PCOD( polycystic ovarian disorder) is a problem caused due to endocrine hormonal disbalance in women. The ovarian cyst develops which is a fluid-filled sac in or on an ovary.

Such cysts are relatively common, are usually non-cancerous, and frequently disappear on their own. Cancerous cysts are more likely to occur in women over 40. Ovarian cysts may cause pain, pressure, a dull ache, or fullness in the abdomen; pain during sexual intercourse; delayed, painful, or irregular menstrual periods; abrupt onset of sharp pain in the lower abdomen; and vaginal bleeding. Most ovarian cysts require no treatment, but larger ones(more than 5 cm or 2 in.) may be removed surgically.

PCOS is common but an extremely variable condition in which there is an excessive secretion of a hormone known as a luteinizing hormone( from the pituitary gland of the brain) which causes ovaries to make an extra amount of male hormones( testosterone) which in turns result in irregular periods,acne, and excessive hair growth in various parts of the body. The incidence in India range between 9-36%.

If left untreated it can lead to long term consequences which are diabetes, high blood cholesterol level and even uterus cancer. Pcos is a major cause of infertility in women.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown however it is found to run in the families.

Classically it was primarily described as infertility disorder or a cosmetic annoyance but now we know that it also has a metabolic disorder and a serious long-term health concern.

Some don't show any sign of disorder until later in life and many don't receive a diagnosis until they are struggling to get pregnant.

PCOS, occurs when a woman doesn't ovulate, which causes disruption in the normal cyclic interrelationship of hormones, brain, and ovaries.

Symptoms:

Woman with PCOS gain weight easily

Rapid mood swings

Struggle with depression

Cystic acne

Excessive hair growth over lips, chin and lower abdomen known as hirsutism.

The male balding pattern is observed due to an elevated testosterone level in the female.

Sometimes you can't think properly and getting through the day is a huge achievement in the light of exhaustion that you feel.

Insulin resistance

Infertility.

Ways to keep pcos in control

Well, there is no cure for PCOS but we can build a healthy lifestyle to keep symptoms of pcos in check.

Regular exercise is key in dealing with this issue as it helps to keep insulin resistance at bay. It also helps in reducing body weight, the frequency of ovulation and cholesterol Your doctor can provide treatment for symptoms such as acne, hair growth, and increased blood sugar level. Fertility issues can be solved with proper medication. Losing body weight can help as it maintains your overall health by increasing the frequency of ovulation.

Birth control pills regulate periods and improve excess hair growth and acne by lowering androgen levels and protect the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) against abnormal cell growth. Older types of birth control pills have a lower risk for dangerous blood clots and are preferable over new types of birth control pills.

Metformin is prescribed by doctors for pcos patients however it is approved by the FDA. Metformin is a medicine that makes the body more sensitive to insulin. This can help lower elevated blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and androgen levels. People who use metformin may lose some weight as well. Metformin can improve menstrual patterns, but metformin doesn’t help as much for unwanted excess hair.

While conventional medicine believes that a healthy lifestyle can suppress the symptoms as there is no permanent cure while homeopathy has been providing a permanent cure from the last 2 centuries.