Women of all ages face gynecological issues at one time or the other. Certain disorders can lead to long term health issues. Millions of women suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) in childbearing age, it is one of the most common issue faced by women.

Do you know that an alarming estimate of 50% of women may not know that they might be suffering from PCOD?

Table of Contents

1. PCOD vs PCOS
2. What are the symptoms of PCOD?
3. What are the probable causes of this disease?
4. What can be the possible complications if not treated timely?
5. Effective ways to prevent PCOD
6. Maintain a healthy weight
7. What should be the diet?
8. Exercise daily to prevent PCOD.
9. What are the Yoga Asanas that can be practiced?
10. Live a stress- free life.

PCOD vs PCOS

A lot of women get confused between the two terms PCOD and PCOS. They use these terms interchangeably.

The female body has two ovaries that release an egg alternately every month. The ovaries also produce androgens or male hormones in minute quantities.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a condition where the ovaries (part of the reproductive system) release a lot of immature eggs which may eventually turn into cysts. Maintaining good health can prevent as well as treat hormonal disturbances and conditions

On the other hand, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a serious condition. In females with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher levels of androgens that interfere with the development and release of the eggs. Some of the eggs develop into cysts, (the little sacs filled with fluid). These cysts build up in the ovaries instead of getting released during ovulation. With times these cysts can get enlarged and can cause various gynecological disorders.

What are the symptoms of PCOD?

Polycystic Ovary Disease is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with menstruation and can make it difficult for her to conceive. Notable symptoms are:

• Acne: Acne on facial skin is one of the symptoms of PCOD
• Hirsutism: It means extra hair on the face and body. Often women suffering from PCOD have darker and thicker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight
• Irregular periods. It has been observed that women with PCOD have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods; some have heavy bleeding and pain in the abdomen during menstruation.
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have fertility problems and getting pregnant is difficult for them.

What are the probable causes of this disease?

The exact causes of PCOD are not known. It is also believed to be one of the lifestyle disorders. It can be genetic and can be triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle.

The contributing factors are

• Excess production of insulin

The Insulin hormone controls the blood sugar levels in the human body. When human cells become resistant i.e. do not respond to the action of insulin, the blood sugar increases. Consequently, our body produces more insulin to control this increased blood sugar level. Excessive insulin production in turn enhances the production of male hormones- androgens which are otherwise very less in females. Increased androgen level causes difficulty with ovulation.

• PCOS is said to be genetic, seems to run in families, so the chances are higher if women in the family have PCOS.

What can be the possible complications if not treated timely?

If not treated timely, it can lead to various complications like:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Psychological disorders like depression and eating disorders
• Infertility
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Endometrial cancer
• Pregnancy-induced or Gestational diabetes and/or hypertension
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleep apnoea

Effective ways to prevent PCOD

Certain lifestyle modifications can help in preventing PCOD and in reducing the effects of PCOS. Here are 4 golden points you should adhere to if you suffer from PCOD.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight – Reduce Obesity
• Improve your Diet
• Do exercise and Practice yoga
• Reduce Stress in your life.

Maintain a Healthy Weight.

If you are obese, your chances of getting PCOD are more. So while growing up, girls should try to maintain a healthy weight to prevent the chances of getting PCOD. Involving oneself in sports activities is a fun and effective way to prevent this disorder.

What should be the diet?

• One should consume a high fiber diet.
• Foods having low Glycemic Index should be included, like whole grains, legumes, seeds, fruits, nuts,  starchy vegetables, and other unprocessed, low-carbohydrate foods.
• Include Fruits like Strawberries, avocados, papaya, apple, orange, etc in your diet.
• Avoid consumption of processed and packaged food products that contain fats, like bakery products; For e.g bread, pastries, cakes, puddings in excess, also rice, fast foods, oily and canned foods, processed foods, overuse of cornflakes and breakfast cereals, etc.
• Most importantly, drink enough glasses of water throughout the day.
• Avoid the habit of overeating and do not leave a considerable amount of time in between two meals. Eat only when you are hungry and do not skip breakfast.
• Maintain healthy meal timings and sleep for at least 6-8 hours per day.

Exercise daily to prevent PCOD.

Moderate activities like brisk walking, cycling, jogging, or swimming are all great exercises that can help with PCOD. These exercises increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Maintain good sleeping habits as abnormal duration and timings lead to a disturbed biological clock and hormonal imbalance.

What are the Yoga Asanas that can be practiced?

All the backward bending asanas are considered helpful and are recommended. Here are some simple asanas that are helpful in preventing PCOD.

• Surya namaskar
• Sarvangasana
• Matsyasana
• Ardhmatsyendrasana

 Live a stress- free life.

Try to live a stress-free life. Meditation is great for relieving and reducing stress. It is also beneficial for maintaining a good mental and physical health. Meditation along with pranayama can do wonders in curing depression. Other activities that you can involve yourself into are dancing, reading, listening to music, solving puzzles, gardening or photography. Increased stress can lead to PCOD and various health diseases. So try to take out at least half an hour for yourself.

Remember that life is a gift; how you live it is in your hands. And by following a good lifestyle and maintaining good habits, not only will you be free of lifestyle diseases, but will also be able to live happily and spread happiness around you.