

Heredity

PCOD is hereditary, so if someone from your family is the carrier of PCOD, then there are chances that it can be passed down.

Obesity

PCOD is usually caused when there is some imbalance in how the body handles sugar or insulin levels. When this issue is combined with obesity, PCOD can get worse, especially for overweight women with obesity, to manage sugar levels.

Inflammation

Inflammation directly affects the androgen production in the ovaries, i.e., there is excess production. So, an increase in fat in and around the abdomen can lead to a PCOD inflammatory load, worsening the condition.

Increase In Male Hormones

It is the most common cause of PCOD, so when there is an imbalance in the body, the ovaries start producing male hormones, which directly shoot PCOD.

Lifestyle Issues

PCOD is commonly known as a lifestyle disorder, so it can affect you when you have a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating and drinking habits, disturbing sleep patterns, etc.

Nutrition Deficiency

Improper diet or eating habits or lack of proper vitamins and nutrient intake can lead to PCOD.

High Level of Insulin Production

When there is no balance in insulin production in the body, it can lead to a high level of testosterone in the body, causing PCOD issues.

Some of the most common symptoms of PCOD include:

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Hair growth on the face, back, chest, and stomach

• Male Baldness or hair loss

• Acne

• Dark patches in the skin around the neck, groin, and armpits

• Sleep deprivation

• Mood swings

• Oily skin

• Hair thinning

• Excessive bleeding

• Diabetes

PCOD is a lifestyle disorder and not a disease, but early precaution can save from the following complications-

Infertility

Infertility is the most common complication when someone talks about PCOD. As the frequency of ovulation is reduced, it directly impacts the menstrual cycle. That can lead to issues of infertility, causing issues for women who are trying to get pregnant.

Disabilities

Disabilities are also another complication arising from PCOD, as there is no balance in insulin production in the body.

Heart Issues

PCOD can shoot blood pressure that can make the heart vulnerable, ultimately causing heart issues.

Endometrial Cancer

Delays in the process of ovulation can cause thinning of the endometrium (the inner lining or layer of the uterus), creating a threat of endometrial cancer.

Depression Anxiety

Due to hormonal imbalances, women can face issues like depression and anxiety due to PCOD.

PCOD is curable with systematic diet and lifestyle changes. First and foremost, your doctor may ask you to get an ultrasound with a blood test for a proper diagnosis of PCOD.

• No doctor will directly recommend any medication. At the beginning of PCOD, the patient will be asked to lose weight and make some lifestyle changes in diet and healthy food habits.

• The patient will also be recommended to adopt some form of exercise, such as yoga, cardio, Zumba, walking, or dancing.

• Some doctors use birth control pills to get hormonal imbalances in check. But this is done with a doctor's prescription and guidance; otherwise can have reverse effects.

• Lower sugar, carbohydrates and fats in the diet.

• Increase fibre Intake in the diet.

• Adopt protein-rich diet

• Estrogen-boosting food like soybean, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, etc.

• Adopt a regular sleep cycle.

• Try to manage stress

Homoeopathic Treatment Of PCOD

When you take a homoeopathic treatment for PCOD, the treatment is tailored to each person's symptoms and body type. Therefore, it is essential to consult a qualified homoeopathic practitioner for personalised advice.

PCOD treatment in Ayurvedic

In Ayurveda, PCOD is treated using natural herbs such as cinnamon, ashwagandha, turmeric, etc.

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Though PCOD is a lifestyle disorder and not a disease, it can still lead to complications like diabetes and cancer. Therefore, timely detection and treatment of PCOD is necessary for females. A balanced diet, regular exercise and a balanced routine can help the onset of PCOD.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on What Is PCOD? Know Its Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.