Do you know that Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) affects one out of five Indian women? While PCOD has become a frequent disorder affecting women of reproductive age, only a few people in India are aware of it is discouraging.

PCOD causes a woman’s body to produce more androgens (male hormones) than average, interfering with the development and release of eggs. Overall, it causes disturbance in ovulation. Because healthy eggs are not released, sperm cannot fertilize them, hence no conception. In addition, PCOD can cause you to miss or have irregular periods, which are its common symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with PCOD, consult an expert like Dr. Hrishikesh Pai to manage its symptoms effectively.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai will examine your case and suggest specific tests for a thorough diagnosis. Based on your test results, he will help you manage your PCOD symptoms by prescribing medications and recommending lifestyle changes. 

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai is one of the best infertility specialist in Mumbai, India. With over 35 years of experience in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility, he is a renowned IVF doctor in India. He is the medical director and founder of the Bloom IVF Centre. It is one of the best IVF centres in India, with eight IVF units across the country.

Now, let’s understand what PCOD is?

PCOD is a disorder in which the ovaries discharge immature or partially mature eggs, eventually developing into cysts. The ovaries expand and secrete excessive levels of androgens, which can harm a woman’s fertility and health. Abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss, and infertility are common symptoms.

It’s important to remember that PCOD is not a disease but a “hormonal imbalance” in which male-dominant hormones rise. Anovulation (absence of ovulation), extended menses, and irregular uterine bleeding are all symptoms of hormonal abnormalities. So, oral contraceptive pills can help manage these changes. 

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a seasoned fertility doctor in Mumbai, India, may perform an endometrial biopsy for endometrial hyperplasia. He may also prescribe medications to induce ovulation in young infertile females who want to conceive. Besides, he may perform laparoscopic ovarian drilling if the woman does not respond to medications.

Let’s know what causes PCOD?

The causes of PCOD are unknown to date. On the other hand, PCOD can result from:

  • Excessive insulin production
  • Unhealthy lifestyle
  • Low-grade inflammation
  • High levels of male hormones
  • Genetics
  • Pollution 
  • Getting periods at a young age 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of PCOD?

The following are some of the most common PCOD symptoms:

  • Heavy menstruation
  • Irregular periods (usually 2 to 3 months late)
  • Headache
  • Infertility
  • Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
  • Darkening of the skin, particularly around the neck, and pigmentation
  • Uncontrollable and untreatable acne
  • Hair growth on the face
  • Hair thinning or balding

Now, let’s look at the risk factors of PCOD

PCOD has several risk factors that, if neglected, can be harmful:

  • Weight gain 
  • Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are all weight gain-related disorders.
  • Infertility
  • Increased risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

Let’s learn how to manage PCOD?

PCOD can be managed by eating a nutritious diet and taking prescribed medications. Even though PCOD is incurable, there are ways to manage its symptoms, some of them include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight

Obesity is a well-known contributory factor in PCOD. Hence, the first line of treatment is specific food restrictions, exercise, and weight loss that are closely monitored. 

If you are planning a pregnancy, you must get rid of those extra pounds to improve your chances of fertilization. Even a ten percent weight loss can help regulate hormonal imbalance and lower your BMI to 25. It can reduce menstrual disorders, infertility, insulin resistance, hirsutism, and acne.

Researchers discovered that even minor weight loss and regular exercise helped many women alleviate symptoms, including irregular or heavy periods and low fertility. Studies have also shown that medicines perform better when a woman eats well and follows a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.

2. Have a balanced diet

Eating well and limiting certain carbohydrates and fats can help with PCOD symptom management. Consume whole foods free of sugar, hormones, and preservatives, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. 

Reduce your coffee consumption and increase your fibre intake. Furthermore, plant-based proteins and high-carbohydrate, unprocessed foods can enhance insulin sensitivity. You should include Vitamin D3, calcium, zinc, soy, turmeric, cinnamon, primosa oil, and cod liver oil in your diet.

3. Exercise regularly

At least five days a week, a PCOD patient should exercise for at least 30 minutes. It will not only help you lose weight, but it will also improve the circulation of your ovaries.

4. Yoga

Depression and anxiety are more likely in women with PCOD. This is because hormonal imbalances impact your mental health and the hardships of living with PCOD symptoms. Women with this condition should concentrate on relaxing their minds and bodies. 

Yoga has a tremendous impact on people’s lives. The easiest method to achieve this is to practice yoga regularly. Daily yoga sessions can help you release stress and get your day off to a good start.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol

It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks. Smoking will not assist you in losing weight; instead, it places more stress on your body. Both of these things are bad for your health. It is critical to decreasing the number of toxins consumed by our bodies when eating a well-balanced diet.

PCOD symptom management is critical to living a disease-free life. PCOD can only be treated with lifestyle changes and medical interventions. If lifestyle modifications do not work, medicines are a last resort. Nonetheless, no drug can reach its full potential unless accompanied by a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep, managing your schedule, and reducing stress. 

Do not blindly follow any diet. Simply concentrating on your diet will not yield the desired outcomes. The only method to protect your body from PCOD’s adverse effects is to combine a well-balanced diet with proper exercise and medicines. 

You may plan a consultation with Dr. Hrishikesh Pai to seek effective PCOD treatment. He will prescribe a PCOD management plan tailored to your needs.

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