Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Aug 30, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Some time ago, a 20-year old engineering student walked into my clinic, along with her mother. Just as I told them to take their seats, she burst into to tears saying “Doctor, I’ve been diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian disease…will you please help me?”
I was a bit taken aback by her reaction, but I reassured her saying that poly cystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a common problem that can be managed efficiently and there’s no need to worry.
PCOD has indeed become a common problem – infact a lifestyle disease and we are seeing an increasing number of patients with this problem.
So what are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are slightly larger than normal ovaries that have twice the number of follicles (fluid-filled spaces within the ovary that release the eggs when you ovulate).
However, having polycystic ovaries need not necessarily mean that you have polycystic ovarian disease (also called poly cystic ovarian syndrome). But if there are two or more following symptoms present, it can be PCOD.
Irregular, infrequent periods or no periods at all
An increase in facial or body hair and/or blood tests that show higher testosterone levels than normal
Ultrasounds scan that shows polycystic ovaries.
How does PCOD affect you?
PCOD is a condition that can affect your periods, fertility, hormones and appearance. It can also affect your overall health across time. It is estimated that this disease affects 2 - 26 among 100 women.
What are the usual symptoms?
Irregular/no periods
Excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs – a condition called hirsutism
Loss of hair on head
Becoming overweight - experiencing a rapid increase in weight/ having difficulty in losing weight
Oily skin and acne
Reduced fertility - difficulty getting pregnant
Patches of thickened, velvety, darkened skin (acanthosis nigricans)
Depression and psychological problems
What are the causes of PCOD?
Though the exact cause of PCOD is unknown, it is often hereditary. Most of the PCOD symptoms presented are due to abnormal/ change in hormonal levels. Though Testosterone is considered a male hormone, it is also produced in small amounts by ovaries, in all women. Women with PCOD have elevated levels of testosterone, which causes most of the symptoms.
Abnormal levels of androgens can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg every month (ovulation), cause the unwanted hair growth and acne.
Those with PCOD may not respond to insulin –the hormone that controls blood glucose levels. High levels of insulin can lead to weight gain, irregular periods, fertility issues and also elevate levels of testosterone.
What are the long-term health risks of PCOD?
PCOD not only affects the reproductive system, but the entire body.
It increases the of serious health conditions including heart ailments, diabetes and hypertension.
The risk of developing diabetes is higher if one is:
Over 40 years of age
Have family history of diabetes
Developed diabetes during a pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
Is obese (a body mass index (BMI) of over 30)
Another condition that is associated with PCOS is metabolic syndrome, which leads to both diabetes and heart diseases.
Besides, if the number of periods is less than a year, the lining of the womb (endometrium) can thicken too much, leading to a condition called endometrial hyperplasia. This condition can subsequently lead to endometrial cancer or cancer of uterine lining. However, PCOD does not increase the chances of breast or ovarian cancer.
What are the treatment options for PCOD?
There is no cure for PCOD. However, it can be managed very efficiently with positive changes lifestyle and medicine, if required.
Many women with PCOD manage symptoms and long-term health risks without medical intervention, by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment for PCOD is personalised as symptoms and health problems, vary. Special treatment is given in case the patient wants to have a baby.
For overweight women, losing weight itself can help regulate the menstrual cycle. Even a loss of 5- 10 kg can be helpful in making menstrual periods regular. Weight loss can also improve cholesterol and insulin levels and relieve symptoms such as excess hair growth and acne.
Combined hormonal - birth control pills can be used for long-term treatment in women with PCOD (in those who do not wish to become pregnant). These pills regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms like hirsutism and acne by decreasing the androgen levels. They also decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.
Insulin-sensitizing drugs used to treat diabetes are used in the treatment of PCOD. These drugs help the body respond to insulin and decrease the androgen levels, which in turn improves ovulation. Restoring ovulation helps make menstrual periods regular and more predictable.
There are various ways to protect the lining of the womb using the hormone progestogen. This can be a five-day course of progestogen tablets (every three or four months)/ taking a contraceptive pill/ using the intrauterine contraceptive system (Mirena).
What can be done to increase the chances of pregnancy in women with PCOD?
Successful ovulation is the first step toward pregnancy. For overweight women, this can be achieved through weight loss. Medications can also be used to induce ovulation. Surgery on the ovaries can be opted for only medical management does not work. Such procedures are performed only if there is no other option.
How can long-term health risks of PCOD be managed?
Lead a healthy lifestyle
Change to healthy balanced diet: include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, lean meat, fish and fibre. Avoid high sugar, high fat foods and alcoholic drinks.
Eat meals on time, especially breakfast.
Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes a day – brisk walking is the best and easiest option.
