Polycystic Ovarian Disease
One Out Of Five Women In India Suffer From PCOD, A Growing Concern & A Common Disorder Amongst Women Across The Globe
Lifestyle, Obesity, Stress and Hormonal Imbalance The Leading Cause For PCOD
Hey, suffering from PCOD problem? You’re not alone. It is estimated that nearly 20% of all Indian women, that is, about 1 out of 5 women in the country, suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD).
Some “once-rare problems” have gotten prevalent over the past few decades, becoming more and more common amongst women, one of them is PCOD. Almost 10% of women worldwide, are affected by this disease. They miss their menstrual cycles as a result of this hormonal imbalance, which also makes it more difficult for women to conceive. At the time of the first menstrual cycle of puberty, PCOD signs and symptoms often start to manifest. PCOD could also appear later as a result of gaining weight over time. Many women are mostly unaware that they have PCOD.
PCOD is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries generate immature or partially mature eggs in large numbers during reproductive age. These eggs develop into cysts in the ovaries over time. Due to the cysts, ovaries become large & secrete large amounts of male hormones (androgen) which causes infertility problems, irregular periods, unwanted weight gain, and other health issues.
PCOD is also related to an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. While the exact cause of PCOD is unknown, it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “While relatively common, most women are not aware of the signs and symptoms of PCOD, the implications of the condition, and available treatment options. Polycystic ovary syndrome was first identified some 90 years ago, yet there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat the complex hormonal condition. Many symptoms overlap or indicate other conditions, so people often don’t realize they have PCOD until they struggle to get pregnant and discover infertility. PCOD may lead to future long-term health risks. PCOD symptoms are still difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat”.
Dr Manali Shilotri, Leading Gynaecologist and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “The symptoms associated with PCOD often leave a lasting impact on women’s physical and mental well-being. It is estimated that about 34% of the women suffering from PCOD problem also suffer from depression, and nearly 45% suffer from anxiety. This makes it essential to diagnose and manage the symptoms early to prevent PCOD problems in future”.
Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Many of the women diagnosed with PCOD problem also experience poor quality of life that’s related to mood swings, negative social relationships, low self- confidence and low motivation. Besides, their eating and sleep patterns also are disrupted”.
Medical research is yet to pinpoint the exact cause behind the PCOD problem. Some of the factors that can lead to this condition include:
- Family history: Women whose mothers have been diagnosed with PCOD are more likely to develop the condition too.
- Insulin resistance: Studies have shown that women with PCOD usually have difficulty in utilising insulin to manage blood glucose levels. This can lead to a rise in blood glucose and cause the body to produce even more insulin. Excess insulin can, in turn, trigger the production of more male hormones.
- Inflammation: Inflammation in the body can also stimulate the production of male hormones, like androgen, which are noticeably higher in women with PCOD.
- Low progesterone: If a woman’s body does not make enough of progesterone, she might skip periods for extended periods of time.
Dr Manali Shilotri further added “PCOD often goes unnoticed in many women until it impacts fertility by lowering the frequency of ovulation. Women with PCOD can still conceive; however, they may need to be put on certain medications in order to get pregnant”.
Side Effects
The PCOD side effects that call for medical attention are listed below:
- Abnormal bleeding in the uterus
- Type 2 diabetes
- Miscarriage
- Sleep apnea
- Premature delivery and preterm labour
- Infertility or hypertension Infertility
- Chronic Liver inflammation
- Metabolic syndrome; risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
- Due to unwanted hair growth and other symptoms, many women experience depression and anxiety.
- Endometrial cancer caused by an enlarged uterus
- Untreatable acne showing signs of hormone imbalance
Moreover, studies show that by the age of 40, almost 50% of women with PCOD would have pre-diabetes or be diabetic, and many others would experience infertility throughout their reproductive years.
Dr Manali Shilotri further said “As such, PCOD is not a disease that merely impacts one aspect of health. It can profoundly affect the overall quality of life, if left untreated”.
Symptoms
The severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals. It is also possible to have PCOD without experiencing any symptoms. PCOD primarily affects the ovaries. The ovaries are a part of the female reproductive system. All women have two ovaries, and these release egg cells or ova. The ovaries are responsible for the production of oestrogen and progesterone. They also release the male hormone called androgen. PCOD can disrupt this process and lead to an abnormal release of male hormones.
- Irregular, delayed or unpredictable menstrual periods.
- No periods at all
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Excess growth of hair on the face, chest, stomack or back
- Acne or oily skin
- Hair loss or male pattern baldness
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance or Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Darkening of skin or pigmentation around the neck
- Sleep Disorders
- Mood swings or Depression
Cause
The exact cause of PCOD problem remains unclear. Doctors believe that PCOD can have both genetic and environmental causes. In many cases, PCOD problem runs in families and is also considered hereditary. PCOD is often associated with –
- An unhealthy diet
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Pollution
- Hormone altering medication
- Several OTC (over the counter) medications and supplements
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is crucial in finding a solution to PCOD problems. The gynaecologist will start with a physical exam and take a history of your symptoms. Post which the doctor will recommend tests such as –
- Blood tests (to check for the hormonal levels, blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol)
- Pelvic ultrasound (to look for cysts in the ovaries and measure the lining of the uterus)
Treatment
Treatment for PCOD may involve medications to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms. It is important to remember that solutions to the PCOD problem involve both medication and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition, but managing the symptoms can improve the quality of life.
As of now, there is no permanent cure for PCOD, but most women can lead relatively normal and active lives. This requires an active lifestyle and health management. Each symptom, such as irregular periods, facial hair, weight gain, acne, and infertility, is individually addressed.
In addition, treatment for PCOD may include lifestyle changes such as exercise, and diet modifications, hormonal therapy, and medications to improve insulin resistance. It is important to keep a positive attitude and stay connected with your doctors to avail of any new treatment options available.
- Diet modification can go a long way in managing symptoms and offering PCOD problem solutions. Even a 5% reduction in body weight can help reduce the symptoms significantly. Eliminating sugars and fatty foods can help lower the risk of developing diabetes, High cholesterol levels and cardiovascular diseases.
- Women should stick to a regular exercise schedule
- Cyclic hormonal treatment and ovulation induction medication to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Skin treatment can help reduce acne and the darkening of the skin.
- Infertility treatment
- Laparoscopic surgery to destroy androgen producing tissue
- Regular monitoring of health and hormone levels
The symptoms associated with PCOD can be treated with the help of several medicines. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery as well.
Conclusion
Dr Manali Shilotri concludes by saying “PCOD is a hormonal disorder that requires different management strategies. Identifying symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment condition is crucial. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing hormonal imbalances. Treatment options for PCOD can range from medication to lifestyle changes. In addition, with timely treatment, successful pregnancies can be achieved even with these conditions”.
