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Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common endocrine disorder found amongst woman aged between 18 and 44. Figures suggest that between two and 20 per cent of women that fall within this age range are affected, and it is one of the leading causes of poor fertility.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, there are a number of symptoms commonly associated with PCOD. Those who identify them in themselves should seek a consultation with a medical professional like Mr Gourab Misra. They include:
– Irregular or non-existent periods
– Heavy periods
– Excess body and facial hair (hirsutism), especially on the face, chest, back, and buttocks
– Oily skin or acne
– Pelvic pain
– Difficulty falling pregnant
– Patches of thick, dark, velvety skin
– Weight gain
– Thinning hair or hair loss
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Disease?
The exact cause of PCOD has baffled medics for many years, but we can say with certainty that a genetic component frequently exists. However, environmental factors like obesity can also contribute to your likelihood of developing it.
PCOD is linked to abnormal hormone quantities, especially higher than average insulin, which controls sugar levels. Many PCOD sufferers are resistant to the action of insulin in their bodies, and thus overcompensate by producing more of it. This catalyses an increase in production and activity of hormones like testosterone.
Diagnosing Polycystic Ovarian Disease
There are three main ‘parts’ to PCOD. The first of these is irregular periods, which signify that your ovaries are not releasing eggs as regularly as they ought to.
The second is excess androgens, or ‘male hormones’, within your body. These cause many of the physical symptoms associated with PCOD.
The third part is polycystic ovaries themselves. Unlike normal ovaries, those of sufferers are enlarged and can contain fluid-filled sacs known as follicles.
Those who have two or more of these features are said to have PCOD.
Aside from causing the often unpleasant physical symptoms mentioned above, PCOD can prevent eggs from being released, so that ovulation fails to occur. This can lead to significant fertility problems.
Treating Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Unfortunately, PCOD is not something that we can cure, but professionals like Mr Misra can treat the symptoms, and there are also a few things that you can try yourself.
The first thing to do is look at your weight. If you’re overweight, slimming down and embarking on a healthy, balanced diet plan can help to alleviate symptoms.
Doctors can also prescribe a range of medications to treat other side-effects related to the condition, such as hirsutism, irregular periods, and fertility problems.
Should the latter prove ineffective, there are medical procedures that can be explored, such as laparoscopic ovarian drilling. This uses heat or lasers to remove the tissues that produce androgens and has a great success rate.
If you’re concerned that you could be amongst the one in five British women suffering from PCOD, then book a consultation with Mr Misra today to discuss the treatment options available to you.