- What is PCOD?
- What is PCOS?
- What is the best treatment for PCOS or PCOD?
- Diet chart for PCOD/PCOS
- Do’s and Don’ts for PCOD/PCOS patients
- Is There a Differentiation between PCOD and PCOS?
- Types of PCOS
- Signs And Symptoms Of PCOD Or PCOS?
- Cause For PCOD/PCOS
- Complications with the PCOD/PCOS issue
- PCOD or PCOS diagnosis
- FAQS
What is PCOD?
Polycystic ovary disease is referred to as PCOD or PCOS. This is a feminine disease. Women with PCOD syndrome experience cysts or boils in their ovaries. As a result, the body produces more male hormones known as Androgens, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. Along with other complications, the hormonal imbalance causes issues with menstruation and fertilization. In addition to having irregular or prolonged menstrual periods, women with PCOS may also have high androgen hormone levels. The ovaries could make a lot of little fluid-filled sacs called follicles but not consistently release eggs. If PCOD is not addressed ideally, it can lead to more severe issues like diabetes and heart disease.
What is PCOS?
A hormonal condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is common in females between 12 and 51. Women with PCOS may experience irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles or have high amounts of androgens or male hormones. The ovaries could produce a lot of tiny fluid-filled sacs (follicles) but not consistently release eggs.
There is no recognized cause for PCOS. Weight loss and early diagnosis and treatment may help to lower the chance of developing long-term problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
What is the best treatment for PCOS or PCOD?
Treatments can help you control PCOS symptoms and reduce your risk of developing long-term health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. Managing your specific problems, such as irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and acne, is the main emphasis of PCOD or PCOS treatment. Changes in lifestyle, such as weight loss, food, and exercise, typically come first in treatment. A slight 5–10% body weight loss can influence your menstrual cycle.
The course of treatment will depend on the symptoms, including metabolic issues, acne, and hair growth. This comprises:
- Medication for PCOS: Many women need to make lifestyle adjustments and drug treatments to manage PCOS. Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you to address your specific symptoms.
- From time to time, medication regulation to control menstruation treats hormonal dysregulation and insulin resistance.
- Using fertility medications to treat infertility
- Reducing uncontrollable hair growth
- Remedies for acne and discoloration of the skin
- Ovarian drilling, a laparoscopic operation, removes androgen-producing tissue from the ovaries in PCOS patients who have not responded to hormonal therapy.
- Taking the hormone progesterone could help you regain control of your menstrual cycle. It doesn’t treat acne, unwanted hair growth, or prevent pregnancies. However, it can reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
- Reduction of weight: Medication can help people lose weight more easily when a good diet and regular exercise are insufficient. Different drugs function in various ways. Your doctor will give you the prescription they believe will work best for you.
- Weight loss surgery If you are fat and other procedures haven’t helped you lose weight. The subsequent adjustment in weight can control your hormones and menstrual cycle, lowering your risk of developing diabetes.
Diet chart for PCOD/PCOS
PCOD/PCOS diet chart
Monday
| Breakfast | Vegetable Oats or Daliya |
| Mid-morning | Bowl of fruits and Green tea |
| Lunch | Brown rice pulao with raita |
| Evening | Roasted makhana |
| Roasted makhana | Bitter guard sabzi with roti |
Tuesday
| Breakfast | Egg omlete Or suji cheela |
| Mid-morning | sprouts |
| Lunch | Soya curry with jeera rice |
| Evening | Roasted channa or baked vegetable cutlets |
| Dinner | lady finger subji with roti and salads |
Wednesday
| Breakfast | Sambar idli with tomato or green chutney |
| Mid-morning | buttermilk |
| Lunch | whole wheat pasta with vegetables |
| Evening | |
| Dinner | Chicken tikka 4-5 pcs |
Thursday
| Breakfast | Avocado sandwich or Veg toast |
| Mid-morning | Lemonade and Nuts |
| Lunch | Fish curry with chapati |
| Evening | boiled eggs and Poha |
| Dinner | Chicken pulao |
Friday
| Breakfast | veg vermicelli |
| Mid-morning | Lemonade |
| Lunch | fish curry with chapatti |
| Evening | Tea with poha |
| Dinner | A bowl of apple or papaya |
Saturday
| Breakfast | Cucumber toast with tea |
| Mid-morning | Lemonade |
| Lunch | Onion roti |
| Evening | Roasted Chana or nuts |
| Dinner | Bowl of fruits |
Sunday
| Breakfast | Ragi vegetable roll or poha |
| Mid-morning | Lemonade |
| Lunch | Mix veg brown rice pulao |
| Evening | Roasted channa or makhana |
| Dinner | Vegetable Wrap with tofu and vegetables |
Do’s and Don’ts for PCOD/PCOS patients
Do’s
- Drink minimum 2 liter water.
