10 Most Common PCOD Questions Answered By A Gynaecologist
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1. What causes PCOD?
PCOD is a condition that affects 1 out of 5 women in their child-bearing age. Cysts which develops in ovaries causes hormonal fluctuations resulting in overproduction of male hormones in the body.
Due to the excess male hormones, the menstrual cycle delays and it gets difficult for women to get pregnant. PCOD patients also experience symptoms such as weight gain, facial hair, acne, heavy bleeding, skin darkening and headache.
2. Is there a cure for PCOD?
There is no magic cure for PCOD but there are ways to decrease or eliminate the symptoms so that you feel better. Your doctor may suggest medications that can help alleviate acne, hair growth and irregular periods. But medications alone will not do the trick, for the treatment to be effective dietary and lifestyle changes are a must.
3. Can I go for surgery to remove the cysts?
Doctors generally recommend surgery when medical treatment does not work. A procedure called drilling is performed to remove the cysts and help restore normal ovulation. Surgery may improve the chances of getting pregnant.
4. What kind of diet should I take?
When you have PCOD, your body doesn’t utilize the glucose effectively and ends up converting all glucose into fat. A high carb diet can worsen your symptoms and trigger a cascade of symptoms. It is important to switch to a low carb diet when you’re suffering from PCOD.
Stick to foods that have a low glycaemic index i.e foods that are low in natural sugars. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are a must for effective weight loss. Also, make sure to limit your dairy and processed food intake. Include more of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, cinnamon, garlic etc. You can always consult a doctor or nutritionist for a PCOD-specific diet plan.
5. Is PCOD a life-long problem?
As mentioned before, there is no magic cure for this disease and it does not go away on its own. Even after menopause, many women continue to have high levels of male hormones. Medications along with dietary and lifestyle modifications can alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
6. Which exercise is best for PCOD patients?
Swimming, cycling and yoga are great exercises for PCOD patients. They can help achieve core strength, improve bone density and help maintain a healthy heart rate.
You can even opt for high-intensity interval training(HIIT) that involves a combination of outdoor and indoor activities with intervals of rest. This aids the most in weight loss. However, HIIT is not for everyone, and factors like age, presence of other health conditions can weigh in. Always speak to a doctor before trying any new exercise.
7. Why is it difficult for PCOD patients to get pregnant?
One of the reasons is that PCOD causes irregular periods, which means that women can’t ovulate every month. Doctors may prescribe treatment that can help in ovulation and thereby helping in positive pregnancy result.
8. Is endometriosis and PCOD the same thing?
Both are different conditions but cause the same problems: hormonal imbalance and infertility. In endometriosis, the tissue that lines your uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, painful sex and infertility. If you show such symptoms, it is advised to talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
9. How are PCOD and diabetes connected?
The hormone that lowers sugars converts sugar into energy. Too much of this hormone is not just a symptom of PCOD but also a major cause of this condition. This can lead to weight gain, excess male hormones and eventually type 2 diabetes.
10. Can PCOD cause depression?
There are many cases wherein women with PCOD have reported feeling depressed. Experts believe that depression can stem from obesity, unwanted facial hair and acne which may cause self-esteem issues in women.
If you are feeling low because of your condition, then there is no harm in reaching out for help. A therapy session with a psychologist can be good for your mental health.
Many times, PCOD often goes undiagnosed. MFine app brings a whole host of expert gynaecologists, endocrinologists, diabetologist, dermatologist and nutritionist who are adept at diagnosing and managing such complex conditions. Women with PCOD can now easily consult medical experts and get accurate diagnosis and treatment right from the comfort of their homes.
Booking lab tests on MFine is now an easy and seamless experience. No need to do intense research or wait for your turn or travel to the lab for diagnostic tests. All you have to do is log in to the MFine website or app, search and select the test you’re looking for, add your address, make payment and proceed to book your appointment. Easy-peasy! Your road to healthy living is just one tap away.
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