People often get confused about Polycystic ovarian
syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Both these diseases are
associated with ovaries. PCOD is the condition that affects the ovaries and is
limited to the ovaries only while the PCOS affects the complete metabolism of
the body and its functioning in some of the other way. PCOD greatly affects the
fertility of a woman by disrupting the functioning of the female reproductive
system.
Girls with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher levels of
androgen than normal, and this interferes with egg development and release.
Some of the eggs develop into cysts, which are little sacs filled with liquid.
Instead of releasing during ovulation, these cysts build up in the ovaries and
may even get enlarged.
In PCOD, hormonal imbalance leads to ‘collection’ of
mature eggs in the ovaries, as they cannot be discharged. These also become
cysts and some of the cysts lead to more cysts and
this cycle goes on. Insulin diet,
hormonal disturbances or stress lead to PCOD which further leads to
infertility.
Infertility
Treatment
PCOD generally occurs in females in the middle age, i.e.,
when they are mature enough to have children. However, it might occur during
adolescence too. It is genetic, i.e, if someone in your blood relation has it,
you might have it.”
How can one identify, whether one has PCOD or not? If you
observe any of the following symptoms, it might be an indication towards PCOD
and you should immediately consult your doctor-
- Irregularity in the periods
- Experiencing extreme hair fall
- Abnormal hair growth
- Acne
- Obesity
- Skin darkening
You may confuse this syndrome with irregular periods.
However, PCOS might be the cause of irregularity in periods. PCOD is a medical
disorder which is caused by the release of an abnormal amount of sex hormones.
PCOD affects
fertility
When a woman has PCOD syndrome, the pituitary gland
secretes abnormal amount of LH (Lutinizing Hormone) into the bloodstream. Thus,
ultimately what happens is the follicles fail to mature and ovulation doesn’t
take place. This leads to infertility. These follicles might not dissolve
either and develop into cysts.
Another reason of infertility can be abnormal amount of
insulin in your blood. When the excess of insulin combines with excess of LH,
they produce extremely high amounts of male sex hormone, i.e., testosterone.
Imbalance in the levels of testosterone in the ovaries prevents the process of
ovulation and causes infertility. It also causes other problem associated with
PCOD like acne and abnormal hair growth.
Diagnosis of PCOS
After you visit the doctor, the doctor will conduct a
physical examination, interrogate you, conduct some tests to be sure that you
have PCOD and proceed with a certain treatment plan that will not fully cure
the condition but will surely help with it.
Cure of PCOD
There is not really a cure for Polycystic Ovarian disease
(PCOD). But, a change in your lifestyle can improve the condition to some
extent. By change in lifestyle, I mean that you have a routine that allows you
to have a decent amount of sleep, timely meals, daily exercising, etc.
