Do you experience irregularity in your menstrual cycle? Does unusual hair growth dampen your spirits and self-esteem? If you nodded along with a concern, then you might be suffering from Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD). And, if you want to know more about what PCOD is, its symptoms, and how to treat, get answers to your queries by giving this article a read.
What Is PCOD?
Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is one of the common hormonal disorders that occur among women during their reproductive age. Women with PCOD tend to have abnormal levels of hormones that lead to hormonal imbalance. And, the resulted hormonal imbalance prevents maturation of follicles (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries as well as interferes with the maturation and release of the female egg. So, the immature unruptured follicles stay in the ovaries in the form of cysts giving the appearance of polycystic ovaries. This makes the ovaries produce an excessive amount of the male reproductive hormones (androgens), and, at the same time, there is the failure of egg formation. Excess of androgens along with the absence of ovulation leads to irregular menses, infertility, and certain masculine changes like unusual hair growth in the body.
The exact cause of PCOD is not yet known, but certain risk factors, such as family history of PCOD, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, increase the risk of getting PCOD. Obesity, insulin resistance, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are the major risk factors for the development of PCOD.
Signs & Symptoms Of PCOD:
Signs and symptoms of PCOD often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOD develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain.
Signs and symptoms of PCOD vary, but, in many cases, diagnosis of PCOD is made based on two frequently observed signs:
1) Irregular Menses: Women suffering PCOD often experiences with irregular menses. Either their menses are too frequent or too delayed. In a few, there might be the absence of menses for months together. Some may experience scanty menstrual flow, or some may present with heavy menstrual bleeding. One might have a fewer than nine periods a year. The interval between two periods might be more than 35 in some females. And, this quite often leads to infertility.
2) Unusual Hair Growth: Elevated levels of the male hormone (testosterone) may result in excess of facial and body hair known as hirsutism. Women suffering from it often experience thick, dark hair growing on their face, neck, back, chest, abdomen, toes, fingers, and the upper lip.
3) Increased Male Hormones: Increase the level of the male hormone may lead to acne, hair loss on scalp, and female-pattern baldness.
Other Signs And Symptoms Of PCOD:
4) Obesity: Females with PCOD often suffer from undesirable weight gain. They often find it difficult in losing weight, especially around their waist.
5) Premenstrual Symptoms: Premenstrual symptoms, such as pain in lower abdomen, heaviness in breasts, and mood swings are also experienced by some females.
6) Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone, which is produced in the pancreas, that allows body cells to use sugar for energy supply. If body cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then blood sugar levels can rise and the body might produce more insulin. Excess of insulin might increase the production of androgen.
If left untreated, women with PCOD are more likely to develop many problems associated with weight gain and insulin resistance, such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
How can Homeopathy Help?
Homeopathic medicines act at the root level and work to restore hormonal balance, which eventually helps in promoting normal ovulation and normal menstrual cycles. This significantly increases the chances of conception. Various expressions or symptoms of PCOD can be regulated effectively, gently, and safely with certain homeopathic remedies.
Early intervention with Homeopathy and certain lifestyle changes can assist in preventing the further progress and complications of PCOD.
5 Simple Yet Effective Tips To Maintain Healthy Lifestyle:
Making certain changes to your lifestyle habits and following some healthy dietary and routine habits can help you manage the symptoms of PCOD effectively. Find below some beneficial tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and regulate the symptoms of PCOD.
- Eat Healthily: Include lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains in your diet. Avoid eating junk food, processed foods, and adding an excess of salt and sugar in your diet.
- Do Exercises Regularly: Regular exercises keep you active and fresh, and it helps keep your weight in control. Regular activities and exercises help you reduce insulin resistance. Exercising for 30- 40 minutes daily can be highly beneficial in maintaining good health and well-being. Go for brisk walking daily in the morning. Practice yoga and meditation regularly.
- Avoid Smoking: Women who smoke have higher levels of androgen that may contribute to PCOD symptoms.
- Have Sound Sleep: Have sound and continuous sleep at night, and avoid stress.
- Follow Healthy Diet: A right diet coupled with adequate exercise have shown great results in PCOD recovery.
To know more about how homeopathic treatment can help you in managing PCOD, leave us your contact details below. Alternately you can give us a call on +91-22-66888888 or write to us at email@example.com
-Written by Dr. Aparna, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah