PCOD: Living with PCOD And Its Treatment

PCOD is an acronym for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It is a major ailment concerning a numerous young females in India today. PCOD strikes mostly at younger age, therefore, a substantial number of young females undergo this problem. This is a common endocrine disorder, affecting 5-10% of reproductive age women. The average age group suffering from PCOD lies between 18 and 45 years. It is significant for the youth to understand about this disease, along with the causes and effects in the future.

It is characterized by the presence of the multiple tiny cysts in the ovaries. It makes the ovary enlarged and lead to excessive production of hormones which cause various bodily issues.

Causes of PCOD

Its cause is still not known. However, excess insulin, production of male hormones in large quantity and genetics can be found. Also, early age of menarche, unhealthy intake of food and pollution are its main contributing factors.

 

Symptoms of PCOD

The common symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder are as follows:

• Heavy bleeding

• Unusual body and facial hair growth

• Irregular periods, occurring every 2 to 3 months

• Plumpness around the waist area especially

• Due to excess peripheral androgen, stubborn acne refuses to heal with the usual treatments.

• Pigmentation or darkening of the skin around the neck region

• Infertility

• Headaches

• Male-pattern baldness  

 

Treatment of PCOD

The cure is yet to be determined for PCOD. The disease is to be controlled by making lifestyle modifications. And multidisciplinary approach needs to be taken that involves the dietitian, gynaecologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist and infertility expert.

The best way to control and manage PCOD is by ensuring proper weight management. Even a 5% reduction in weight can help a lot in treating the disease. Thus, PCOD patients must exercise on a regular basis and maintain a healthy diet. The diet should be low on sugars and carbohydrates. High protein and high fibre intake are recommended for patients suffering from PCOD.

The treatment can be done based on the symptoms. Here are the variety of modalities:

Medicines are available in the market to treat insulin resistance and balance hormones to correct cycle of menstruation.

Skin treatments are available for pigmentation, acne and hair growth.

 Fertility drugs are provided to infertile patients.

Oral medicines and injections are available for ovulation induction and to rupture egg for enhancing fertility.

Some cases may require Second-line therapy such as aromatase inhibitors, laparoscopic surgery or ovarian drilling.

It is important to note here that no medication will provide assistance in case of unhealthy lifestyle.

 

PCOD and Pregnancy

If this disease is under control then getting pregnant is not an issue. However, if not controlled then it would require medications or assisted reproductive technology (ART) with the opinion of infertility experts.

It is also to be noted that people with PCOD have a limited ovarian capacity in order to produce healthy eggs so they are advised to opt for an early pregnancy as advancing age affects the quality of the eggs adversely.

It is always advisable to consult a gynaecologist to discuss the disease symptoms. The doctor may ask for some tests like PCOD Panel test to determine the disease and set the treatment plan.