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

  • Author :
  • TATA AIG Team
  • Last Updated On :
  • 25/05/2024

Polycystic Ovarian Disease, commonly known as PCOD, is everybody's favourite condition to blame for their weight gain. Casually used and mostly misinterpreted, PCOD is a complex hormonal disorder that affects much more than just weight.

It is a hormonal health condition which most women face during their reproductive age. Some experts also call it a lifestyle disorder or condition. Earlier, due to a lack of awareness, many overlooked this condition as simple weight gain.

But now, in the new age of information, people are becoming more understanding of health complexities and seeking proper diagnosis and treatment for PCOD.

In this blog, we will explain in detail what PCOD is, its symptoms, its causes, and, most importantly, PCOD problem treatment.

What is PCOD?

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.

Difference Between PCOD And PCOS

Points Polycystic Ovary Disorder Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Definition The formation of multiple small cysts around the ovaries causes PCOD. PCOS is a broader condition or syndrome with hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, and cyst formation.
Diagnosis PCOD diagnosis states ovarian cysts and menstrual irregularities PCOS diagnosis states hormonal imbalances, androgen levels (like testosterone)
Menstrual Irregularities In PCOD, there are Infrequent or absence periods. In PCOS, there is Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Severity PCOD is a comparatively milder condition. PCOS is a condition which is often more severe, leading to broader health effects.
Associated Symptoms Compared to PCOS, it is less commonly associated with acne, hirsutism, and hair loss. PCOS May include acne, hirsutism, hair loss
Causes PCOD can be caused due to genetic and environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, and insulin resistance. The causes of PCOS are similar to PCOD, including hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
Treatment Some standard treatment focuses on managing symptoms of hormonal imbalances and lifestyle changes. Similar to PCOD, with lifestyle modifications and medication, if necessary.

Causes of 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.

PCOD Symptoms

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

Complications with PCOD Condition

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.

Natural PCOD Problem Treatment

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

Nutrition Needed for Treatment Of PCOD Problem in Females

Vitamin Needs Benefits Good Food Sources
(Home remedies for PCOD problems)
Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 helps in maintaining hormone balance, controls PCOD Almonds, yoghurt, eggs, Brussels sprouts, milk, spinach, soybeans, wild rice.
Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6 Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6 is great for controlling weight Yeast, milk, beans, green vegetables, eggs, red meat.
Vitamin B5 Vitamin B5 helps in controlling fat metabolism, aids weight loss Avocados, yoghurt, eggs, meat, legumes
Vitamin B6 with B2 and B3 Vitamin B6 with B2 and B3 is essential for average thyroid hormone production. Chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, sunflower seeds, cheese, brown rice, lentils, carrots.

PCOD Problem Solutions: Alternative Treatments

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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Conclusion

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.

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