Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a condition where the patient has multiple small cysts in the ovaries. The formation of cysts depends on the menstrual cycle. When there are irregular changes in the normal menstrual cycle, it may lead to PCOD. Also, one of the most common Polycystic Ovarian disease symptoms includes infertility and abnormal menstruation.
A person suffering from this condition has enlarged ovaries and produces androgen and estrogenic hormones in excessive quantities. Alternatively, the terms PCOD, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome are used for Polycystic Ovarian Disease.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease Symptoms
Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a result of high levels of androgens that circulate in the body leading to 'hyperandrogenism'. Basically, androgens are referred to as male hormones with the main one known as testosterone. Most women produce small amounts of androgens in the tissues that include the ovaries and adrenal glands. High levels of androgens prevent ovulation affecting the menstrual cycle.
Some of the
symptoms of the
polycystic ovarian disease are-
- Obesity/ Excessive Weight Gain
- Excessive hair on face and body
- Abnormal Periods/ Irregular Periods
- Excessive Bleeding/ Pain during periods
- Pelvic Pain
- Infertility/ Problems during pregnancy
- Anxiety
- Despondency
- Large Ovaries containing follicles surrounding the egg
Causes
Though doctors have not been able to identify any particular cause of PCOD, some that have been related to the disease are-
Family history
Women who have immediate family members with the disease have up to a 50% chance of having PCOD. However, there has not been any clear genetic contributor to PCOD that has been identified.
Insulin resistance & lifestyle
Insulin is to keep the levels of glucose in the blood from rising after eating. If a person is insulin resistant, the body does not use the available insulin effectively to keep the glucose levels stabilized. Now, as the insulin isn't working effectively, the body produces more insulin. As a result, this can increase the production of androgens in the ovaries. In fact, about 80% of women who have PCOD are insulin resistant and contribute to a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Basically, women with PCOD may have
- Insulin resistance as a result of being overweight.
- Insulin resistance due to genetic factors.
- A combination of both factors.
Weight Gain
Being above the normal BMI worsens insulin resistance and adds to causes of PCOD. The symptoms of PCOD are seen to appear only once women gain weight. A healthy lifestyle can assist in treating PCOD and preventing it.
Increased Levels of Androgens
Androgens are male hormones like testosterone, and it is only produced in small amounts in the female body. Women with PCOS might exhibit low-grade inflammation that promotes polycystic ovaries to produce androgens. Theca cells of the ovaries produce more androgens due to hyperinsulinemia or increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH).
Diagnosis
The doctor may start with a discussion of medical history after which he might conduct a physical examination for signs of insulin resistance, hair growth, and acne.
While the polycystic ovarian disease is easy to diagnose in some patients, in a few others, it requires time and effort. Specifically, patients with a history of unpredictable, irregular menstrual cycles which need to consume hormonal tablets for inducing periods are most likely to have PCOS.
Mostly, patients suffering from PCOD are obese and have hirsutism, which is a result of high androgen levels. That being said, not all patients with PCOD have all or any of the symptoms.
After this, the doctor might recommend the following tests.
Pelvic Exam- A pelvic exam involves a doctor visually and manually inspecting the reproductive organs of the patient for masses, growths, and other abnormalities.
Blood Test- The doctor may suggest blood tests to measure the hormone levels and analyse them. In addition, blood testing may be done to measure glucose tolerance, fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Ultrasound- The doctor may check the appearance of the ovaries and the thickness of the lining of the uterus. Else, the doctor may insert a transducer into the vagina, which emits sound waves that are then translated into images on the computer screen.
Also, if one already has a diagnosis of PCOS, the doctor might recommend additional tests for complications. This includes:
- Checking the glucose tolerance, blood pressure, triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels periodically.
- In addition, depression and anxiety screening.
- Obstructive sleep apnea screening
Prevention
There is no prevention remedy for polycystic ovarian diseases. However, early diagnosis is advisable. Early diagnosis and treatment help in the prevention of long-term complications like infertility, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease Complications
Not taking cognizance of the early signs and symptoms might further the complications of the disease. In fact, you might face some complications, among which are-
- Gestational diabetes
- High Blood Pressure (pregnancy induced)
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Metabolic Syndrome- A number of conditions like high BP, sugar and abnormal cholesterol.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis- Liver inflammation due to fat accumulation in the liver.
- Sleep apnea- A sleep disorder due to PCOD where breathing repeatedly starts and stops.
- Eating disorders, anxiety, and depression
- Endometrial Cancer
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
Bibliography:
- http://indiraivf.com/pcod-causes-symptoms-treatment/
- https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/symptoms-causes
- https://www.drmalpani.com/knowledge-center/resources/books/chapter15#How%20is%20PCOD%20diagnosed
- https://www.askdrshah.com/pcod.aspx#What%20are%20the%20symptoms%20of%20PCOD
Jun 03, 2019
May 30, 2018