Polycystic Ovary Disorder is one of the most common diseases we see affecting women today. It is simply more than experiencing irregular periods.
Almost 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOD and PCOS globally and it affects almost 10 million women on a global scale. Recently, on a chat show, it was revealed that Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter Sara Ali Khan, who is soon going to make her debut suffered from PCOD, which added to her rapid weight gain.
Here are some other common symptoms which many fail to ignore and put themselves at risk:
What is PCOD?
Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) problem is a hormonal disorder in women defined by a group of signs and symptoms. PCOD problem is one of the most common reasons for infertility in women. This health condition can cause problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle, cardiac function as well as appearance. Women who have polycystic ovary have multiple small cysts in their ovaries that occur when the regular changes of a normal menstrual cycle are disrupted.
PCOS occurs not just in women, but in girls as young as 11! Polycystic ovaries are generally larger in size and denser than the normal ovaries. It usually occurs when the sex hormones go out of balance and the body starts producing more male hormones resulting in the onset of several symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
PCOD symptoms are related to menstrual disturbances and excess levels of androgens. Menstrual disturbances can include delay of normal periods, the presence of fewer than normal menstrual periods, or the absence of periods for over three months. A woman’s menstrual cycle may not be associated with ovulation and may result in heavy bleeding. Watch out for these symptoms to determine whether you have PCOD or not.
- Irregular periods
- Reduced fertility
- Abnormal weight gain or obesity
- Heart (cardiac) complications
- Acne or skin rashes
- Abnormal hair growth or hair loss
Causes
No one really knows what exactly causes PCOD, but it is likely to be the result of a number genetic and environmental factors. Researchers are studying the role that genetics might play in this development. Excess production of the hormone androgen can also cause PCOD.
Hereditary – If your mother or sister have a history of PCOD, then chances are you too might get diagnosed with this health issue.
Low-grade inflammation – When women have low-grade inflammation, it stimulates ovaries to produce androgens, leading to PCOD.
PCOD Problem Treatment
There is no PCOD solution, but it can be managed with right PCOD diet plan. Doctors may offer different medicines for PCOD problem treatment or suggest fertility treatment as PCOD solution, but below are some natural ways to manage this health condition –
Eat right
If you are obese, weight loss plans is all you need. The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to be insulin resistant whether you have PCOS or not. Losing just 5% of your weight will help lower insulin resistance. Eat more of weight loss foods and avoid sugary, salty, and fatty foods as much as possible. Increase your protein intake by making it at least 30% of your diet; make carbs less than 50% of your diet.
Know how to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise
Moderate exercise such as walking or swimming for at least 30 to 90 minutes every day go a long way in managing the condition. It will also help you lower or get rid of insulin resistance.
De-stress
Chronic stress only makes insulin resistance worse. So, look for ways to de-stress your mind and body. For instance, getting good sleep of at least 7 to 9 hours can help lower insulin resistance. Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation let you connect with your body.
How is it treated? Is it curable?
Both PCOD, as well as PCOS, are types of lifestyle diseases which come from following unhealthy eating, practicing little to no physical activity. If not treated in time, PCOS can add up to problems for women trying to have a baby and conceiving can take a lot of time. In addition, women with PCOS also have a high miscarriage rate. Hence, the biggest way to get rid of PCOS is to improve your diet and lifestyle.
