Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) or Syndrome (PCOS) is a medical disorder that nearly 10% of women worldwide experience. Those with PCOD produce more male hormones (androgen) than usual compared to women. They skip their menstrual cycles due to this hormonal imbalance, making it more difficult for women to conceive.

To make one aware of PCOD and the aspects related to it, in this blog, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, the renowned gynaecologist known for providing the best PCOD treatment in Mumbai, has shared insightful information about PCOD, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Continue reading to learn more. 

What is PCOD?

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD). It is a metabolic and hormonal condition. It results when a female’s body fails to finish the monthly ovulation process. Less than 8 menstrual cycles occur for PCOD patients each year. 

The cysts seen on the lining of the ovaries are actually immature eggs stuck on the ovary walls because they are not mature enough to be ejected out of the body. This causes an imbalance in the body's hormone levels, raising androgen levels. These hormones cause unwanted body hair, weight gain, hair loss, and other medical issues.

Symptoms of PCOD

The most typical signs of PCOD are:

• Irregular Time Frames for Menstruation Cycles. Some PCOD patients experience fewer than eight periods or no periods at all. If there is no ovulation, the uterine lining cannot shed every month. 
• Severe Bleeding. When one does have periods, one may get heavier periods flow than usual because the uterine lining has had more time to build up.
• Hair Growth. Above 70% of affected women develop hair on their face, body, back, belly, and chest. Excessive hair growth is termed hirsutism.
• Acne. On the face, chest, and upper back, androgen hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and lead to breakouts.
• Weight Gain. Up to 80% of PCOD-afflicted females are obese or overweight.
• Headaches. Some women experience headaches as a result of hormonal changes.

Can PCOD Cause Other Chronic Diseases?

Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, who has considerable experience in successful PCOD treatment in Mumbai, says that PCOD can induce other chronic diseases. Here are some prevalent chronic diseases induced by PCOD:

• Diabetes: No one can explain why Type 1 PCOD leads to Type II Diabetes, yet it does. We all know that diabetes is a lifelong chronic condition. However, PCOD does not simply contribute to type II diabetes. It also leads to gestational diabetes.
• Liver Diseases/Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver: PCOD affects the liver, making it weak and exposing it to infections. Hormonal imbalance in the body directly contributes to the decline of liver health. This also leads to obesity which contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver.
• Depression and Anxiety: Female sex hormones can affect a woman’s psychology. Any change in the delicate balance of hormones leads to mood swings. Long periods of continuous stress may lead to depression or anxiety in women. 
• Infertility: PCOD is the major cause leading to infertility in women. While in some cases this can be treated with medication that helps reverse PCOD, but in some cases some women can only get pregnant through IVF or after surgery.

Consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, the top gynaecologist in Mumbai, if one has PCOD/PCOS. The doctor offers the best treatment for PCOD that includes both over-the-counter medications and surgical methods.