PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease- causes & symptoms

What is Polycystic Ovarian Disease?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian disease have multiple small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are structures in the form of sacs or capsules filled with liquid, semi-liquid or gas like material. These cysts occur in women especially when there is an imbalance in the menstrual cycle, the regular flow of the menstrual cycle is disrupted.
It can cause enlargement of the ovary and increase the creation of androgen and estrogenic hormones. Androgens are hormones associated with male characteristics; they are also the parent structure of estrone. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone; it is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

Excess of Estrogen and Androgen, can cause infertility- especially when ovulation is not happening. Ovulation is the process of release of eggs from the ovary.

Common Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Patients who are suffering from PCOD are generally found to have common symptoms like they have irregular periods, it can also cause an absence of menstruation or sometimes, heavy menstruation. Obesity and weight gain are also few common symptoms found amongst those who suffer from PCOD. Acne and oily skin are also common amongst those suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Diseases. Depression, dark patches in skin folds and creases, hair loss are also considered as symptoms of PCOD.

A few possible common symptoms of the Polycystic Ovarian Disease are:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycle
• Weight Gain
• Hirsutism: Excessive facial and body hair because of excessive creation of adrogen
• Acne
• Oily Skin
• Depression
• Dark skin patches

Common Causes of PCOD

PCOD can be genetic.

Insulin resistance can also cause PCOD. Insulin resistance means that the cells in our body fail to use insulin properly. According to a research, seventy percent of women suffering from PCOD have insulin resistance.

What is Insulin?

Pancreas in our body produces a hormone to help use sugar from the energy foods that we eat. This hormone is known as insulin.

When our body cells fail to use insulin properly, our body starts demanding for more insulin which in turn triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones like androgen.

Obesity is a major cause of insulin resistance. And, obesity and insulin resistance together can increase your risk for type-2 diabetes.

Inflammation and obesity together can also cause higher levels of androgen in your body, according to research studies. Also, there is an inter-connection between inflammation and weight gain, it is found that weight gain can cause inflammation in the body.

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