PCOD is a lifesyle disorder which affects 9 to 23% of women world wide. Its incidence in India is increasing. The actual number of PCOD cases may be much higher as they are not diagnosed.

What causes PCOD

Doctors do not know the exact cause for PCOD. Genetics, race , insulin resistance and other factors affect the development of PCOD. However the main predisposing factor is unhealthy lifestyle. High calorie intake along with lack of exercise leads to PCOD.

Symptoms

Polycystic ovaries means multiple cysts or fluid containing bubble like structures in the ovaries. These cysts are immature eggs. It is a disease which affects the ovaries. Ovaries secrete hormones estrogen and progesterone along with small amounts of male hormones. In PCOD there is increase in male hormones along with other endocrine and metabolic imbalance.

PCOD is a group of symptoms that affects ovaries and ovulation.  Diagnosis is mainly by symptoms and ultrasound. Its three main features are

!] Irregular periods or missed periods

2] High levels of male hormones: increased facial hair, acne, male pattern of baldness

3] Multiple cysts in ovaries arranged in periphery seen in ultrasound

The chief symptoms are:

1.Menstrual distrubances: Irregular periods, absent periods, prolonged periods, intermenstual bleeding etc

2. Weight gain

3. Acne, excess facial hair, excess body hair, hair loss and baldness

4. Mood swings

5. Darkening of skin

6. Headaches

Treatment:

Main treatment of PCOD is lifestyle changes.

1. Healthy diet containing low carbohydrate and high fibre. reduction of calorie intake

2.Exercise

3. weight loss

Even 5 to 10% weight loss has beneficial effects on PCOD which leads to marked improvements in symptoms.

Cycle regulation: Your doctor may prescribe Oral contraceptives for regulating cycles and hormone regulation 

Metformin:It is basically a anti diabetes drug which is prescribed in PCOD

Ovulation induction: If you are planning pregnancy ovulation induction is done

Laparoscopy: Ovarian drilling is done in cases of resistant PCOD not responding to medical management.