The Symptoms of PCOD Problem In Females

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a very common hormonal disorder and it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. According to a study, 22.5% of menstruating women in Southern India and Maharashtra have PCOD. Due to the high stress levels and unhealthy habits of urban lifestyles, PCOD has become increasingly common today. In this blog, we explore the symptoms of PCOD problem in females and what can be done about it.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Disease?

Every month, women experience ovulation and menstruation. In a normal cycle, both ovaries release mature eggs that are ready to be fertilized. They also produce androgens (male hormones) in small amounts.

Women with PCOD have a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the normal process of ovulation. The ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs instead of fully mature ones. Sometimes, instead of getting released, these eggs can begin to collect inside the ovaries and develop into cysts, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs.

These cysts don’t just affect ovulation; they also impact the regular release of hormones. The ovaries begin to swell and release excess amounts of androgens, which disrupts the hormonal balance of the body and causes undesirable symptoms like male pattern baldness.

Common Symptoms of PCOD Problem in Females

PCOD can manifest in unique ways, and everyone may experience symptoms differently. Certain symptoms, however, are extremely common and are caused mainly by the elevated levels of androgens disrupting ovulation. Here are some common symptoms of PCOD problem in females:

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

PCOD can cause highly irregular, missed, or delayed periods due to the interference of cysts on ovulation and the rest of the menstrual cycle.

2. Excessive Facial and Body Hair (Hirsutism)

High levels of androgens can cause dark, thick hair to grow on the face, chest, back, and abdomen. This is called hirsutism.

3. Infertility

PCOD interferes with regular ovulation and causes hormonal imbalances, both of which can lower fertility and make it harder to conceive.

4. Acne and Oily Skin

Hormonal imbalances can increase your skin’s sebum production, which can result in acne and oily skin.

5. Hair Thinning or Male Pattern Baldness

High androgen levels can cause hair thinning or even make your hair fall out. The pattern of hair fall would resemble male pattern baldness.

6. Rapid Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight

Women with PCOD can gain weight very quickly, especially around the belly. They also find it extremely difficult to lose weight due to insulin resistance.

Complications From Untreated PCOD

If left untreated, insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance may get worse and can cause health complications that affect metabolic and cardiovascular health. Some of the complications with PCOD include:

Insulin resistance
Metabolic syndrome (increases risk of Type 2 Diabetes, stroke, and heart disease)
Infertility
Pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes
High blood pressure
Obesity
High cholesterol levels
Sleep apnea
Chronic liver inflammation
Endometrial hyperplasia, which can advance to cancer
Skin problems like acne that do not respond to regular treatment

The symptoms of PCOD problem in females can also be emotionally challenging to deal with. Women with PCOD are likely to experience mental health issues such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Mood swings
Low/No motivation

They may experience poor quality of life, develop body image issues, and struggle to maintain relationships with others. They are also prone to developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders (EDs).

Timely diagnosis and treatment plans can help women with PCOD by restoring their quality of life and reducing the physical and mental risks posed by this disease. With the right treatment plan, it is definitely possible for women with PCOD to live full, healthy lives, restore their hormonal balance, and even become pregnant if they desire to.

Concluding Thoughts

PCOD can be very difficult to deal with, mainly because of its symptoms. But do not lose hope. Though the symptoms of PCOD problem in females can cause mental anguish, they can be treated through lifestyle changes and sometimes, medical treatment like surgery or hormonal medication.

Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or simply looking for relief from your symptoms, you need a clinic that puts your best interests first. At Corion Fertility Clinic, we’ve successfully helped thousands of women manage their PCOD symptoms and become pregnant with their own eggs. Book a consultation today for effective PCOD treatment at the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can PCOD make me gain weight?
A. Yes, one of the symptoms of PCOD is excessive weight gain, specifically around the waist area. You might also find it difficult to lose the weight due to insulin resistance.

Q. Can PCOD impact mental health?
A. Dealing with PCOD can be challenging. Certain symptoms like weight gain, hirsutism, and hair fall can be especially hard to deal with and cause mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Q. Can PCOD be cured?
A. No, PCOD does not have a cure. Its symptoms can be managed by making lifestyle habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and staying at a healthy weight.

Q. Which is more serious: PCOD or PCOS?
A. PCOS is considered more serious than PCOD since it is an endocrine disorder and requires hormonal medication most of the time. On the other hand, the symptoms of PCOD problem in females can be easily managed by making diet and lifestyle changes.

Q. Are there surgical options for becoming pregnant with PCOD?
A. Certain surgeries like laparoscopic ovarian drilling and laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy can be used to remove ovarian cysts, but they are not usually recommended due to their limited efficiency. Instead, fertility treatments like IUI and IVF can help women with PCOD conceive without any intensive surgeries.

Disclaimer

The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.