All about Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) are two most common cause of female infertility that effect primarily the female reproductive organs and may interfere with monthly cycle and other metabolic conditions.

But how are these two different from one another? Let’s have a look

PCOD VS PCOS

PCOD is a condition in which many immature eggs/ova are released from the ovaries, which eventually turns into cyst. It is likely that women who are suffering from obesity, stress and hormonal disturbance suffer from it. About almost a third of women globally suffer from PCOD.   

 PCOS on the other hand is a metabolic disorder much more severe than PCOD. In this condition, women tend to produce higher than the normal amount of male hormones (androgens) and no release of egg on monthly basis or production of immature eggs. As a result many fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries (polycysts) hence the term “Polycystic Ovary”. This hormone imbalance disrupts the normal menstruation and makes it harder to conceive. According to WHO, around 116 million women (3.4%) worldwide in 012. The prevalence rate is highly variable globally ranging from 2.2% to as high as 26%.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSATIVE AGENTS BEHIND PCOS?

The reason behind PCOD is mainly obesity and improper junk diet with the loss of body fat and proper diet it can be easily be defeated. But when it comes to PCOS there may be many reasons behind it. Let’s have a look about the major causative agents behind it.

Ø GENES: Studies show that many genes instead of any one may contribute to the development of this condition and it tend to run in families. Androgen Receptor Gene (AR) is one of the genes identified as fundamental in PCOS.

Ø LACK OF INSULIN: Around 70% of women with PCOS were found to have “insulin resistant” or to say it simply their body may not respond to insulin properly.

Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas to help the body use food as an energy source. When body does not respond to insulin, it may increase the risk of being Diabetic as well as production of male hormones and obesity.

Ø MALE HORMONES: PCOS may result from over production of male hormones. Female body may produce a minimal amount of these hormones normally but when they are produced more than usual they may cause disruption in periods, excess hair growth on the body, mood changes and fall in levels of female hormone.

STILL CONFUSED ABOUT HOW BOTH ARE DIFFERENT?

PCOS is a much serious condition than PCOD, in fact PCOD is not truly a disease since it can be managed with the correct diet and exercise.

   §  OCCURRENCE: 
   PCOD is more common in comparison with about 1/3 of women population being effected globally.
     PCOS even though has lower number of patients but it produces much adverse effects.

  §  PREGNANCY ISSUES: 
     PCOD is not generally an obstacle in conception and pregnancy. About 80% women can conceive easily and undergo a normal pregnancy process.  PCOS on the other hand, can be problematic in the process of conception and pregnancy. The major reason being an imbalanced hormone levels which may provide a very bad influence on the process of fertilization.                                 

BASIC SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

Individuals may tend to experience their symptoms since teen life mostly at the time of their first period. While some discover it after they have gained a lot of weight and have trouble in conceiving.

Raise you red flags if you observe any of such symptoms in yourself, or in your loved one and consult a doctor for further evaluation.

  §  IRREGULAR PERIODS: Because eggs are not released monthly so there may be some irregularities in monthly cycles. Some women experience a delay in their normal cycle more than often while other undergo menstruation fewer than eight times a year.

There may be a combination of delayed periods and heavy bleeding later.

  §  HAIR GROWTH: Women with PCOS may experience hirsutism or excessive hair growth if said simply. Around 70% patients show excessive hair growth of their face, back, belly and chest.
   
   

   

Contrary to excessive hair growth, the hairs on scalp tend to get thinner and may fall out showing male pattern of baldness.

  §  ACNE: The culprits behind production of acne are generally male hormones which tend to make skin oily.
   

  §  DARKENING OF SKIN: Dark patches on the skin can form in body creases like on the skin, groin and under the breast.
   

  §  HEADACHES: Some women have even reported a history of headaches due to hormone disturbance.
   

LATE LIFE RISKS:

  §  DEPRESSION: Unwanted hair growth and hormonal changes may badly effect the mental health resulting in depression and anxiety.

   

  §  SLEEP APNEA: In this condition there is a difficulty in breathing during night which may compromise the sleep.
   

   

  §  METABOLIC SYNDROME: Around 80% women with PCOS are obese. This may increase the risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high HDL cholesterol which all may contribute to a high chance of stroke, heart attack and diabetes.

  §  ENDOMETRIAL CANCER:  Endometrium is the inner most layer of uterus which is removed during monthly menstrual cycle. Since women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly they develop a high risk for endometrial cancer.
   
   

   

WHAT ARE THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS?

There is no diagnostic test for PCOS. However, your doctor may suspect a diagnosis of PCOS on the basis of your medical history, menstrual history and weight changes.

Following examinations may be done in order to confirm the diagnosis.

  §  PHYSICAL EXAMS: It comprises of checking signs of excessive hair growth, insulin resistance and acne.

  §  PELVIC EXAMINATION: The doctor may visually and manually inspect for any growth or masses in your reproductive organs.

  §  BLOOD TESTS: Blood analysis is done to evaluate the possible reasons of menstrual abnormalities and androgen excess. You may also be tested for blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels.

  §  ULTRASOUND: Transvaginal ultrasound is performed to check the appearance of ovaries and thickness of uterine lining.

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

 1. Lifestyle changes: Weight loss is recommended through low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise. Losing weight may also help to increase the effect of medications for PCOS and infertility.

     2.    Medication for ovulation: Drugs such as Clomiphene and Letrozole may be prescribed by your doctor. Metformin may be added if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic to help you further to achieve normal ovulation.

  3. Medication for excessive hair growth: Birth control pills and spironolactone can prevent excessive hair growth. However, both of them are highly contraindicated if you are pregnant or planning for a baby. Eflornithine formulation creams are also prescribed for facial hair growth.

    4.    Medications to regulate menstrual cycle: Combination of birth control pills and progrestin therapy are recommended.

DIET AND NUTRITION MANUAL

NOT TO DO LIST:

Refined carbohydrates and processed foods are your enemies, get away from them as soon as possible. These include

•      Muffins

•      White bread

•      Pastries

Now you have to do some research for this when buying pasta the next time, pasta noodles that list semolina or durum wheat  flour as their first ingredient are high in carbohydrate and low on fibers. They should be removed from the diet.

While pasta made form bean or lentil floor can be used as an alternative.

Sugar should be avoided as much as possible either it be in your food or your drinks such as soda and juice.

Here comes the most terrifying part for many of you. People with PCOS are advised to remove French fries, margarine and red meat from your diet as well.

You might be thinking as if everything you eat is excluded from your diet now. But don’t worry we have a much longer to-do list for you guys below.

TO DO LIST:

High fiber foods may produce many beneficial effects for women with PCOS.

Following are the high-fiber foods recommended:

•      Beans

•      Berries

•      Pumpkin

•      Sweet potatoes

•      Green and red pepper

•      All the greens (vegetables)

Lean protein food such as fish and chicken may also be a very healthy diet option in PCOS.

Foods such as tomatoes, spinach, almonds, strawberries, olive oil may reduce inflammation and may be highly recommended for a better health and may help in reduction of symptoms.

               

                     CONCLUSION:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can be easily treated and managed with a balanced healthy diet. Always inspect for some curious changes in your body and visit your doctor for further evaluation on this matter.