Pcod & Pcos Management

What is Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) / PCOD

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels and is a common gynaecological problem faced by women in India. Women with PCOS produce a higher-than-normal amount of male hormones. This causes hormone imbalance leading to the body skipping menstrual periods or having infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods and making it harder for them to get pregnant. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 4% to 12% of women of reproductive age

Its Important to consult Gynaecologist, for managing PCOS / PCOD.

Working in a partnership with your Gynaecologist is an important part of managing PCOS. Some symptoms will worry some women more than others. Discuss with your doctor what your main concerns or priorities are so that together you can decide on the best treatment plan for you. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.

Signs and symptoms of PCOD / PCOS

Signs and symptoms of PCOS develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty however sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain.The most common PCOS symptoms are:

Irregular periods

Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign. You might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.

Acne

Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and hence causing acnes (pimples) that can be severe.

Darkening of the skin

Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.

Heavy bleeding

The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal.

Weight gain

Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or have trouble in losing weight.

Headaches

Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.

Body Hair growth

More than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body

Hair fall

Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.

Depression

PCOS can have devastating effects on your mental health. Depression and anxiety are the common issues that women with PCOS may have, and it can increase in women the longer it takes to get them treated.

When to Visit a Gynaecologist?

See your Gynaecologist if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you’re experiencing infertility or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness.

Line of treatments for Managing PCOD and PCOS

PCOS treatment focuses on managing your individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication

Because PCOS in adolescence can have lifelong implications for metabolic and reproductive health, early treatment is critical, and the goals of therapy should be discussed

Because PCOS can have many symptoms, a range of treatments might be necessary to manage the condition well. This is where a team approach can help

– There are a number of different medical therapies used to manage PCOS symptoms.

The therapies used to manage such symptoms as irregular periods, fertility challenges, excess hair, acne and excess weight.

– Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments doctors recommend for PCOS, and they often work well.

– Dietician/ Nutrition counselling: Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.

PCOS / PCOD treatment and Care

PCOS treatment focuses on managing your individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication

Because PCOS in adolescence can have lifelong implications for metabolic and reproductive health, early treatment is critical, and the goals of therapy should be discussed.

PCOD/PCOS Complications

Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Infertility (early treatment of polycystic ovary disease can help prevent infertility or increase the chance of having a healthy pregnancy)
Obesity-related (BMI over 30 and waist circumference greater than 35) conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes
Possible increased risk of breast cancer

Expectations (Prognosis)

Women who have this condition can get pregnant with the right surgical or medical treatments. Pregnancies are usually normal.

Line of treatments for Managing

The medical treatment of PCOD/PCOS focuses on managing your individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity.

Medications Used To Treat The Abnormal Hormones And Menstrual Cycles Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Include:

Birth control pills or progesterone pills help to make menstrual cycles more regular
Metformin, a medication that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, can improve the symptoms of PCOS and sometimes will cause the menstrual
cycles to normalize. For some women, it can also help with weight loss.
LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs
Treatment with clomiphene citrate causes the egg to mature and be released. Sometimes women need this or other fertility drugs to get pregnant.

Preparing for your appointment

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment with Dr Pradnya Randive for PCOS.

What you can do

List symptoms you’ve been having, and for how long
List all medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including the doses also
List key personal and medical information, including other conditions, recent life changes and stressors
Prepare questions to ask your doctor
Keep a record of your menstrual cycles

During your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you.