PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), commonly referred to as PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, primarily during their reproductive years. It's one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 5-10% of this population worldwide. PCOS is characterized by a combination of symptoms related to hormonal imbalance and ovarian dysfunction.

Women with PCOS often have irregular periods, which can range from very heavy to very light flow, or they may skip periods altogether. This irregularity is due to infrequent or prolonged ovulation.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis of PCOS typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to measure hormone levels (such as testosterone and insulin), and imaging studies (usually ultrasound) to examine the ovaries for cysts or follicles.

Lifestyle Changes:-This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight management strategies to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate menstrual cycles.

Medications:- Birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels. Metformin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, may be prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity.

Symptoms:-

Symptoms of PCOD are:

• Hormonal Imbalance:-PCOS is associated with higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone, which can cause symptoms such as acne, excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness.
• Insulin Resistance:- Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight:- Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Excess weight can exacerbate PCOS symptoms and increase the risk of complications such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Skin Issues:- Besides acne, PCOS can cause skin darkening (acanthosis nigricans), particularly in skin folds like the neck and under the breasts, due to insulin resistance.