Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is more common than you may think. Many women in India and worldwide struggle with this hormonal condition. Some even experience difficulty getting pregnant. It’s important to see a top gynecologist in Thane West if you notice any unusual changes in your menstrual cycle, fertility, or have other PCOD symptoms. In the meantime, let’s learn more about PCOD, its symptoms, and treatment.

What is PCOD?

PCOD occurs due to disrupted hormone levels and is commonly seen in women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44 years). It’s linked to hormonal disruptions. It not only affects your menstrual and ovulation cycles but can also cause long-term health complications if left undetected and untreated. 

Your ovaries produce multiple fluid-filled follicles with immature eggs. Hormonal disruption, particularly increased levels of male hormone androgen, can lead to various symptoms that affect menstruation, ovulation, conception, and your daily life.

Symptoms of PCOD

PCOD can cause the following symptoms:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles:

When your menstrual pattern is disturbed, you might experience irregular periods or absent periods. Women with PCOD may have light bleeding or heavy periods. 

Excessive Hair Growth:

Increased androgen production can trigger hair growth on your upper lips, chin, face, chest, back, and abdomen.

Acne:

Oily skin that’s highly prone to acne breakouts is another common sign of PCOD. 

Weight Gain:

Women with PCOD tend to gain weight rapidly because of slow metabolism. The excess weight is mainly seen around the belly.

Fertility Issues:

Ovulation is often irregular in PCOD patients. This makes timing intercourse harder, which might make conception difficult.

Mood Swings:

Hormonal imbalance can also affect your mental health, making you more vulnerable to anxiety, irritability, and even depression.

Apart from these, PCOD patients report excessive hair fall, fatigue, dark patches on the skin, and a sense of general unwellness.

Effective Treatment for PCOD

Your gynecologist will examine your health, ask about your symptoms, and suggest a treatment that will perfectly fit your health and fertility goals. Here’s what’s commonly recommended for PCOD patients.

Lifestyle Changes

Birth Control:

You can consider birth control pills if you don’t plan to conceive now or in the near future. Birth control pills or patches are widely used for regulating the  menstrual cycle and controlling androgen production. Once you start getting periods regularly, your fertility, ovulation, and hormonal balance will improve.

Lifestyle Changes:

 PCOD treatment in Thane West primarily focuses on weight reduction. Losing just 5-10 percent of weight can help lower androgen levels and improve insulin sensitivity. A healthy diet consisting of low-GI foods and regular exercise can help cut down excess fat.

Medications:

A gynecologist may prescribe Metformin if you have PCOD with insulin resistance. Ovarian induction medication that regulates your ovulation cycle can be used as a fertility treatment. Clomid and Gonadotropins are commonly recommended to improve fertility.

PCOD Diet

Your diet can play a big role in easing your symptoms. Ideally, you should include foods that control your weight, regulate ovulation, and reduce male hormone production. Here’s what may work:

  • Low Glycemic Index (Low-GI) foods
  • Healthy fats
  • Lean proteins
  • Fiber-rich foods
  • Anti-inflammatory foods

There might be no cure for PCOD, but symptoms can be managed with a mix of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.