PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) / Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

September 25, 2021cTcHealth & Wellness ArticleMedical Articles3

Overview–

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal disorder (an imbalance of reproductive hormones) where the ovaries release a lot of immature or partially mature eggs which eventually turn into cysts causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges leading to excessive production of androgen and estrogen hormones causing various bodily issues.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition affecting 5% to 10% of women in the age group 12–45 years.

Cause-

The cause of PCOD is still unknown but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, the early age of menarche, unhealthy lifestyle and pollution are some of the contributing factors of PCOD.

Symptoms-

• Irregular periods, occurring every 2 to 3 months (amenorrhea)
• Heavy bleeding (Menorrhagia)
• Unusual body and facial hair growth (hirsutism)
• Stubborn acne that refuses to heal with the usual treatments. This is due to excess peripheral androgen.
• Uncontrolled weight gain around the waist area especially, trouble losing weight.
• Pigmentation or darkening of the skin around the neck region (Acanthosis nigricans)
• Male-pattern baldness
• Headaches
• Depression
• Infertility

You can have one or all of these symptoms.

Diagnosis-

1. Physical Examination
2. Ultra-Sonography
3. Blood test for higher levels of androgens are present in the blood (hyperandrogenism)

Treatment-

1. Lifestyle and home remedies

• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Be active

2. Diet Changes

• Prefer whole foods
• Balance carb and protein intake
• Aim for an anti-inflammatory diet
• Up your iron intake
• Up your magnesium intake
• Add in some fiber to help with digestion
• Cut out coffee
• Add soy to your diet, consider soy milk, tofu, miso, and tempeh.

3. Practice good sleep hygiene

• Aim for eight to ten hours of sleep per night.
• Establish a regular bedtime routine.
• Avoid stimulants and rich, fatty foods before bedtime.

4. Reduce Stress

5. Homeopathy focuses on the root cause of an ailment and works to correct hormonal imbalance, regularizing ovulation as well as restoring menstrual normalcy. Homeopathy for PCOS is an individualized treatment and therefore effectively addresses and helps to treat the associated symptoms of PCOS effectively.

6. Care Towards Cure has treated successfully many patients of PCOD/PCOS with a combination of Best suited Homeopathy Treatment, Dietary – Lifestyle changes & Life coaching. 

Complications-

• Increased risk of endometrial cancer
• Infertility (early treatment of polycystic ovary disease can help prevent infertility or increase the chance of having a healthy pregnancy)
• Obesity-related (BMI over 30 and waist circumference greater than 35) conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes
• Possible increased risk of breast cancer.