PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, And Effective Treatment Options For Polycystic Ovarian Disease

What Is PCOD?

Have you ever encountered the abbreviation PCOD and wondered what it stands for? Let’s simplify it:

PCOD refers to a hormonal condition characterised by the excess production of androgens(male hormones) by the ovaries. This hinders normal ovulation and leads to an irregular menstrual cycle and the development of small cysts on the ovaries, among other debilitating symptoms.

An ovary has the capability to release an egg on a monthly basis, per every cycle. With PCOD, having an egg released at that time gets much more complicated, causing failures to achieve conception along with many more problems. 

PCOD is often spotted between teenage years and early adulthood, but is not bound by age. Knowing the symptoms and the reason that led to the disorder is among the first few steps, if not the very first step, in managing it.

Common Symptoms Of PCOD

Every woman’s experience with PCOD is different. No two stories are similar. Some bear the brunt of the symptoms, while others face minimal fallout. Nonetheless, they can be trapped at any level, resulting in a never-ending cycle of managing PCOD. Here are the best-captured symptoms worth noting:

1. Irregular Periods: The Cycle’s Red Flags

A woman’s monthly cycle mirrors reports on the individual’s reproductive health system. In case it strays into irregular territory, it often prompts you to let go of hypothesising and wrap up the “are things going smoothly” game. Women with PCOD continuously struggle with having fewer than nine periods a year, prolonged menstrual cycles, or even months without a period. Signs to watch for: 

• Menstrual cycle longer than 35 days.
• Both heavy bleeding and faint periods. 
• Very long gaps in between periods, often going for months without having one. 

2. Too Much Androgen - Unwanted Modifications To Your Body 

Androgens are known as “male hormones”, and women do have a small quantity of these hormones. However, in PCOD, the body produces an excess of hormones, which causes unwanted changes to the body. Signs to watch for: 

• Excessive and unwanted body or facial hair growth (hirsutism).
• Severe acne along with overly oily skin, especially on the face and back.
• Hair loss, such as thinning hair or bald spots, with a receding hairline.

3. Ovarian Cysts - Common Yet Overlooked 

An ultrasound scan will often reveal these cysts, but they rarely show any signs. The ovaries create these small cysts filled with fluid due to a failure to ovulate. Things to look out for:

• Ovaries that look swollen or are enlarged with multiple cysts.
• Cysts don’t always show symptoms but can influence ovulation and fertility.

4. Weight Gain Along With Insulin Resistance - The Unseen Battle

PCOD makes it easier for women to gain weight and difficult to lose, mostly in the stomach region. This is a result of insulin resistance, which is when the body’s cells don’t react to the insulin adequately, increasing sugar levels in the blood and, in turn, increasing weight. 

Things to look out for:

• Rapid or unexpected increase in body weight, especially in the midsection.
• Difficulty losing weight even with exercise and diet.
• Stronger than normal hunger pangs, tiredness, and loss of energy.

5. Difficulty Getting Pregnant - When It Becomes A Lot Harder to Conceive

One of the most predominant causes of infertility in women is PCOD. The chances of conception are lower because there is no proper ovulation that takes place. What to look for:

• Not being able to conceive a child after several months or years of trying to conceive.
• Irregular patterns of ovulation.
• Frequent miscarriages 

6. Skin Issues – A Lot More Than Just Acne

If you have suffered from acne or dark spots on your skin, it might be associated with PCOD. The presence of androgens can result in increased sebaceous gland activity, which can lead to acne vulgaris. The skin may also develop dark, velvety patches (Acanthosis nigricans), which are most often seen on the neck, in the armpits, or in the groin.

What to look for:

• Oily skin, together with acne
• Discolouration of skin in folds, particularly in the folds of the skin in the armpits

Causes of PCOD

Even though it exists on a large scale, its specific cause is still to be evaluated. Researchers have located factors that cause PCOD. Knowing them can assist in managing the condition and taking appropriate health measures.

1. Imbalance Of Hormones - The Prime Cause

PCOD has roots in a hormonal imbalance, which is one of the key elements of this condition. In this scenario, the androgen (male hormone) levels rise, and so does the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance leads to further disruptions in the menstrual cycle and fertility issues. 

What occurs in the body?

• The ovaries churn out androgens beyond the normal limit, preventing ovulation (egg release). 
• Lack of ovulation or irregular ovulation will eventually lead to the formation of cysts in the ovaries.
• Lab-tested hormone levels indicate an ‘uncontrolled’ state of balance/imbalance in the body. This uncontrolled balance leads to emerging symptoms of acne, excessive body hair, and hair loss from the scalp.

2. Insulin Resistance - The Uncovered Attack

Insulin resistance is a condition that many women have with PCOD. Here, the cells don’t properly utilise insulin. Thus, the system brings out added insulin, which in turn increases the production of androgens further. How does this impact PCOD insulin resistance?

• These higher levels of insulin lead the ovaries to produce higher amounts of androgens.
• Heightened levels of androgens are related to weight gain and more body hair, excessive hair growth, and abnormal menstrual cycles.  
• Type 2 diabetes can also be associated with insulin resistance.  

3. Genetic Factors – Is PCOD Hereditary?

Women with PCOD and close family members are more likely to develop the condition due to their genetic predisposition. Although specific causal genes have not been identified, significant PCOD research has cited its familial links.  

• Causal family history suggests foresight and proactive mitigation are possible through lifestyle changes aimed at managing symptoms of PCOD.  
• Genetics may determine other inherited factors that influence response to insulin or smooth hormone modulation in the body.  

4. Low-Grade Inflammation – The Silent Trigger

PCOD is marked by the presence of low-grade inflammation, thereby making insulin resistance worse and causing androgen excess. Symptoms can add to the problem of becoming chronic and are accompanied by metabolic disorders.

• Increased metabolic inactivity alongside heightened white blood cell count leads to fatigue and sluggishness. Some other symptoms include:  
• Increased muscle fatigue leads to slower muscle contraction speed.  
• Overall, body fat increases.  
• Increased blood lipid levels.  
• Immobility leads to fat redistribution.

Managing PCOD: Exploring Treatment Options For Better Health

Although there is no cure, management strategies assist in minimising symptoms and hormone balance as well as enhancing overall health and wellness. Each individual has differing needs, so treatment approaches differ, but often, a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies can significantly help.  

1. Medications – Finding The Right Balance  

Medication is usually of great help in controlling the symptoms of PCOD for most women. Because the primary issue is based on a hormonal imbalance, doctors tend to suggest specific medications that aim to stabilise the menstrual cycle, improve fertility, and manage negative features like acne and hirsutism.  

Some of the medications generally included in the prescription are:

• Hormonal Birth Control: The estrogen-progesterone-containing birth control pills usually help in normalising periods, lower androgen secretion, and aid in the improvement of the skin by reducing acne and excessive hair growth.
• Metformin: Metformin helps to manage glucose levels by assisting in the improvement of insulin sensitivity, which was initially developed for treating diabetes. This is especially helpful for women suffering from insulin resistance, which is predominant in PCOD.
• Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): For hopeful mothers, ovulation is commonly induced to increase the probability of conception through Clomid.
• Anti-Androgens (Spironolactone): These aid in the mitigation of the effects of the surplus of androgens by eliminating or diminishing symptoms such as hirsutism and alopecia.

All this technical information is provided just for your knowledge. It is wise to consult your personal physician prior to the use of any drugs because your physician will formulate a plan specifically designed for you.

2. Lifestyle Changes - The Building Block Of Pcod Management

PCOD management methods are more effective and natural when implemented with these lifestyle changes. While some medications will assist in symptom relief, a well-structured lifestyle with proper exercise and a proper diet will prove to be much more effective in the long run.

Nutritional Changes - Fueling For The Balance Of Hormones

The maintenance of a proper diet can assist in controlling insulin levels, controlling weight, and regulating hormones. Planning a diet will help tackle symptoms and improve health in general.

• Focus On The Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: Whole grains, fruits, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables possess the ability to stabilise blood sugar and restrain insulin surges.
• Include More Fibre: Foods such as oats, beans, and green vegetables, which are high in fibre, assist in digestion, blood sugar moderation, and inflammation reduction.
• Do Not Be Afraid Of Healthy Fats: Nuts, fish, and seeds all have omega-3 fatty acids that help in having a healthy balance of hormones in the body.
• Reduce The Intake Of Processed Foods And Sugars: Eating sugary snacks and refined carbs can contribute to weight gain and worsen the state of insulin resistance.

Read Nutrition Guide to Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for more insights.

Routine Physical Activity: Striving For Healthier Goals

A pertinent part of managing PCOD is physical activity. Doing exercises helps moderate the levels of insulin, aids in losing weight, and improves mental health.

• Aerobic Exercises: Walking fast, swimming, and cycling are excellent for both calorie burning and heart health improvement.
• Strength Training: Exercising with weights or using the weight of one’s own body helps to improve muscle tone and insulin sensitivity.
• Mindfulness and Yoga: Some poses of yoga and mindfulness are stress relievers and improve hormones, thus enhancing well-being.

Reducing even a small amount of weight (about 5-10%) can lead to better management of PCOD symptoms, improved regulation of the menstrual cycle, and improved fertility.

Ayurvedic Approach – A Holistic Way To Heal

Ayurveda, an ancient natural healing system, considers PCOD an imbalance and treats it by restoring the balance of body hormones, detoxifying the system, and enhancing metabolism.

• Dietary recommendations: To enhance the digestion process, Ayurveda suggests incorporating warm, cooked foods into the patient’s diet. In addition, the use of turmeric, fenugreek, and cumin is recommended as they aid in insulin control and inflammation reduction.
• Herbal medicines: Traditionally, ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Triphala are used to treat hormonal imbalances and improve reproductive functions.
• Yoga and Pranayama: Popular poses like Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose) and Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) are useful for enhancing blood supply to the pelvis and pelvic reproductive organs. Studies indicate the positive effects of yoga in PCOD patients.

Practising and following yoga with professional guidance and support is always better. If you wish to reap the benefits of professional guidance from a certified yoga instructor from the comfort of your home, reach out to Nirva.

As every woman undergoes PCOD differently, it cannot be generalised that a single treatment is suitable for everyone. Women are to embrace their health through educated choices and lifestyle changes supplemented with medical aid when deemed necessary.

We at Nirva Health consider wellness to be integrated. Whether treating with medicines, altering one’s lifestyle, or even using natural therapies, every step you undertake towards good health is significant. When dealing with PCOD, consult a healthcare expert for assistance with a tailored approach that suits you best!

Wrapping It Up

Coping with PCOD might be difficult, but it does not need to define your life. Following nourishing foods, movement, lowered stress levels, natural healing practices, and self-care techniques will help you take charge of your body. Change does not come overnight, but with small habits that are enforced consistently, change over time does occur.

Progressing towards wellness can be different for everyone, and it takes time, but each effort strives towards living a vibrant life. Your body will be aided in healing while making holistic care possible with mindful steps.

There is no need to feel alone. Listen to what your body needs and be patient with the changes while taking that first step. Begin today; a happier you are closer than you think!