PCOD / PCOD
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a relatively common condition in women of childbearing age that has to do with hormones. Essentially, the ovaries start to overproduce the male hormone. As a result, the eggs are not released on a monthly basis as they should be. This leads to the cessation of menstruation or irregular menstruation. In some cases, menstruation can cease for several months.
Some women may also have problems with acne, weight gain, or the appearance of new hair on the face that was not there before. PCOS is more than just having problems with your menstrual cycle. It may also influence the way your body burns calories. Most women feel that they can control their symptoms and maintain their fertility if they seek treatment early and make a few lifestyle changes.
What is PCOD?
PCOD is a slight variation, and it is not always that bad. If you have PCOD, your ovaries may produce eggs that don't develop inside or may not be released at the same time every month. This could make your periods come at odd times or even be late all the time.
Things in your life, like eating at strange times, being stressed, not getting enough sleep, or not working out, can often make things worse. But it's not really that bad.
Some women could develop acne or gain a little weight. Once you have made some changes to your lifestyle and, if necessary, taken some short-term medication, your periods should return to normal.
Symptoms of PCOS & PCOD
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: The first symptom that women experience is the irregular menstrual cycle. Women may have conditions such as late menses, amenorrhea, or even heavy menses. This is because ovulation is not happening on a regular basis. This means that the levels of hormones are fluctuating, which can be stressful, especially for women who are trying to conceive.
- Weight Gain: Another symptom that women go through is the gain in weight. Many women have complained about gaining weight, especially around the abdominal region. This is because the hormonal imbalance has an effect on the insulin and fat. This causes women to have difficulty in losing weight, and the results may take longer than expected.
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism): Women with PCOS have a greater possibility of having additional hair growth in the face, chest, or lower abdomen than women with PCOD. The cause is the excessive secretion of androgen. Medical science can help to overcome the problem, but it can make the patient less confident.
- Acne & Oily Skin: Acne that occurs after the age of 20 has been linked to hormones. Overproduction of sebum causes pores to clog, hence resulting in acne. Although hormonal balance and skin care work well, the results take time but can be observed.
- Problems of Fertility: Ovulation is irregular, hence making conception difficult. In PCOS, it is always a matter of a combination of several hormonal problems. In PCOD, it is always a matter of immature eggs developing. Although the treatment works well, many women still become pregnant.
Causes of PCOS & PCOD
PCOS Causes
PCOS is not caused by one reason. It generally occurs due to a combination of genetic reasons and hormonal imbalance. Insulin resistance is also a common symptom in women with PCOS, which further causes an imbalance of the hormones in the ovaries. The excess production of androgens hinders the development of the follicles, which further causes ovulation.
It can also be caused due to family history. Obesity can also be a cause for this condition. However, PCOS can also be caused in women who have normal weight. Stress and pain that persist for a long period can also be a cause. Early detection of PCOS is very crucial to prevent problems in the future since it influences the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems.
Causes of PCOD
PCOD is mainly observed when the ovaries are unable to release the eggs. The eggs are retained in the ovaries in the form of immature follicles. Lifestyle is also one of the factors that lead to the development of PCOD. It includes irregular sleep patterns, high stress levels, a diet of processed foods, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Metabolic problems are not as prevalent as in PCOS, but slight changes in the levels of hormones like LH can affect the fertilization procedure. In most instances, all that is required to get the menstrual cycle back on track is to make some lifestyle changes and eat lots of healthy food. Once this is achieved, the ovaries will start working on their own.
Key Differences Between PCOS & PCOD
| Key Difference | PCOS | PCOD |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern of Hormones | Various areas of the body are impacted by excessive hormones of the androgen type | Small change in the hormones that basically just stops the menses |
| Participation in Metabolic | Commonly associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of metabolic problems | Not a significant factor in metabolism; more associated with living |
| How Often You Ovulate | Ovulation is not a frequent occurrence, and if it does occur, it is unpredictable | Ovulation may be late, but it does occur regularly |
| Strength of Symptoms | The symptoms are expected to worsen and persist for a longer period of time | The symptoms are expected to be mild and can be easily corrected by making some simple changes in how you live |
| Long-Term Prospects | Must have regular follow-up visits to discuss changes in their metabolism | Typically improves—and often resolves completely—by making changes in how you live |
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not done on the results of a single test. The procedure for making a diagnosis entails a thorough discussion of worries about menstruation, weight, skin problems, and pregnancy intentions. The doctors are concerned with trends and not symptoms.
Blood tests are used to determine the level of hormones such as androgens, LH, FSH, thyroid, and insulin. Ultrasound scans give information on the size of the ovaries and the pattern of the follicles.
Every patient is unique, and diagnosis is done on a case-by-case basis. Early diagnosis is very valuable and advantageous.
Hormonal Assessment: Blood work such as androgen levels, LH/FSH ratio, thyroid function, and insulin levels.
Ultrasound Assessment: Pelvic scan, that is assessment of ovarian appearance and follicular patterns.
Clinical Assessment: Physical exams like assessment of acne, hair growth, weight gain, and menstrual cycles.
Treatment for PCOS & PCOD
The treatment's goal is to get hormones back in balance and help ovulation happen normally and regularly.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the first things that I will typically talk to a patient about is what they are doing on a daily basis. What you are eating can affect you. In order for your body to better absorb the insulin, you should eat more fiber, fruits, and veggies and less refined sugar. Creating little changes is best. They do not have to be extreme.
Another thing is exercise. For you to work, you have to make a promise to yourself. Fast walking, exercise, weightlifting, or something else – all these are things that you can do.
Exercise will also help you keep a healthy weight and regulate your hormones. Women can begin ovulating once they have lost this small amount of weight, sometimes a few pounds. It is better to be consistent than perfect.
Medications for Hormonal Balance
Hormonal tablets are very effective in helping to balance the menstrual cycle and symptoms of androgen. Insulin-sensitizing medications can also be used. The course of treatment will be different for each person depending on age, severity of symptoms, and future plans for pregnancy.
Ovulation Induction
If a woman wishes to conceive but her body is not releasing the egg on a regular basis, we sometimes assist the process with medication. The medication used is letrozole or clomiphene. The purpose of the medication is to assist the ovaries in releasing an egg.
When we assist the woman with the medication, we not only provide her with the medication and wait. We also check the ovaries through scans to see how they are responding to the medication. Many couples have conceived through this method.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
If there is no conception, assisted reproduction can be an option. This can be IUI or IVF, depending on the fertility level of the couple. With the right preparation, the result is very encouraging.
Symptom Management
Acne and excessive hair growth are managed by medical care, dermatology, or cosmetic surgery. Dietary counseling is used to help with weight management. The symptoms are managed to help with physical and emotional well-being.
FAQs
There is no long-term cure, but it can be controlled well by taking the right care regularly.
Yes. As long as women have regular periods or are capable of triggering ovulation, they can have normal births.
Not necessarily. Many women with mild symptoms feel much better by changing their lifestyle—they don't need to take any kind of medicine.
They're allowed to. Every woman has different symptoms, and yes, they can get worse if you don't treat them on time.
Absolutely. This is a very common problem for women. The best part? You'll get to make frequent visits to the doctor, which will help you keep it in check, and that will help you get pregnant, too.