What is Polycystic Ovarian Disease?
PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is a hormonal abnormality with a metabolic and endocrine disorder. The disorder affects women of reproductive age groups between 12 and 45 years. The disease may occur in any age group after menarche or menopause. Every 1 out of 10 females suffers from PCOD in the world.
The disease causes excessive production of male hormones or androgens. The ovaries enlarge and discharge partial or immature eggs.
Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Presently, the main reasons for polycystic ovarian disease are unknown. But besides, there are some reasons behind PCOD, and these are:
- Excess production of insulin: Pancreas produces insulin, which helps to convert food into sugar. The cells of the body utilize this sugar to produce energy. But if the body produces more insulin, then the production of androgen occurs. As a result, it may lead to PCOD.
- Genetic factors: PCOD also runs in families. There is a high chance of polycystic ovarian disease in women whose family members undergo the same hormonal disorder.
- Low-grade inflammation: Women who suffer from PCOD may have low-grade inflammation. The inflammation causes the ovaries to produce male hormones. However, heart and blood vessels problems are also part of this inflammation.
- Lifestyle: Lifestyle changes can also cause PCOD. Pollution, lack of nutrition, lack of physical movement, or exercise cause metabolic imbalances that cause PCOD.
- Stress and depression: Stress and depression can affect your lifestyle both mentally and physically. It prevents your hormones from performing in a proper manner, that may cause many health issues, including PCOD.
Complications of Polycystic Ovarian Disease
The complications of Polycystic Ovarian Disease include:
- Endometrial cancer risk is higher in PCOD patients.
- If not treated or managed, PCOD can result in infertility and cause difficulties in conception.
- Obesity-related (With a BMI of more than 30 and a waist circumference of more than 35, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are examples of such disorders.)
- In some cases, there is a risk of breast cancer as well.
Prevention Tips for Polycystic Ovarian Disease
The following are some PCOD prevention options:
- People with diabetes should work hard to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
- Take preventative measures to control your period cycles, whether through medication, exercise, or nutrition.
- With the assistance of diet and exercise, try to maintain a healthy weight.
- You can also utilize medicine to help you manage Polycystic ovarian disease, in addition to the other lifestyle adjustments you’ll need to make to keep your PCOD under control.
Treatments of Polycystic Ovarian Disease
If you have PCOD, you can consult the obstetrician and gynecologist doctor for treatment. Some of the treatments are:
- Contraceptive pills: contraceptive pills contain progesterone and estrogen. As a result, it helps to reduce male hormones. However, this also helps to regulate your hormones accurately.
- Progesterone therapy also helps to treat PCOD.
- Healthy diets can help to control and manage PCOD.
- Doctors suggest exercises, meditation, and yoga.
- Fertility drugs can also be given to patients to improve infertility.
- To reduce acne and hair growth, many skin treatments are available.
Conclusion
Polycystic ovarian disease is a common hormonal problem in women. If not treated or managed on time, it can lead to complications, including infertility. If you have PCOD or experience its symptoms, consult a specialist.
