What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD problem / PCOS?

Some females begin to notice symptoms around the time of their first period, while others only become aware after gaining significant weight or experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. The most common signs and symptoms of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) in females are:

• Irregular menstruation (Oligomenorrhea)
• Skipped or absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
• Excessive Hair growth (face, body – including on back, belly, and chest)
• Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
• Weight gain
• Hair loss (hair on the scalp gets thinner and fall out)
• Skin darkening (Neck, in the groin, and under the breasts)

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several significant factors are involved:

• Excess insulin production: High insulin levels can increase androgen production, a male hormone present in low levels in females, leading to ovulation difficulties.
• Excess androgen production: The ovaries produce an abnormally high amount of androgens, causing acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body).
• Low-grade inflammation: Recent studies indicate that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, which increases androgen production and can contribute to blood vessel and heart problems.
• Heredity: There is a genetic correlation among women with PCOS, suggesting a hereditary link.

Complications of PCOS / PCOD problem

Women with PCOD or PCOS often wonder how the condition affects their bodies. Higher-than-normal androgen levels can impact overall health. Here are the complications of PCOD or PCOS that require medical attention:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Infertility or hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Preterm labor and premature birth
• Metabolic syndrome (increased risk of high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke)
• NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
• Depression and anxiety (due to unwanted hair growth and other symptoms)
• Sleep apnea (more common in overweight women, causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep)
• Endometrial cancer (due to thickened uterine lining)
• Miscarriage (spontaneous loss of pregnancy)

Lifestyle modification and home remedies for PCOD / PCOS

PCOD/PCOS primarily disrupts the body’s hormone balance in females. These steps can help decrease androgen levels:

• Maintain a healthy body weight: Aim for a BMI between 18.5 to 24.9, as obesity can exacerbate PCOD/PCOS symptoms. Weight management improves cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, while also maintaining ideal insulin and androgen levels and restoring ovulation. Consult a dietitian for a weight-loss program tailored to achieve a healthy BMI.
• Limit carbohydrate consumption: Follow a low-carb or complex carbohydrates diet to stabilize insulin levels. Consume fish, meat, eggs, above-ground vegetables, and natural fats like sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, and butter. Avoid sugar and starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and beans.
• Exercise regularly and stay active: Regular physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels, control weight, and manage PCOD/PCOS symptoms.