What is PCOD ?

What is PCOD ?
(What is Polycystic ovarian Disease)?

PCOD is a condition where ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs, this normally develops due to to poor lifestyle, obesity, stress and hormonal imbalance. 

Polycystic ovaries are somewhat larger than normal ovaries and contain twice as many follicles. 

What is PCOS  ?
What is Polycystic ovarian syndrome ?

 
PCOS is a syndrome that can affect your menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, and physical appearance. It can also have long-term effects on your health. PCOS affects 2 to 26 per 100 women. 

In PCOS, endocrine disorders cause the ovaries to create excess androgens, making eggs more likely to form cysts.
Having polycystic ovaries PCOD on USG does not always indicate that you have polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS. 

क्या पॉलीसिस्टिक और पीसीओएस समान हैं?

पॉलीसिस्टिक ओवरी (PCOD) और पॉलीसिस्टिक ओवरी सिंड्रोम (PCOS) सुनने में एक जैसे लगते हैं, लेकिन दोनों एक जैसी नहीं हैं।
PCOD मे अंडाशय में छोटे सिस्ट की संख्या बढ़ जाती है।
जबकि PCOS एक अंतःस्रावी विकार है जिसमे  महिलाओं में अधिक मात्रा में एण्ड्रोजन (पुरुष हार्मोन) का उत्पादन होता है।

What are the symptoms of PCOS? 

The signs of PCOS are:

         -Irregular periods / no periods.

         -Hirsutism - increase in face / body hair. 

         -Loss of hair on head 

         -Obesity / excessive weight gain and difficulty decreasing weight 

         -Oily skin and acne. 

         -Difficulty becoming pregnant (decreased Fertility). 

         -Depression and other mental problems 

Symptoms differ from woman to woman. 
Some women experience few symptoms, whereas others experiance broader spectrum 

PCOS causes fertility issues in women. 

What is the cause of PCOS? 

The cause is unknown, it can however run in families. If any of your family members (mother, aunts, or sisters) have PCOS, you are at increased risk.

The symptoms are associated with abnormal hormone levels. 
In normal circumstances every women's ovaries produce some levels of testosterone. Women with PCOS have slightly higher-than-normal testosterone levels, which is associated with many symptoms of the disorder. 

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. If you have PCOS, your body may not respond to insulin (known as insulin resistance), resulting in elevated glucose levels. To keep glucose levels from rising, your body creates more insulin. 
High insulin levels causes weight gain, irregular periods, fertility issues, and elevated testosterone levels.

How is PCOS diagnosed? 

Polycystic ovaries are not synonymous with PCOS.

 A diagnosis is made when you have at least two of the following: 

         -Irregular, uncommon, or no periods at all. 

         -An increase in face or body hair, as well as blood tests that suggest greater testosterone levels than usual 

         -An ultrasound scan reveals polycystic ovaries. 

When a diagnosis is made, you may be referred to a gynaecologist (a specialist who specializes in women's reproductive health) or an endocrinologist

What implications could PCOS have for my long-term health? 

If you have PCOS, you are more likely to acquire the long-term health problems listed below.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes 

If your blood glucose levels do not remain normal, you may develop diabetes. One or two out of every 10 women with PCOS eventually acquire diabetes. If diabetes is not treated, it can lead to organ damage. You are also at a increased risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy, and you will be offered a blood test between 24 and 28 weeks. 

If you have PCOS, your chance of acquiring diabetes is even higher if you: 

         -are nearly 40 years old. 

         -Family history of diabetes. 

         -Develop diabetes during pregnant (known as gestational diabetes) 

         -are obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher). 

On being diagnosed with diabetes, you will be dietary advice and may be prescribed medications or insulin injections. 

High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease 

Women with PCOS have higher blood pressure, which is more likely to be caused by insulin resistance and obesity than by PCOS itself. High blood pressure causes heart problems which will need medical management. 

Cancer 

If you have fewer than three periods per year, the uterine lining (endometrium) can thicken, potentially leading to endometrial cancer in a small percentage of women. 

The hormone progesterone can be used in a variety of ways to protect the uterine lining. It may include a five-day course of progestogen tablets every three or four months, using a contraceptive pill, or utilizing an intrauterine contraceptive system (Mirena®). The possibilities will vary depending on whether you are trying for a baby. 

PCOS does not enhance the risk of breast or ovarian cancer. 

Depression / mood swings. 

PCOS symptoms may influence how you see yourself and how you believe others see you. It may lower your self-confidence. 

Snoring and feeling sleepy during day. 

PCOS can cause fatigue or sleepiness throughout the day. It's also related with snoring.

How to lower the long-term health risks? 

Follow a healthy lifestyle.
The primary methods for lowering your overall risk of long-term health issues are: 

Eat balanced diet. Fruit and vegetables, whole meals ( like wholemeal bread, whole-grain cereals, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta, lean meat, fish, and poultry should be included. You should consume less sugar, salt, and caffeine. 

Eat meals regularly, particularly breakfast. 

Exercise regularly (30 minutes, at least three times a week). 

Your Gynaecologist will advice you about eating a balanced diet and exercising. 

You should attempt to keep your weight in normal range. 
BMI is a measurement of weight in relation to height, BMI between 19 and 25 is healthy. 

If you are overweight, you should try to reduce weight. If your BMI is higher than 30, talk to your doctor on how to lose weight.

The advantages of decreasing weight are: 

         -Decreased chance of developing diabetes or insulin resistance 

         -Reduced risk of cardiovascular issues 

         -decreased chance of womb cancer. 

         -regular periods 

         -higher chance of getting pregnant 

         -With time, acne and excess hair growth will decrease. 

         -Better mood and self-esteem. 

Weight loss surgery may be recommended for women with a BMI greater than forty.

There is no convincing evidence that PCOS causes weight gain or makes weight loss difficult. Many women benefit greatly from support of expert diatetrician. 

Once diagnosed with PCOS, you should be examined for any early indicators of health concerns. 

Diabetes: Depending on your risk factors, you may be offered diabetes testing every 1–3 years. 

Cancer of the womb: It is critical to have a period every 3-4 months to prevent the danger of excessive thickening of the uterine lining. If you did not have period in more than four months, you will need hormonal medications to start your period. You will be advised additional tests, like ultrasound scan of your uterus. 

High blood pressure: Follow advise of cardiologist for Blood pressure and get blood tests to check your cholesterol level. 

Depression and psychological issues: You may need to meet a counsellor or trained professional if necessary.

Is there a cure of PCOS ? 
There is no cure for PCOS. Medical treatment will try to manage and decrease the symptoms or consequences of PCOS. than Healthy lifestyle modifications (weight loss and exercise) are more effective than Medication.