- Do regular exercise.
- Intake of low glycemic fruits
- Intake seasonal fruits and vegetables
Don’ts
- Don’t skip any meals
- Don’t take heavy meals at a time
- Avoid deep fried foods
- Avoid High glycemic fruits like chiku mango in the diet
Is There a Differentiation between PCOD and PCOS?
PCOS is a significant condition according to its nature. Since PCOD may be controlled with the correct diet and exercise, it is not considered an actual disease. Contrarily, PCOS is an unstable metabolic condition. Let us differentiate between PCOD and PCOS.
1. Underlying Factors: PCOD is caused by an imbalance of hormones, whereas Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine system disorder. Both disorders are thought to be strongly influenced by heredity and hormone abnormalities. According to the notion, high quantities of male hormones stop the ovaries from generating eggs and hormones correctly. Additionally, it is connected to increased testosterone production.
2. Occurrence: In contrast, PCOD is more frequent. PCOS affects only one-third of women worldwide. While the ratio is PCOD patients are more than PCOS patients. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome is lower.
3. The effects of PCOD and PCOS on pregnancy: PCOD and PCOS should not be viewed as barriers to pregnancy because they do not always result in infertility in women. In roughly 80% of situations, women may be able to get pregnant quickly and without any help. Due to hormonal imbalances, conception might be complex for women with PCOS. To become pregnant, a woman has to have healthy hormonal cycles that can provide the right conditions for the ovum to release and infuse with sperm after sexual contact. Getting pregnant can be difficult if one has polycystic ovary syndrome, which has very high levels of androgens. One must maintain good health to avoid and manage hormonal abnormalities and illnesses. The best course of action for PCOD and PCOS will involve early diagnosis and the right course of action to treat the condition and make the process of becoming pregnant successful.
Types of PCOS
In recent years, PCOS, a polycystic ovarian syndrome, has become a widespread issue among Indian women. It is believed that an imbalance in reproductive hormones is the root cause of PCOS. In addition to complicating pregnancy, tiny cysts can develop in one or both ovaries. It is estimated that this illness affects 1 in 5 Indian women. However, you should be sure about your type of PCOS before looking for therapies. Below are the four kinds of PCOS
- Insulin Resistance, PCOS
- Adrenal PCOS
- Inflammatory PCOS
- Post-Pills PCOS
1. Insulin Resistance – PCOS
It occurs in 70% of cases in women. Insulin Resistance PCOS is brought on by an illness known as insulinoma, which develops as cells lose their sensitivity to the effects of insulin. Its symptoms include weariness, sweet cravings, and abdominal weight gain.
This can be treated by engaging in regular movement and exercise. Avoid foods high in sugar and choose a balanced diet. Reduce stress and get enough sleep to control insulin levels. Magnesium, chromium, and inositol supplements are beneficial.
2. Adrenal PCOS
This happens at a really stressful time. High cortisol and DHEA levels are definite markers of the type of PCOS.
Yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep can help lower your stress levels. One should avoid doing vigorous activity. The adrenal glands and the neurological system can be supported by magnesium, vitamin B5, and vitamin C.
3. Inflammatory PCOS
Chronic inflammation is the cause of PCOS in this case. Increased testosterone levels result from a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle, which promotes inflammatory PCOS. Some symptoms include high C-reactive protein (greater than 5), headaches, unexplained lethargy, and skin conditions, including dermatitis.
You can maintain excellent gut health by restoring digestive enzyme balance and balancing the gut. Eat fewer foods that cause inflammation. Use natural anti-inflammatory substances like turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like NAC to your advantage.