Losing weight helps:
Manage insulin resistance/ developing diabetes
Lowers risk of heart problems
Lowers risk of uterine cancer
Regularises periods
Reduces acne
Decrease in excess hair growth
Improved mood and self-esteem
Do regular health checks
Women with PCOD and over the age of 40 should do regular blood sugar tests.
Women with PCOD and over the age of 40 should do regular blood sugar tests.
If you have had no periods/ have irregular bleeding, see a doctor immediately for uterine disorder/ cancer assessment.
Related Articles
ABDOMINOPLASTY
Oct 14, 2019, 4:08:00 AM
GYNECOMASTIA
Oct 2, 2019, 4:04:00 AM
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): What You Should Know
Sep 27, 2019, 6:51:00 AM
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Sep 23, 2019, 5:58:00 AM
Cosmetic Surgeries After Weight loss
Sep 18, 2019, 4:10:00 AM
High Blood Pressure and Your Health
May 20, 2019, 8:30:00 AM
Glucose Meters are Your Ally
Jul 11, 2018, 6:30:00 PM
Chemical Peel: Discover Radiant, Youthful Skin
Jun 26, 2018, 6:30:00 AM
Scoliosis In Children: How Corrective Surgery Can Transform Lives
Jun 25, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Growing Epidemic in Kerala
Jun 12, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION: BE INFORMED, BE SAFE
May 25, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
World Health Day 2018
Apr 6, 2018, 6:00:00 AM
Understanding Autism Helps Early Detection
Mar 29, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Have The Right Amount Of Carbohydrates And Fats To Keep Your Heart Healthy
Mar 20, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Cancer In The Elderly: Adopting A Holistic Approach
Mar 14, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Women And Kidney Diseases
Mar 7, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
PCOS IN ADOLESCENTS : AN ENIGMA
Feb 15, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Epilepsy: The Reality
Feb 9, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Cancer- no more a crab!
Feb 2, 2018, 5:30:00 AM
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Helping People With Lung Diseases Live An Active Life
Jan 17, 2018, 3:00:00 PM
Obesity In Indians
Nov 24, 2017, 2:00:00 PM
Diabetes- What We Should Know?
Nov 14, 2017, 2:00:00 PM
Pneumonia: What You Should Know?
Nov 11, 2017, 1:30:00 PM
9 Ways To Prevent Neck Pain
Oct 17, 2017, 12:30:00 PM
The Simple Step To Good Health
Oct 12, 2017, 12:30:00 PM
Angioplasty for Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs)
Sep 29, 2017, 12:10:00 PM
Understanding Alzheimers disease
Sep 21, 2017, 12:00:00 AM
TAKE A MINUTE, CHANGE A LIFE – SUICIDE PREVENTION AND YOU
Sep 9, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Cancer Of The Cervix And How To Prevent It
Aug 19, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Key Hole Spine Surgery: Making Spine Surgery Easier
Jul 28, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Vitiligo: What You Should Know
Jun 29, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Kidney Transplantation - A Second Chance At Life
Jun 27, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Dialysis: A Life Sustaining Treatment For End Stage Kidney Failure Patients
Jun 19, 2017, 12:00:00 AM
Understanding Carotid Endarterectomy
Jun 13, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Laparoscopic Surgery: What To Expect
Jun 2, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Jun 1, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Back Pain In Children: Never Ignore The Problem
May 31, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
The Diabetic Foot: A Surgical Perspective
May 30, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Chronic Kidney Disease: The Silent Killer
Apr 20, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Laser Surgery: The Effective Way To Treat Prostate Enlargement
Apr 19, 2017, 12:00:00 PM
Male Infertility: What You Should Know
Apr 5, 2017, 11:30:00 AM
Prostate Cancer: Ten Facts You Should Know
Apr 4, 2017, 11:30:00 AM
Walking on metal knees
Feb 22, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
Are You Sleeping Well?
Feb 21, 2017, 10:00:00 AM
Complex Coronary Angioplasty
Feb 20, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
Good Mental Health: An Overview
Feb 15, 2017, 10:30:00 AM
How does ‘bad’ cholesterol affect brain function?
Sep 6, 2016, 10:30:00 AM
Some Types of Blood Pressure Medications
Sep 6, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
IBD: Do you know the signs and symptoms?
May 31, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know
May 26, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Healthy tips for your heart’s sake
Mar 17, 2016, 10:12:00 AM
Adding years to life after a coronary artery bypass surgery
Mar 10, 2016, 10:09:00 AM
What you need to know about osteoarthritis
Mar 4, 2016, 10:00:00 AM
Tetanus : what you should know
Mar 25, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Stomach Cancer : Be Informed
Mar 19, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Depression : Overcome it!
