Everything You Need to Know About PCOS/PCOD

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women in their childbearing years. So, how common is PCOS? Well, every year in India, more than 1 million cases of it come into notice, and thus it is deemed as a the common problem now.

Speaking of the age group that this condition mostly affects, then it includes females from the age of 14 years to 60 years. However, most people get confused with PCOS and PCOD which expands for polycystic ovarian disease. While both are associated with ovaries, PCOS is deemed to be an endocrine system disorder and PCOD is developed due to hormonal imbalance.  

To understand both these conditions, it is important to understand the functioning of ovaries first. Ovaries in women alternately release an egg every month. Besides producing female hormones that regulate things like period schedule, hair development, fertility, and so on, they also secrete male hormones or androgens in very small quantities. And when they start producing male hormones more than usual, it creates an imbalance of hormones which becomes a major contributing factor for PCOS and PCOD.

Let us delve deeper to understand more about PCOS and PCOD.

Difference between PCOS and PCOD

In terms of severity, PCOS is a more serious condition than PCOD. However, PCOD is more common than PCOS.

Speaking of the complications, women with this condition are highly prone to health complications like hypertension, cardiovascular problems, obesity, diabetes, and even endometrial cancer.

As compared to PCOD, PCOS tend to appear earlier in life. In most cases, it is found to be visible in the teenage years with symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, and metabolic issues like weight gain.

Women with PCOS might have significant fertility issues than those who have PCOD. Also, severe cases of PCOS may lead to anovulation while women with PCOD may not have such complications and still ovulate.

Effects of PCOD/PCOS

Speaking of some of the well-known effects of PCOD/PCOS on the body, these include:

·         Irregular periods

·         Excess hair growth (hirsutism)

·         Loss of scalp hair

·         Obesity or weight gain

·         Dark patches of skin in folds and creases

·         Acne/oil skin

·         Polycystic ovaries

·         Infertility

Is PCOS/PCOD curable?

So, is PCOD curable or PCOS for that matter? Unfortunately, there are no sure shot ways to fix these conditions. However, these conditions can be managed through different treatment options that include medications to regularise periods, control cholesterol, and balance hormones to increase fertility and remove excess hair. Besides, the doctor may ask the women for self-care that includes physical exercise and weight loss.

As soon as a woman notices any of these signs and symptoms, they must not delay and consult their doctor to receive timely treatment so that the condition does not create any health trouble.