4. PCOS post-pill
This happens following the discontinuation of oral contraceptive pill use. When you quit taking the tablets, the artificial progesterone, “causes a party in the ovaries,” which might result in PCOS post-pills. When the tablets are withdrawn, the condition may get worse rather than better.
Signs And Symptoms Of PCOD Or PCOS?
Some women realize they have symptoms around the time they get their first period. In contrast, others don’t until they’ve put on a lot of weight or have difficulties getting pregnant. The following are the most common PCOD or PCOS symptoms in females:
- Abnormal or irregular menstruation
- Absence of menstruation or skipped periods.
- Extreme menstrual bleeding
- Excessive development of hair (face, body, including on the back, belly, and chest)
- Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
- Gaining weight
- Hair fall (hair on the scalp gets thinner and falls out)
- Skin colouration (neck, groin, and under the breasts)
Cause For PCOD/PCOS
Although the exact cause of PCOS in women is unknown, the following are some key contributing factors:
- Production of too much insulin: The body may produce more androgen, a male hormone that women have very little of, which might interfere with ovulation.
- The ovaries produce excessive androgen hormones, which can cause hirsutism and acne (hair growth on the face and body).
- According to a new study, women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that increases androgen production and can result in problems with the heart or blood vessels.
- Women with PCOS have genetic correlations in terms of heredity.
Complications with the PCOD/PCOS issue
Every woman will wonder what will become of her body if she develops PCOS or PCOD. Your health may be impacted if your androgen levels are higher than usual. These PCOS or PCOD issues have side effects that call for medical attention:
- Abnormal bleeding in the uterus
- Hypertension or infertility.
- Diabetes type 2
- Premature delivery
- Diabetes syndrome (risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke)
- NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Depression (Many women end up experiencing depression and anxiety due to unwanted hair growth and other symptoms)
- Slumber apnea (More common in women who are overweight, causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep)
- Cancer of the uterus (Due to the thickened uterine lining)
- Miscarriage (spontaneous loss of pregnancy)
PCOD or PCOS diagnosis
PCOD or PCOS can be detected through blood tests and imaging since it has physical symptoms that affect several body systems. The gynaecologist will inquire about medical history, eating and drinking habits, use of any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and supplements, and use of any male-pattern hair growth on a woman’s chest, face, or back depending on symptoms such as irregular periods.
To identify PCOD or PCOS, a gynaecologist could suggest:
- Examining the reproductive organs physically to look for growths, lumps, or other anomalies
- Blood tests: Blood tests, such as fasting lipid profiles (to examine the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose tolerance tests, will help to understand the hormone levels.
- An imaging test is performed using ultrasound to measure the size of the ovaries, the lining of the uterus, and any ovarian cysts.
In addition to those mentioned earlier, the gynaecologist could suggest other tests to look for problems. These may consist of:
- Regular assessment of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure
- Screening for depression and anxiety
- Obstructive sleep apnea screening (OSA)
FAQS:
Women with PCOS are diagnosed if they experience at least two of the three primary symptoms: elevated testosterone levels, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts.
There is no known cause for PCOS. There is evidence that genetics is involved. Ovulation is prevented by high amounts of testosterone, which results in irregular menstrual cycles.
Can someone with PCOS still become pregnant? Yes. Even if you have PCOS, you can still become pregnant. One of the most prevalent but manageable reasons for infertility in women is PCOS.
Women frequently learn they have PCOS when they have problems getting pregnant. However, it is often noticed as early as age 11 or 12, or just a few months after the first menstrual period. In the 20s or 30s, it can also appear.
Although PCOS is closely linked to diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and other cardiovascular risk factors, women do not have a high death ratio because of PCOS.
There are no significant issues with PCOD. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer are among the considerable side effects of PCOS.
Menstrual cycles that are uncommon, irregular, or protracted and frequently have elevated levels of the male hormone androgen are symptoms of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. The ovaries may stop routinely releasing eggs and instead generate many tiny fluid-filled sacs known as follicles.
The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, although they can be managed if handled effectively. Treatment choices differ since someone with PCOS may have a variety of symptoms or only one.
No, Currently there is no cure for PCOS and it does not go away on its own you can control by having healthy diet and improving your lifestyle.