PCOS and PCOD: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Posted on: Mar 23, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

PCOS and PCOD: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

You may have heard that a lot of women in their reproductive age talk about suffering from a hormonal disorder called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Awareness regarding the disease is quite low and it is often confused with Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). While they are both related to ovaries and are known to cause a hormonal disturbance, the conditions are different. These conditions make the menstrual cycle irregular, making it harder for women to get pregnant. Let’s learn more about their symptoms, diagnosis, and how the two conditions differ from one another. And if you are a sufferer, do keep medical insurance handy to handle treatment costs without losing mental peace.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce a large amount of partially mature or immature eggs, which, over time, become cysts. As a result, the ovaries become enlarged and secrete large amounts of male hormones called androgens, causing irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, weight gain, excessive body hair, acne, and hair loss. Androgens are present in women but in small amounts. Though there’s no cure for PCOD, it can be controlled with lifestyle changes.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder which can causeanovulation,in which ovaries stop producing eggs. Like PCOD, women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones or androgens that cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, leading to infertility. In fact, PCOS is said to be one of the most common causes of infertility among women. There’s unwanted hair growth on the body and face. It’s a serious health condition, and if left untreated, can cause heart problem and diabetes.

What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD / PCOS?

Symptoms usually start developing during the first menstrual period. The common signs and symptoms of PCOD/PCOS are:

• Irregular, infrequent, prolonged, or missed menstrual periods

• Excess body hair, including on the stomach, chest, and back

• Acne on the face, chest and upper back

• Hair loss or excessive thinning of hair (male pattern baldness)

• Weight gain

• Skin darkening, particularly in the neck, groin and underneath breasts

• Skin tags (small pieces of excess skin) in the neck area or armpits

Causes of PCOS

Though the exact cause of PCOS is not known, doctors attribute it to the following factors:

• Excess androgen: Androgens are male hormones. Women have them too but those with PCOS have abnormally high levels.

• Excess insulin: When your body becomes resistant to insulin, it means it can’t use insulin properly. As a result, the insulin levels build up in the body and this excess insulin produces androgens, causing difficulty with ovulation.

• Heredity: PCOS may run in the family. There’s a 50% possibility of getting PCOS if immediate family members suffer from this hormonal disorder.

• Low grade inflammation: Women with PCOS have a low-grade inflammation that stimulates the ovaries to release more androgens. This can lead to heart or blood vessels problems.

Complications of PCOS / PCOD problem

The complications include:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Abnormal uterine bleeding

• Infertility

• NASH (Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is an inflammation of liver caused by accumulation of fat in the liver)

• Sleep apnoea (repeated pauses in breathing during sleep)

• Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders

• Endometrial cancer (cancer of uterine lining)

• Premature birth or miscarriage

• Metabolic syndrome (risk of developing hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease)

PCOS / PCOD problem in future

To avoid any complications in the future, if you have PCOS/PCOD, you should monitor your health regularly. Though there’s no cure, they can be controlled and treated with healthy diet,regular exercise, and medications. However, if left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious health issues such as pregnancy complications (premature birth/miscarriage), hypertension, endometrial cancer and hyperglycaemia. PCOD can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes and other mental issues due to hormonal imbalance.

Difference between PCOD and PCOS

Both PCOD and PCOS are hormonal disorders associated with ovaries and show the same symptoms. But there are certain differences between the two:

1. PCOD is a common hormonal disorder affecting 10% of women across the world. PCOS is a serious condition, with 0.2 – 2.5% of women getting affected.

2. In PCOD, ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs, which could be due to stress, poor lifestyle, obesity, etc. In PCOS, ovaries stop producing eggs. It is a severe form of PCOD.

3. Women with PCOD can become pregnant with medication. But PCOS can lead to infertility as affected women cannot ovulate regularly, making it difficult to conceive. In case you have PCOS and still get pregnant, there might be complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, etc.

4. No serious health complications in case of PCOD. But PCOS can have serious complications in the later stage such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Diagnosis of PCOD / PCOS

There’s no single test to diagnose. Depending on the symptoms such as irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, etc., your doctor will ask about your medical history and recommend some tests. Pelvic examination might be done to check your reproductive organs for any abnormalities. Blood tests may be recommended to measure your hormonal levels, blood sugar and cholesterol. Imaging test/ultrasound can check the size of ovaries, cysts in the ovaries and lining of the uterus.

Lifestyle modification and home remedies for PCOD / PCOS

A change in lifestyle along with home remedies can bring down the levels of androgen in your body. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a healthy body weight:

A healthy diet and regular exercise will help in keeping your weight under control. A healthy body weight will help in regulating blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of blood pressure and heart disease. Maintaining an ideal BMI (body mass index) may help improve ovulation and insulin levels. Exercising for 20 – 30 minutes a day, atleast 5 days in a week, can help in weight loss.

• Limit the consumption of carbohydrates:

Follow a low-carb diet comprising eggs, fish, meat, vegetables and natural fats (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, etc.) which will help maintain insulin levels. Limit the intake of sugar and starchy foods such as rice, potatoes, bread, beans, etc.

Conclusion

Though there is no cure for PCOD/PCOS,they can be managed with lifestyle changes such as healthy diet, exercise, and medications. Consult your doctor periodically and follow their advice. And to shield your savings against unforeseen medical expenses, keep an active medical insurance policy handy.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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