KNOW MORE ABOUT PCOD/PCOS

PCOD

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease and affects women's ovaries as they produce partially immature or immature ovaries that ultimately lead to cysts inside the body. As a result of this phenomenon, ovaries enlarge and start producing male hormones in excess, which leads to certain hormonal changes in the body.

PCOS

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and is caused by a metabolic disorder. The hormonal imbalance leads to irregular ovulation, difficulty in conceiving, abnormal hair growth, and irregular menstrual periods.

What are the causes of PCOD and PCOS?

Some of the factors like insulin production in excess lead to androgens in the body that causes ovulation issues. Excess production leads to the development of acne and hirsutism as well. PCOS also results in low-grade inflammation that increases androgen levels and might cause heart problems or blockage of blood vessels. Another factor can be genetics that leads to inheriting the condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Usually, both the conditions exhibit similar symptoms that professional looks for to identify the disease. Often, the symptoms can be observed during the first menstrual cycle by a female. The female body faces issues like gaining weight and difficulty in pregnancy. Irregular menstruation, heavy menstrual cycles, absence of a menstrual cycle, hair growth on the face and body, skin darkening in the groin, neck, and under the breasts, weight gain, hair loss (hair thinning), and acne are some of the common symptoms observed in females while suffering from PCOD and PCOS.

Certain complications like infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, preterm labor, depression, type 2 diabetes, miscarriage, and sleep apnea can be faced when the issue is not addressed.

PCOD does not affect fertility greatly, and females can conceive with minor help. On the other hand, PCOS is a severe form of PCOD and a metabolic disorder that causes anovulation. That is, ovaries stop releasing eggs. PCOS poses serious health threats like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even endometrial cancer.

Diagnosis methods

• Pelvic examination is performed by the doctor that involves checking the reproductive organs physically for any abnormal growth, masses, or other issues.
• Blood samples are taken to know about the hormone levels in the body. The HDL, LDL, triglyceride levels, and glucose tolerance tests are performed.
• Imaging tests like ultrasound are performed to detect cysts, if any, and check the uterus lining and the ovaries' size.

What are the modern-day treatments?

The PCOD and PCOS treatment focus on improving the lifestyle with the combination of medicines and drugs.

• Medicines are provided for hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and irregular menstrual cycles.
• Ovulation induction is managed with the help of injections and oral medication.
• Fertility drugs for conceiving issues and reducing excess hair growth.
• Acne and pigmentation are handled through several allopathic skin treatments.
• A laparoscopic procedure is performed where ovarian drilling destroys androgen-producing tissues.

What are the side effects of these treatments?

During laparoscopy, pelvic structures like the uterus, bladder, bowel, and abdominal blood vessels can be damaged. Allergic reactions, blood clots, and difficulty in urinating are some possible consequences. Adhesions and nerve damage are also possible while undergoing this treatment.

Consuming medicines include inducing stomach pain, appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, etc.