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PCOD [POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE]

13 Oct 2021

What is PCOD?

Every woman releases a single egg every month from one of the two ovaries. But in PCOD ovaries doesn’t release egg rather forms multiple immature eggs that become cysts-fluid filled sacs causing hormonal imbalance.

What are the features of PCOD?

• Abnormal weight gain.
• Irregular periods.
• Infertility-inability to conceive.
• Hair growth in a male pattern on chin, chest, belly and back.
• Risk of diabetes in later life.
• Acne or pimples.
• Thinning of scalp hair.

Patients may have one of the above or a few or all the above features.

What is the reason for PCOD?

It is unknown to date that why does it happen. But it seems to run in families and have a genetic basis to it.

Can PCOD be cured?

No, it can’t be cured. Only the problems arising due to it can be addressed.

Is PCOD a serious illness?

No, it isn’t a serious illness. Its problems can be treated. One in five women have PCOD. It is very common.

What are the tests for PCOD?

Hormonal tests are done on day 2 of periods, blood sugar tests, thyroid tests and an ultrasound are done to diagnose it.

What is the role of weight reduction in PCOD?

PCOD is a lifestyle disease. Right diet [low carbohydrate] and exercise can help in most of the problems arising due to PCOD. Losing even 5 % of the weight in overweight females can help them get regular menstrual cycles, in conceiving as well. Lifestyle interventions are the first treatment in PCOD.

Will the pregnancy be normal with PCOD?

In pregnancy with PCOD, patient may have a high risk of:

• Miscarriage.
• Diabetes in pregnancy.
• High blood pressure in pregnancy.

Having optimum weight for height and keeping the blood sugars normal will help in keeping the above risks lower in pregnancy.

What are the long-term effects or complications of PCOD?

• Infertility-inability to conceive.
• Increased risk of developing diabetes in later life.
• Being overweight may lead to high blood pressure, heart diseases and high cholesterol.
• Increased risk of cancer of the uterus.

What is the treatment of PCOD?

• Weight reduction if overweight.
• Birth control pills to regularize periods.
• Medicines for excessive hair growth.
• Medicines to help to conceive.
• Treatment of diabetes if high blood sugars.
• Cosmetic treatments like laser, waxing and bleaching for excessive hair growth.
• Surgery – laparoscopic if medicines don’t work in conceiving.

Categories: PCOD

Tags: PCOD

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