| What
Happens in PCOD |
- The
ovaries become enlarged and contain many small
fluid-filled sacs (cysts).
|
- The follicles (which contain
immature eggs) may fail to mature and release an egg, leading to irregular or absent ovulation.
|
- Hormonal imbalance (especially
elevated testosterone and insulin) disrupts normal menstrual cycles and metabolism.
|
|
|
|
| Common Symptoms |
|
- Irregular periods or absence of menstruation
|
- Weight gain,
especially around the abdomen
|
- Acne, oily
skin, or dandruff
|
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen (hirsutism)
|
- Hair thinning on the scalp
|
- Difficulty conceiving
(infertility)
|
- Mood changes
(anxiety, depression)
|
|
| Causes & Risk Factors |
|
| While the exact cause is unknown, PCOD is
linked to: |
|
- Genetic factors (runs in families)
|
- Insulin resistance, leading to increased androgen production
|
- Unhealthy lifestyle — poor diet, lack of exercise, stress
|
- Obesity,
which worsens hormonal imbalance
|
|
| Diagnosis |
|
| Doctors may use: |
|
- Medical history and symptom
review
|
- Physical exam (checking for excess hair, acne, etc.)
|
- Ultrasound
(to look for cysts on ovaries)
|
- Blood tests
(to check hormone and insulin levels)
|
|
| Treatment & Management |
|
There’s no permanent
cure, but it can be effectively
managed with: |
| 1. Lifestyle Changes |
- Healthy diet (low in refined
carbs and sugars)
|
- Regular exercise and weight
management
|
|
|
| 2. Medications |
- Hormonal birth control to
regulate periods
|
- Anti-androgen drugs to reduce
symptoms like hair growth and acne
|
- Metformin (to manage insulin
resistance)
|
3. Fertility treatments (if trying to conceive) |
|
|
| Key Takeaway |
|
| PCOD is
a manageable condition, not a
life-threatening disease. With the right diet,
exercise, and medical support, most women can
control symptoms, have regular cycles, and conceive successfully. |