Mar 17, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Smile healthy
Mar 11, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
Chicken Pox : How to manage the infection
Mar 9, 2015, 9:30:00 AM
Gastric Ulceration - Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms
Mar 2, 2015, 9:30:00 AM
Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Feb 26, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
Neck Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Feb 25, 2015, 9:21:00 AM
PET/CT Scan: A New World of Diagnosing and Treating Patients
Feb 23, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
All You Need To Know About Cervical Spondylosis
Feb 18, 2015, 9:30:00 PM
Why do Panic Attacks Happen?
Feb 17, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Malnutrition : facts you should know
Feb 12, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Advanced medical linear accelerators help fight cancer faster, smarter and with precision
Feb 4, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
February 4: World Cancer Day
Feb 3, 2015, 9:00:00 PM
Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Feb 2, 2015, 8:51:00 AM
Bells Palsy: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors
Jan 26, 2015, 6:30:00 PM
Changing The Experience Of Surgery
Jan 23, 2015, 8:34:00 AM
Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Jan 21, 2015, 8:31:00 AM
Health Tips for Pregnant Women
Jan 16, 2015, 7:34:00 AM
Tips to tackle burns instantly and minimize scarring
Jan 12, 2015, 7:27:00 AM
Dengue : Stay Protected
Jan 7, 2015, 6:47:00 AM
Rabies: Causes, Symptoms and Protection
Jan 5, 2015, 6:46:00 AM
Dyslexia Guide for Parents and Teachers
Dec 30, 2014, 6:45:00 AM
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Signs, Triggers and Remedies
Dec 22, 2014, 6:44:00 AM
Lower back pain: Causes and Symptoms
Dec 19, 2014, 6:43:00 AM
Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes and Precautions
Dec 16, 2014, 6:41:00 AM
How To Deal With Allergies
Dec 11, 2014, 6:40:00 AM
Does Prolonged Cold Indicate A Sinus Infection?
Dec 5, 2014, 6:30:00 AM
What to expect from a Knee Replacement Treatment?
Dec 3, 2014, 6:29:00 AM
World AIDS Day - December 1
Dec 1, 2014, 6:28:00 AM
Malaria – Symptoms, Causes and Facts
Nov 27, 2014, 6:27:00 AM
Keep your home germ-free
Nov 25, 2014, 6:26:00 AM
Tackling Dandruff
Nov 19, 2014, 6:24:00 AM
Tips to stay healthy during winters
Nov 17, 2014, 6:22:00 AM
Healthy living and Diabetes
Nov 14, 2014, 6:20:00 AM
Breast-feeding reduces the risk of diabetes in children
Nov 12, 2014, 6:19:00 AM
Schizophrenia : Symptoms, Causes and Myths
Nov 10, 2014, 6:18:00 AM
Asthma : Causes, Symptoms & Self-Help Tips
Nov 4, 2014, 6:17:00 AM
Vaccination : keep your child healthy
Oct 31, 2014, 5:58:00 AM
Take care - children tend to swallow dangerous objects!
Oct 28, 2014, 5:39:00 AM
5 signs of ear infection in children
Oct 25, 2014, 5:38:00 AM
Celebrate a healthy and safe Diwali!
Oct 22, 2014, 5:36:00 AM
October 20 : World Osteoporosis Day
Oct 20, 2014, 5:35:00 AM
How to avoid feeling sleepy in the afternoon.
Oct 17, 2014, 5:05:00 AM
A great day begins with a healthy breakfast
Oct 15, 2014, 5:04:00 AM
World Arthritis Day: Get a free check-up* at Aster Medcity
Oct 11, 2014, 6:30:00 PM
Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Oct 10, 2014, 11:11:00 AM
Protect your hair against sun damage
Oct 7, 2014, 11:03:00 AM
Migraine – Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Oct 1, 2014, 11:02:00 AM
Call Aster Heartline: Start caring for your heart
Sep 29, 2014, 11:01:00 AM
Only you can take care of yourself.
Sep 24, 2014, 11:00:00 AM
Are demands of modern life making women unhealthier?
Sep 22, 2014, 10:59:00 AM
kidney-stones-causes-and-remedies
Sep 19, 2014, 10:51:00 AM
Hepatitis A and B – Symptoms, Transmission and Prevention
Sep 17, 2014, 10:50:00 AM
Sweet fact: Chocolates are good for you.
Sep 15, 2014, 10:49:00 AM
Too strict on your kids? They can become obese!
Sep 10, 2014, 10:48:00 AM
Are you a diabetic? Make sure you don't fall prey to these 7 problems.
Sep 8, 2014, 6:41:00 AM
7 Fertility Myths Couples Need to Stop Believing
Sep 5, 2014, 6:40:00 AM
May your eyes live on.
Aug 27, 2014, 6:39:00 AM
10 myths on eye donation: let’s see the reality!
Aug 8, 2014, 6:38:00 AM
