If a woman is experiencing irregular periods or no periods, there could be a chance she has PCOS or PCOD.
There is a growing rate of women diagnosed with PCOD and PCOS in today's age, but many still don't know the difference between these hormonal disorders.
(Photo: Getty Images)He said that one of the most common causes of PCOS is insulin resistance.
Treatment for PCOS may include lifestyle changes such as exercise (physical well-being) and diet modifications, hormonal therapy, and medications to improve insulin resistance.
While PCOS is more common in women, PCOD is an older term that is not widely used any more, Dr Agarwal said.
If a woman is experiencing irregular periods or no periods, there could be a chance she has PCOS or PCOD. There is a growing rate of women diagnosed with PCOD and PCOS in today's age, but many still don't know the difference between these hormonal disorders.
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is considered a reproductive disorder that causes hormonal imbalance in the body leading to a cluster of symptoms.
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It affects many women of reproductive age and is characterised by androgens and estrogen, insulin resistance and irregular menstrual cycles.
Women can often experience abnormal hair growth, acne, and a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes when they have PCOS.
Around the world, one in every 10 women is likely to suffer from PCOS, but a high number of Asians manifest at least one symptom of PCOS.
On the other hand, PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease is not as severe as PCOS. It is a condition when the ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs rather than regular mature eggs, which can develop into cysts (little sacks filled with fluid).
PCOD is also related to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. While the exact cause of PCOD is not known, it is related to genetic and environmental factors.
Dr Rajeev Agarwal, IVF specialist & Medical Director at Renew Healthcare, told IndiaToday.In, "In PCOD, the ovary gets enlarged in size, becomes pearly white, the outer layer becomes thicker and there are small fluid-filled sacs or cysts arranged underneath the thick outer surface and also throughout the substance of the ovary."
How is PCOS diagnosed? Dr Agarwal said that a simple vaginal ultrasound can reveal the disorder. Besides this, blood tests along with symptoms like acne, facial or body hair growth and scalp hair loss can also predict PCOS. PCOD is also related to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. (Photo: Getty Images)
He said that one of the most common causes of PCOS is insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is present in almost 70% to 80% of women with PCOS. The glucose in our body is driven into the cells by a hormone called insulin. If, however, there is insulin resistance the glucose can't be utilised and sugar levels might go up and to overcome this problem the body will try and produce more insulin and thus its levels will also go up.
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"This excess of insulin acts on the ovary in women and produces excess of 2 hormones: LH and testosterone or the male hormone. Almost all problems related to PCOS can be explained via the abnormal behaviour of these hormones," said Agarwal.
He added, "Insulin resistance leads to women having a higher tendency towards diabetes, discolouration of skin and skin tags. The excess of LH hormone prevents ovulation while the excess male hormone causes hair fall, or excess facial hair, acne and weight gain, especially around the hips and belly."
Obesity and vitamin D deficiency further increase insulin resistance, making it a vicious cycle, the expert said.
Treatment for PCOD may involve medication to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms.
Treatment for PCOS may include lifestyle changes such as exercise (physical well-being) and diet modifications, hormonal therapy, and medications to improve insulin resistance.
While PCOS is more common in women, PCOD is an older term that is not widely used any more, Dr Agarwal said.
Published By: Daphne Clarance Published On: Apr 15, 2024
