Introduction

Modern sedentary lifestyles and irregular eating habits have given rise to many illnesses. Polycystic Ovarian Disease is not a new disorder but an age-old problem faced by many women in their younger years. The disorder stems from unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle. Mentioned below are the details about Polycystic Ovarian Disease.

 

What is Polycystic Ovarian Disease?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD is a hormonal disorder that affects women during their reproductive years. It is essentially an endocrine disease and is also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. It is the most common hormonal disorder that affects around 20% of women worldwide. PCOD mostly happens during the most fertile years of a woman’s life and causes infertility.

In simpler terms, a woman may experience hormonal imbalances in her body at some point in her life, causing Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Due to this, small sacs filled with fluid, also known as cysts, start accumulating on a woman’s ovaries, resulting in many irregularities and health issues. These cysts, though not harmful, cause hormonal issues such as irregular menstrual cycle, Type II diabetes, and many others. 

 

Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

PCOD may be caused by the following:

  • Genes: Most commonly, PCOD affects women who have a family history of hormonal imbalances. It is seen that women of families in which PCOD runs as a hereditary disorder are the most vulnerable to this disease.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese triggers the effects of PCOD in your body. Excess body weight also causes body inflammation that leads to PCOD. Therefore, it is advised to keep your weight in check if you want to avoid this syndrome.
  • Poor Nutrition: Poor nutrition and irregular eating habits are also the leading cause of Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Women who do not have a proper and nutritious diet are most likely to have PCOD. This is because poor nutrition leads to long-term hormonal issues.
  • Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance is a disorder where the cells in the body cannot use the body’s insulin properly. It causes Type II diabetes and can lead to PCOD. More than 70% of women who have PCOD are diagnosed with insulin resistance. 
  • Unhealthy Lifestyle: An overall unhealthy lifestyle also leads to PCOD. Women who ignore leading a healthy and fit life are the most common patients of this disorder.

 

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic Ovarian Disease has the following symptoms:

  • Irregular Menstrual Cycle: This is the most common symptom of PCOD. Women start having irregular periods with abnormally excessive bleeding due to this disorder. 
  • Abnormal Hair Growth: Excess hair growth is another symptom of PCOD. Women suffering from the disease generally experience abnormal hair growth on their faces and bodies. This happens due to the high levels of androgen in the body.
  • Skin Issues: Women who have been diagnosed with PCOD suffer from abnormal acne and many other skin issues. Some women may develop extremely oily skin due to the disease.
  • Weight Gain: Weight gain is another common PCOD symptom. It is also a significant cause of the disorder. It has been seen that 80% of women who have developed PCOD were overweight or obese.
  • Depression: Hormonal imbalances cause headaches and depression in women. It is the most troublesome symptom of PCOD as depression generally goes undetected in women, and this fact aggravates the illness even more.

 

How to check if you have PCOD?

The symptoms mentioned above are evidence of the illness. If you have any or all of the above symptoms, you must consult a doctor. You should not waste time if you have PCOD. Do not think twice about getting yourself tested as soon as there is any abnormality in your menstrual cycle. 

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a syndrome that might worsen as time passes if not treated early. The illness can be diagnosed in the following ways:

 

  • Blood Tests: Your doctor would advise you to do a blood test for your hormone levels. Your blood test should cover FSH, LH, testosterone levels, estrogen levels, and SHBG levels. All these measures contribute to the correct diagnosis of PCOD.
  • Pelvic Exam: The doctor would perform a general physical pelvic exam both visually and manually. This would detect any abnormalities in your reproductive organs regarding growth and masses.
  • Ultrasound: The doctor would perform a transvaginal ultrasound for checking your ovaries and uterus lining. This is an essential part of the examination for early detection of PCOD.

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a syndrome that should not be taken lightly. If you are a woman and think that there is something amiss, check on the symptoms and consult your doctor as soon as possible.