What is PCOD Problem in Females?

PCOD in Females: Everything You Need to Know

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal disorder that affects around 10% of women worldwide. It affects women in their reproductive period, where the hormonal imbalance causes the ovaries to generate immature or partially mature eggs that develop into cysts over time.

These cysts grow with time and produce high amounts of androgens (male hormones), which cause fertility issues in women. Read ahead to discover more about the causes, symptom and management tips for PCOD problem in women!

What are the Causes of PCOD in Women?

There’s no single definitive cause of PCOD. It can be a mix of various factors that leads to this disorder in women. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the multiple factors causing PCOD:

1. Genetic Factors  : Research has revealed that hereditary factors contribute to hormonal imbalances, causing PCOD in women. So, women who have a family history of PCOD are at a greater risk of being affected by the disease.
2. Lifestyle Factors : Unhealthy lifestyle habits like excess consumption of junk food, alcohol, smoking, and irregular sleep can cause hormonal disorders, leading to PCOD. Additionally, women who have a sedentary lifestyle are at a greater risk of developing PCOD, obesity, and stress.
3. Insulin Resistance : Insulin helps break down sugar into glucose, providing us with energy. If your cells become resistant to insulin, sugar accumulates in your bloodstream. Consequently, the body releases additional insulin to maintain proper blood sugar levels. This excess insulin in the blood can give rise to male hormones (androgens), which cause PCOD and impact fertility.  
4. High levels of Androgens : If the female body produces a high amount of androgens, then it can lead to fertility issues and cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Excess androgens obstruct the ovulation process and cause infertility in women.
5. Medications : Overuse of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can cause hormonal disorders in women, causing PCOD.

What are the Symptoms of PCOD in Women?

The symptoms of PCOD can vary across women, depending on their hormonal disorder. However, there are some common symptoms noticed:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycle : If menstruation lasts longer, or is missed for a few months, and this abnormality continues for a long time, then it might be a sign of PCOD. If you experience fewer than nine cycles a year, which occurs at a gap of 35 days or more, seek medical advice.
• Inflammation : Women who suffer from PCOD experience inflammation. Studies have revealed that inflammation is connected with high androgen levels in PCOD patients.
• Amenorrhea : It refers to the lack of a menstrual cycle in women. A girl who has not gotten a period by the age of 15 may have PCOS. It can be due to various reasons, such as poor diet, hormonal disorders, emotional stress, etc.  
• Unreasonable Weight Gain : Women who suffer from PCOD may have higher testosterone levels, which can cause them to gain excess weight.
• Hirutism : It is a condition where women experience excessive hair growth on their face and body. This occurs due to the presence of excess androgens in women who suffer from PCOD.
• Body Irregularities : Various other irregular body patterns, like excess acne, male-pattern baldness, etc., are experienced by women who have PCOD.

How to Manage PCOD?

PCOD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications, therapies, and medication. Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Follow a regular exercise routine to stay physically active. It will assist in reducing body weight and effectively managing PCOD.
• Improve dietary habits and include healthy food choices to prepare a balanced diet. Include low-fat foods and fiber-rich foods in your diet.
• Get enough rest and improve your sleep cycle. Sleep at least 8 hours a day.  
• Avoid alcohol and smoking completely.
• Follow effective stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises.

Lifestyle adjustments hold prime importance in the management of PCOD. Achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle necessitates a sustained dedication to a comprehensive approach involving a well-balanced diet, regular exercise regimen, and effective stress management strategies.