polycystic-ovarian-disease-pcod

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) — also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with the normal development and release of eggs during the menstrual cycle.
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
  • Stress reduction
    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.

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