DR PRYA GUPTA - PCOD: YOU NEED TO KNOW

An increasingly common reason behind consistent changes in menstrual patterns is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) otherwise known as PCOD. Young women often worry when they don’t get their period on a particular date. But this is not something to worry about. While the menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 40 days, with 28 days on  average,these cycles may occur differently for different women.

“If you don’t get  your period for more than 37- 40 days, consider visiting your Ayurvedic gynecologist” advises Dr Priya Gupta Sinha.

Symptoms of PCOD

PCOD is an endocrinological condition that affects periods, fertility and your overall appearance. It is a genetic condition caused by hormone dysfunction. In India, 1 in 5 women are affected by PCOD.Women may experience symptoms that includ irregular periods, excessive air growth on her face and back, weight gain,oily skin or acne, thinning of hair on the head, or difficulty getting pregnant.

“I wanted to get myself checked because I was aware it may pose problems such as diabetes later in life as it did for my mother” says Anisha.

Women with PCOD are more prone to developing diabetes if they have relatives with diabetes, are overweight, are over 40 years or have had gestational diabetes.

It is natural for some women to feel low or experience mood swings as the condition causes unwanted changes in physical appearance.

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant.

The most common PCOS symptoms are:

• Irregular periods. A lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from shedding every month. Some women with PCOS get fewer than eight periods a year .
• Heavy bleeding. The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal.
• Hair growth. More than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest . Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.
• Acne. Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.
• Weight gain. Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese .
• Male-pattern baldness. Hair on the scalp gets thinner and fall out.
• 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.
• · Headaches. Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.

Risk factors

PCOS is thought to have a genetic component. People who have a mother or sister with PCOS are more likely to develop PCOS than someone whose relatives do not have the condition. This family link is the main risk factor.

Sugar is the body's primary source of energy, and it is regulated in the body by insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. A person with insulin resistance is unable to use insulin efficiently. This causes the pancreas to go into overdrive secreting additional insulin to meet the body's glucose needs.

Excess insulin is thought to affect a woman's ability to ovulate because of its effect on androgen production. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.

Associated health risks

There are several health risks associated with PCOS.

These include:

·         type 2 diabetes

·         infertility

·         high cholesterol

·         elevated lipids

·         sleep apnea

·         liver disease

·         abnormal uterine bleeding

·         high blood pressure

·         obesity possibly leading to issues with low self-esteem and depression

·         metabolic syndrome

·         nonalcoholic fatty liver (steatohepatitis)

·         depression and anxiety

Also, there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, heart attacks, and miscarriage.

Diet and lifestyle tips to treat PCOS

Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise.Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help regulate our menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms . Weight loss can also improve cholesterol levels, lower insulin, and reduce heart disease and diabetes risks.

Any diet that helps you lose weight can help your condition. However, some diets may have advantages over others. Studies comparing diets for PCOS have found that low-carbohydrate diets are effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels. A low glycemic index (low-GI) diet that gets most carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps regulate the menstrual cycle better than a regular weight loss diet . A few studies have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least three days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight. Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels . Exercise is even more beneficial when combined with a healthy diet. Diet plus exercise helps you lose more weight than either intervention alone, and it lowers your risks for diabetes and heart disease .There is some evidence that acupuncture can help with improving PCOS, but more research is needed .

DR PRIYA GUPTA 
SWASTHASYA AYURVEDA CARE CLINIC & PANCHKARMA

ATM 6 LGF,GALAXY PLAZA, MAIN GATE, Gaur City 1, Greater Noida West
http://www.swasthasyaayurveda.com