My article today will give you complete information about Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). So that you do not have any problem in understanding this medical condition (PCOD).
Before knowing about PCOD and PCOS, let us know about ovulation and menstrual cycle.
What is Ovulation?
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that helps maintain body temperature, regulate feelings of hunger and fullness, and control the sensation of thirst. Additionally, it manages sleep-wake cycles controls emotions and mood and controls sexual desire.
The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone is then released into the bloodstream into the hypophyseal portal system (network of blood vessels), which carries it to the anterior pituitary gland.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) collectively known as gonadotropins.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps the follicles in the ovaries, which contain the eggs, to grow and mature. Luteinizing hormone (LH) helps to release a mature egg from the ovary by weekends the ovarian wall, which is called ovulation. This process of releasing the egg from the ovary is called ovulation.
Menstrual cycle:
The egg is then captured by the fimbriae, finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube, and begins its journey toward the uterus.
Ovary produces two hormones such as. These hormones regulate the cycle. When ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube, which is called ovulation. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) thickens to create a favorable environment for a fertilized egg to grow.
If the egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus breaks down. The uterine lining, along with the unfertilized egg, blood, and mucus, is shed and exits the body through the vagina as menstrual fluid. This shedding is a normal part of the menstrual cycle, which oсcurs monthly.
What is Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)?
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a medical condition in which a large number of underdeveloped eggs are produced in a woman’s ovaries during her reproductive age. Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a medical hormonal imbalance condition in which a large number of underdeveloped eggs are produced in a woman’s ovaries during her reproductive age. The increase in the number of follicles increases the size of the ovary.
In PCOD, the ovulation process gets disrupted, which leads to menstrual problems. This leads to irregular or missed menstrual cycles.
Are Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) the same?
Both conditions can cause irregular periods. The early stage of the medical condition in which a large number of immature eggs are produced due to hormonal imbalance is known as PCOS. On the other hand, advanced stage of the medical condition in which a large number of immature eggs are produced due to hormonal imbalance is known as PCOD.
Is PCOD/PCOS the same as ovarian cyst?
In a normal menstrual cycle, a mature egg is released from the ovary every month. While in conditions like PCOD/PCOS, the ovulation process gets disrupted, and the eggs are unable to mature enough to travel from the ovary to the fallopian tubes.
Immature follicles containing undeveloped eggs appear as “cyst-like structures” on ultrasound. However, through the name can be misleading as they are not true “cysts”. Rather these are small, unruptured follicles. These follicles, which are essentially small sacs of fluid that fail to develop and release an egg.
What are the Symptoms of PCOD?
- Women with PCOD/PCOS may experience irregular menstrual periods, and there may be longer gaps between them.
- Painful period due to factors like hormonal Imbalances. It is common to experience skipped or occur very infrequently menstrual periods throughout the year. even absent for months.
- In some cases, periods may become unusually heavy or last for a long time. It is common to have irregular menstrual cycles. This means periods may fluctuate throughout the year or even be absent for months.
- Women may experience thinning hair on their scalp or male pattern baldness. Also, many women experience weight gain, especially around the abdomen and thighs.
- Areas like the neck, armpits, and groin may develop thicker, darker, velvety skin.
- It can also make it difficult for women to conceive because the hormonal imbalance disrupts normal ovulation.
- Unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, and back. Acne and Oily Skin
Less common symptoms are:
Mood swings, depression and headaches. Negative social relationships. Low self-confidence. Negative self-image. Disruption of eating and sleep patterns.
What are the causes of PCOD?
When the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, the pancreas produces more of it to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
This increased level of insulin disrupt the balance of hormones. Moreover, signal the ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens, also known as male hormones. Which then cause many of the reproductive and metabolic symptoms associated with PCOD.
An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise are significant contributing factors to PCOD.
The risk of developing PCOD may increase if a close family member such as a mother or sister is suffering from the it.
Obesity worsen insulin resistance and increase PCOD symptoms
What are the treatments for PCOD?
- Doctors will do a blood test to measure androgen (male hormones) levels in women with PCOD. In addition, other hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen will be tested to identify imbalances.
- The doctor will address insulin resistance through treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes (including a healthy diet and regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight) is an important part of managing PCOD symptoms.
- A pelvic ultrasound will be done to look at the ovaries. This may reveal if the ovaries are enlarged or contain multiple small, fluid-filled sacs.
- The doctor will discuss your menstrual cycle and check for irregularities, missed periods, or unusually long or heavy menstrual cycles. The doctor will also review the family history of PCOD or diabetes.
- Doctor will also assess your Body Mass Index (BMI) and may check blood pressure and look for signs like dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) or skin tags. A physical examination checks for signs of high androgen levels, such as acne or hirsutism.
Note –The PCOD diet suggests avoiding these foods: Refined carbohydrates, found in white bread and mass-produced pastries. Fried foods, especially fast food.
If the above PCOD symptoms match with you then I would suggest you to go to the doctor without waiting and get it treated as soon as possible.
I hope all your doubts are cleared, but still if you have any questions in your mind then write your question in the comment box below. I will try to answer all your questions.
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