PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) are among the many health disorders that impact women worldwide, and they have become increasingly widespread. But not much information is available on how to cope with these conditions or that you can seek treatment.
Many women resign themselves to believing that they are meant to come to terms with and bear these complications. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an acclaimed gynecologist in Mumbai, says that this misconception can cause you to lead an unhappy and unfulfilling life.
Read on to understand what PCOS and PCOD are and discover some valuable tips on dealing with them.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a metabolic abnormality in which a hormonal imbalance disrupts a woman's reproductive years (between 12 - 51 years). As a result of increased androgen levels (male hormones), you may experience irregular menstruation periods, making it difficult to become pregnant. Increased androgen levels also cause abnormal hair growth on your face and body.
According to Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an eminent gynecologist in Mumbai, these changes can lead to diabetes and heart disease in the long term. PCOS is a serious medical issue that requires immediate medical attention or surgical intervention.
PCOS Treatment
PCOS does not have a cure, but you can manage the symptoms by the following:
- Fertility medications: For women trying to conceive but experiencing irregular periods, fertility drugs such as Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Femara (letrozole) can help stimulate the ovaries for more predictable periods.
- Contraceptives: Even if you are not planning to become pregnant, you may want to address irregular or missing periods. Individuals who do not seek treatment for inconsistent or absent periods may develop difficulties due to "lining overgrowth" within the uterus as a result of their neglect. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai points out that this overgrowth could progress to precancerous or cancerous status if left untreated. Contraceptive pills can reduce the likelihood of that overgrowth while also easing some symptoms, such as excessive hair growth.
- Losing excess weight: If you have PCOS and are overweight, a 5 - 10 kg weight decrease may help control your menstrual periods. PCOS sufferers who reduced 5 - 10 % of their weight successfully improved insulin resistance and ovulation symptoms. Weight management may also reduce the chance of acquiring illnesses frequently connected with PCOS, such as hypertension and diabetes.
What Is PCOD?
When your ovaries generate partially mature or immature eggs in large numbers, this medical condition is known as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Over time, these eggs develop into cysts in the ovaries.
This causes an increase in the size of your ovaries, which start secreting a vast amount of androgens (male hormones), causing infertility, irregular periods, hair loss, and unusual weight gain.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, among the best gynecologists in Mumbai, says that dietary and lifestyle changes can help to reduce PCOD in some cases.
PCOD Treatment
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai is a highly qualified fertility specialist with over 35 years of experience and one of the preferred gynecologists for various infertility therapies, including PCOD Treatment in Mumbai.
He says that some exercises, medications, and a change in your diet and lifestyle can help you manage your PCOD condition.
- Diet and lifestyle changes: The first step in regulating PCOD if you are trying to conceive is changing your lifestyle. It entails following a balanced diet and engaging in frequent physical activity. Low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic diets are more beneficial for PCOD women. You should engage in moderate physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes at least thrice a week.
- Medication: If intermittent ovulation continues to occur, doctors may give fertility medicines such as letrozole/clomiphene or low-dose gonadotrophins to induce ovulation. Depending on the circumstances, the patient may be treated with laparoscopic ovarian drilling (only 4 drills per ovary to prevent ovarian reserve injury).
- Fertility Injections: If the use of reproductive medications does not cause you to ovulate or conceive, you may be recommended fertility shots to be able to release an egg. The hormones contained in the fertility injections are the same as those produced by the brain. It instructs the ovary to begin the process of egg production.
- ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies): If all else fails, you may have to undergo IVF treatment to conceive.
In this situation, doctors administer periodic fertility injections to stimulate your ovaries to release several eggs. Doctors harvest your ovaries, and the eggs are fertilized in a laboratory setting.
What Is The Difference Between PCOS And PCOD?
PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) and PCOD (Polycystic ovarian disease) are two terms that are frequently used interchangeably. Interestingly, both of these disorders are linked to the ovaries.
PCOS is a problem of the endocrine system, whereas PCOD is a disorder that develops due to a hormonal imbalance. Although the specific cause of both conditions is unknown, hormone imbalances and heredity are thought to play a substantial factor.
PCOS is a significant medical illness that affects between 0.2 % - 2.5 % of the world's female population. PCOD is a widespread disorder, affecting about 10 % of the world's female population.
PCOS is a metabolic condition, and a more severe condition of PCOS can result in anovulation, which is when the ovaries cease to release eggs altogether. PCOD is a syndrome in which the ovaries generate an abnormally large number of immature or partially mature eggs. It is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, stress, and hormone imbalance.
PCOD is not associated with any significant consequences. At a later stage, PCOS can lead to major consequences such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and endometriosis, among others.
Conclusion
PCOS and PCOD are a common combination, and they can cause weight gain and infertility. While losing weight can help normalize your hormones and return your metabolic furnace to normal, it is not a quick fix. You need to get a better understanding of these conditions so you can make the most effective treatment plan for yourself and your loved ones.
If you want to lose weight and have a child, you need to have a plan for your future. It is best to consult with a gynecologist as soon as you notice that your period is delayed or becoming irregular.
You do not want to go through the tough times again and struggle with weight gain and infertility.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a top-notch fertility specialist. He can help you manage your condition, transform your life and get the life you want to lead a happier life.
