PCOD - causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

What are the causes?

The exact cause of PCOD is not fully understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some factors that may contribute to the development of PCOD includinge:

1. Genetics: A family history of PCOD increases the risk.

2. Insulin Resistance: Elevated insulin levels may contribute to the increased production of androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances.

3. Hormonal Imbalance: Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin, as well as low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), can play a role.

4. Inflammation: Inflammation may contribute to insulin resistance and worsen PCOD symptoms.

5. Lifestyle fFactors such as a p: pPoor diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight can contribute to insulin resistance and exacerbate PCOD symptoms.

6. Age: PCOD can occur at any age but is most common in the reproductive years, typically between late teens and early 40s.

7. Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, such as South Asian women, have a higher prevalence of PCOD.

8. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of PCOD, and PCOD itself can make it challenging to lose weight.

9. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of PCOD.

What are the symptoms of PCOD?

The symptoms of PCOS may include:

1. Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.

2. Ovaries that are large or have many cysts.

3. Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism).

4. Weight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen).

5. Acne or oily skin.

6. Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.

7. Infertility 

8. Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)

9. Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.

What are the complications?

1. Infertility

2. Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Complications

3. Endometrial Cancer Risk

4. Cardiovascular Issues

5. Metabolic Syndrome

6. Sleep Apnea

7. Mood Disorders

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of PCOD typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests.

1. Medical hHistory about your menstrual history, symptoms.,

2. Aa physical examination to check for signs such as acne, excess hair growth, and weight distribution.

3. Blood Tests: Hormone levels, including those of androgens, insulin, and certain other hormones, may be measured through blood tests.

4. Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound is often performed to examine the ovaries. The presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, known as follicles, is a common finding in PCOD.

5. Exclusion of oOther cConditions: Your healthcare provider may conduct tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

What is the treatment?

1. Healthy lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and a balanced diet.,

2. Medications like Birth cControl pPills, aAnti-aAndrogen Medications, Metformin.

3. Management of oOther sSymptoms such as acne medications or interventions for hair loss.

4. Fertility tTreatment such as clomiphene or in vitro fertilization (IVF) for those who wish to conceive.

5. Regular mMonitoring: Periodic check-ups and monitoring of hormone levels can help assess the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed.