PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is among the most typical endocrine diseases among reproductive-age women in India, affecting at least one out of every ten women.
PCOS affects women’s bodies in a variety of ways, including:
- Excessive body hair
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Sometimes infertility, if it’s not managed well
They are also more likely to experience mental health issues such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
“PCOS is an endocrine condition induced by insulin resistance,” explains Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a renowned gynecologist from Mumbai. Excess sugar that is not metabolized is converted to fat in this process.
This leads to:
- Obesity
- Oligomenorrhoea (scanty periods)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Increases cardiovascular risk
An increase in male hormone levels also inducing:
- Acne
- Male type balding pattern
- Extra hair growth
Extended times of no periods may result in estrogen acting unopposed on the endometrium, potentially increasing the risk of uterine cancer.”
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a brilliant gynecologist from Mumbai, advised exercising to combat the effects of insulin resistance.
Walking is possible at all ages and seasons, and exercise and diet are the mainstays of management at all ages and stages of life.
“Walking for about an hour five days a week is recommended,” he said. A diet is also recommended in addition to this. A diet with a low glycemic index is beneficial. Your weight and other factors determine the number of calories you consume. In addition to exercise, insulin sensitizers such as Metformin and Myoinositol are used to correct hormonal imbalances. These can also help with weight loss, especially at first.”
PCOS is a condition that shows up in various forms at different ages. Its treatment is determined by the symptoms. It is not curable; only the symptoms can be controlled. It is possible to gain weight again if both diet and exercise are discontinued.
Acne associated with PCOS presents a more significant challenge to the dermatologist treating it. A recent spike in cases of adult-onset acne suggests growing hormonal problems in young and middle-aged women alike, primarily due to PCOS and hyperprolactinemia, according to Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an incredible Gynecologist from Mumbai.
Most of these patients have recurrent, resistant, and more extensive lesions that respond slowly to conventional treatment.
Acne associated with PCOS is typically related to premenstrual flare-ups and is restricted to the lower half of:
- The face
- Jawline
- Upper neck
Other characteristics of PCOS include:
- Irregular menses
- Hirsutism
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
Acne treatment in these patients is thought to require a multidisciplinary approach, including diet, lifestyle, and stress management, in addition to medical therapy for long-term relief.
Acne can be resolved faster with less scarring if the underlying hormonal disorder, insulin resistance, and hyperprolactinemia are treated. At the start of treatment, a complete hormonal workup should be performed and an endocrine reference.
A dermatologist will create a treatment plan that includes systemic and topical medications, as well as clinic-based procedures such as chemical peels and laser therapy.”
According to Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a renowned gynecologist from Mumbai, most patients respond well within 8 to 12 weeks of treatment.
Acne scarring can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the acne. Once the acne is under control, a microneedling and fractional laser can treat it effectively.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an outstanding gynecologist from Mumbai, highlighted specific facts, such as the fact that acne associated with PCOS has a higher risk of relapse and can cause stress and anxiety in patients.
In such cases, counseling should be sought if necessary.
For long-term relief of signs and symptoms associated with PCOS, a PCOS-specific diet and exercise plan is essential.
It helps regulate periods by lowering insulin resistance and blood levels of free androgen.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a renowned Mumbai gynecologist, has separated facts from myths. He also explained that PCOD, or polycystic ovarian disease, causes a hormonal imbalance in multiple systems. Furthermore, it is limited to the female reproductive system and has an impact on:
- Metabolism
- Endocrine function
- Dermatological manifestations
Myth: PCOD causes weight gain
Fact: Weight gain, contrary to popular belief, is the cause of PCOD. Male pattern hormones, also known as androgens, are produced in a girl’s body when too much fat.
These cause hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularities.
For normal ovulation function, the ideal weight in kg is the height in cm minus 105.
If PCOD is caused by being overweight, the most effective treatment is weight loss, a change in lifestyle, and regular exercise.
PCOD is only noticed in teenage girls, according to popular belief.
PCOD can affect women of any age group, according to research. PCOD is most common in pubertal girls, but it can affect anyone until their late thirties.
Myth: Obese girls are the only ones who are affected.
Fact: There is a condition known as Lean PCOD, which affects average or underweight girls. This is thought to be caused by a lack of physical activity.
This is a complex condition to treat because we cannot advise them to lose weight, but a regular 45-minute exercise routine can help these girls.
Myth: Women with PCOD don’t get pregnant.
Fact: Although PCOD women may find it difficult to conceive due to infrequent or absent ovulation, they can achieve their dream of becoming a mother with medical help and lifestyle changes.
They do, however, have a higher risk of abortion. If a woman wants to start a family, she should seek medical advice.
