We all are living beings so its very obvious that we all are prone to various diseases even the healthiest person can fall sick may be very rarely but it won't be true if we say not at all in his lifetime!! But there are a lot categories of disorders which are gender based. Like some disorders can be highly observed in females, some in males and mostly in both. So one of the "some" disorders which are only seen in females is the PCOD. Yes, PCOD can only be observed in females as its a ovary related issue which males do not have in as their body organs.
So, upto this its clear that its an ovary related disorder now let's find what's exactly wrong happens to the ovary.
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Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a medical condition in women, where the ovaries produce multiple immature eggs which, over time, become cysts on the ovaries.
Let's make this more understandable-
Ovaries are the reproductive organs of females control mentrual cycle and hormonal balance like estrogen,
progesterone etc. As ovary starts producing lots of immatured eggs it imbalances the hormone secretion and due to accumulation of the eggs swells the ovary and makes it release large quantities of male hormone thus causing infertility.
PCOD is a hormonal condition that affects approximately 5- 10% of women in their childbearing ages (12 to 45-years).
This is such a disorder about which females generally realise it on later stage so one should not be ignorant towards even the smallest symptoms. So let's see what are the main symptoms of PCOD.
SYMPTOMS OF PCOD-
1. Increased androgen levels- Due to excessive release of male hormones various physical manifestations such as excess facial and body hair growth and male pattern baldness can be observed in females.
2. Irregular periods- This is the most common but the most ignored symptom. It happens due to the delayed maturity of eggs.
3. Difficulty in pregnancy- This occurs due to to irregular and delayed or failed ovulation. The hormone imbalance in the body prevent the follicles from maturing and releasing the egg, causing delayed or failed ovulation. Many women are diagnosed with PCOD when they visit the doctor regarding their unsuccessful attempts at getting pregnant.
4. Hair loss- This symptom, too, is due to the increased production of male hormones in the body.
5. Acne on the skin- PCOS can lead to acne because it causes the ovaries to produce more hormones called androgens, which stimulate the production of oil in the skin.
6. Weight gain- The inflammation, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance makes it difficult for the women to lose weight.
Why PCOD makes an entry into females??
CAUSES
The cause of PCOD is still unknown, quite strange though! However, the association of PCOD with low-grade inflammation, excess insulin, production of male hormones (Hyperandrogenism) in high quantity and genetics can be found. Also, early age of menarche, unhealthy lifestyle and pollution are some of the contributing factors of PCOD. Also studies show that PCOS runs in families so it sometimes can be genetic.
FURTHER HEALTH RISKS DUE TO PCOD
1. Infertility
2. Metabolic syndrome
Most of the cases females face obesity and extreme weight gain due to pcod and due to this
- high blood pressure
- high blood sugar
- low HDL “good” cholesterol
- high LDL “bad” cholesterol can occur
Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome and further this increases the risk of
- heart disease
- diabetes
- stroke
3. Sleep apnea- mostly seen in the females who are overweight and are diagnosed with pcod too. Basically it's the pauses in breathing at night which disturbs the sleep cycle.
4. Endometrial cancer- due to non ovulation the uterine lining doesn't shed and the lining becomes thicker and thicker uterine lining increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
5. Depression- Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS eventually experience depression and anxiety.
A pelvic exam, blood tests, and ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT AND MEDICATION
The most important thing is to change of the lifestyle and it should be made more healthy and disciplined like proper and healthy diet with controlled sugar cholesterol content in the diet. Regular exercise is must for diagnosed females.
Many women need a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to treat PCOS. Your doctor will create a treatment plan for you tailored to treat your individual symptoms.
- Hormonal birth control pills, a skin patch, vaginal ring, shots, or a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device) can help restore regular periods and regular periods decreases the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage) lowers insulin levels. It can help with weight loss and may prevent you from getting type 2 diabetes.
- Sometimes PCOD causes unwanted hair growth, which your doctor can treat with medications and hair removal methods, such as Depilatories and Electrolysis or laser therapy. Spironolactone lowers the level of a type of sex hormone called androgens. But one shouldn't take it if she is pregnant or plan to become pregnant, because it can cause birth defects.
- For infertility doctors may prescribe medication to help females in getting pregnant. Medications that help with fertility include:
- Clomiphene and letrozole
- Shots of hormones called gonadotropins
- Metformin
In general, living a healthier lifestyle with a better diet, regular exercise, no smoking, less stress, and control of diabetes and other medical conditions should improve your fertility odds and consultation with a specialised doctor important too.
At last PCOD can be easily controlled and it can't make the females in any way weaker and vulnerable its just a hormonal imbalance which one can overcome easily.
References
www.healthline.com
www.mayoclinic.org
healthlibrary.askapollo.com
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