Gynecology (PCOD)
Five disadvantages of PCOD that no one talks about
PCOD is a common gynecological disorder that affects many women. Although much information is available about PCOD, some of the risks associated with it are relatively unknown. If you or someone you know has PCOD, you should be aware of the following risks:
- PCOD can lead to infertility
Not all women with PCOD have pregnancy problems; However, PCOD is usually the leading cause of infertility in women. PCOD changes a woman’s menstrual cycle exceptionally. As a result, women have irregular menstrual periods. PCOD also brings chances of miscarriage.
- PCOD can lead to psychological problems
According to a case study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, PCOD problems contribute to psychological problems. The study found that women with PCOD were more likely to have depression than the general population.
- PCOD can lead to insulin resistance
In 2012, studies conducted in the UK stated that PCOD affects various aspects of the human body due to hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOD have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The source of PCOD is insulin resistance, which does not allow the female reproductive system to function properly.
- PCOD can lead to insomnia
Due to insulin resistance, patients are at higher risk for insomnia. Although early signs of insomnia, such as snoring or insomnia may seem harmless, over time, these symptoms can lead to more serious health problems.
- PCOD can lead to endometrial cancer
Every woman is healthy if she has the right balance of hormones called estrogen and progesterone. While estrogen secretion continues to grow in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), progesterone cleanses the lining of the uterus. Women with PCOD do not secrete progesterone and due to the persistent, unexplained growth of the uterine lining, chronic irregular bleeding can eventually lead to endometrial cancer.
What is PCOD?
Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Excessive production of androgen and estrogenic hormones alters the menstrual cycle, heart function and appearance. PCOD is considered a metabolic disorder because it affects multiple systems of the body.
PCOD symptoms
- Irregular menstruations occur once every 2-3 months
- Abnormal hair growth on the face
- Weight gain tendency
- Thinning of hair on the scalp
- Reproductive problems
- Depression
- Heart disease
Causes of PCOD
Some of the causes of PCOD are environmental factors, genetics and high production of androgen. A recent study by the French National Institutes of Health and Medical Research found that female infertility may be due to a hormonal imbalance before the onset of PCOD. However, the exact cause of PCOD has not yet been determined.
PCOD diagnosis
There is no test that can help medical professionals diagnose PCOD. Therefore, your doctor will ask about your medical history and missed or irregular menstrual periods and weight fluctuations. Physicians often perform physical examinations to check weight and vitality, along with mandatory lab tests to assess blood sugar and androgen levels.
Treatment
- Here are natural ways to stay healthy with PCOD
- Daily walking, exercise and yoga can help you stay healthy.
- Avoid saturated fats, meat and cheese
- Eating more vegetables, nuts, fruits and whole grains
- Quit or reduce smoking
- Birth control pills are also prescribed in some cases depending on the symptoms.
What if PCOD is not treated in a timely manner?
Untested PCOD can lead to chronic complications such as diabetes, endometrial cancer, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Proper control of PCOD can cause difficulty conceiving and may require medications and artificial methods of pregnancy. PCOD also limits the ability of the ovaries to produce eggs.
Endometrial cancer
PCOD is irregular or brings a tendency of ovulation. As a result, progesterone production stops. Progesterone is responsible for cleaning the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). As ovulation does not occur, estrogen is secreted, which increases the endometrium. In the absence of progesterone, the endometrium continues to grow. It increases the risk of chronic irregular bleeding and eventually endometrial carcinoma, which arises from the uncontrolled growth of the endometrium.