PCOD is a common hormonal issue that affects many women of reproductive age. It can interfere with their menstruation, regular life as well as fertility. For some women, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage PCOD, while some women may require treatment, especially if it is affecting their fertility. So, are you wondering how it affects fertility? Read on to know more.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal imbalance in women that can cause issues with their menstrual cycle and ovulation.
The ovaries in a woman are responsible for producing and releasing mature eggs every menstrual cycle. When these ovaries start producing and releasing immature or underdeveloped eggs, they can accumulate into ovarian cysts over time.
This can lead to ovaries swelling. The ovaries generally produce a certain amount of male sex hormone androgens, and due to the presence of these cysts and swelling, they will start producing more of this hormone. Excess androgens in the body will lead to various issues, including interference with fertility.
Many women with PCOD have irregular periods or can even skip an entire cycle. As a result, it can be very difficult to track ovulation dates or plan for pregnancy.
No, PCOD and PCOS are two different problems that affect the same parts of a woman’s body.
While PCOD results in the excess release of immature eggs by the ovaries, which can accumulate into cysts, PCOS is an endocrine disorder that can have more serious consequences. In PCOS, the ovaries produce excess androgens, which can affect the release of eggs and lead to ovarian cysts.
Both are issues with the ovaries and result in the excess release of eggs that can lead to ovarian cysts and an increase in the production of the male hormone – androgen. However, PCOS is less common and more severe than PCOD. PCOD can lead to PCOS in some cases.
Many women suffer from irregular periods due to various reasons. So that alone cannot be an indicator for PCOD. Women suffering from PCOD may exhibit additional symptoms like:
● Irregular periods
● Missed periods
● Excess bleeding during periods
● Acne
● Excess facial and body hair
● Excess hair fall or hair thinning on the head
● Mood swings, anxiety, depression
● Weight gain – especially around the abdomen
● Inability to lose weight despite exercise and diet
● Changes in body shape.
PCOD is a disorder that arises due to the malfunctioning of the Ovaries. When the ovaries release too many eggs too early, it interferes with the menstrual cycle. This can happen due to the following reasons:
1. Heredity – If close female relatives like mother, grandmother, or sister suffer from PCOD, chances of developing PCOD are higher.
2. Excess Androgen – Excess androgen can cause hormonal imbalance, irregular periods and interfere with ovulation. When eggs are released on time regularly, they can accumulate and become cysts.
3. Minor Inflammation—Inflammations in the ovaries can throw the hormones out of balance and produce excess androgens.
4. Weight – Excess weight can interfere with menstrual cycles and ovulation and also increase the symptoms of PCOD.
5. Insulin Resistance – Excess insulin in the body can lead to an increase in the production of androgens.
When you have irregular periods, painful menstruation or have trouble conceiving, you may want to consult your gynaecologist. Your doctor will do the following to confirm a diagnosis:
● Take a medical history of the patient and close female members of the family
● Do a pelvic exam
● Take imaging tests to check physical symptoms.
● Test glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol
● Check for obstructive sleep apnea, depression and anxiety.
PCOD is a hormonal imbalance that can interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Though it is not as severe as PCOS, PCOD can cause fertility issues. Women with undiagnosed PCOD can keep trying to conceive for months with no positive outcome.
If you are diagnosed with PCOD, don’t panic about pregnancy. You can still conceive naturally by making a few changes like:
● Lifestyle Changes—Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent weight gain, a common side effect of hormonal imbalance. This can also help with mood swings.
● Balanced Diet – A PCOD-friendly diet should include foods rich in fibre to help stabilise all that insulin. Consume more of fresh vegetables, lean meats, carbs with a low glycaemic Index, and fruits rich in antioxidants. Reduce consumption of processed foods rich in sugar, fats and red meat.
● Consult Specialist – Consult your gynaecologist or a fertility specialist to help you track your dates. Knowing your ovulation period is crucial for a successful conception.
● Medications – In case of severe hormonal imbalance or PCOD that does not get better with lifestyle and diet changes, you can try medications. Your doctor will take the necessary tests and prescribe medications to control the hormonal imbalance and insulin spikes. This can help regulate menstruation and ovulation, thus increasing the chances of natural conception.
● Surgery—If the cysts are too big or in tricky locations, the doctor might decide to operate on them as a last resort. Once the cysts are removed, the hormonal spikes should ideally decrease.
PCOD is a disruption in a woman’s hormonal balance. With timely diagnosis and proper guidance, PCOD can be managed well. Women with PCOD will have to make a few lifestyle changes to manage PCOD successfully. Once the hormones are under better control, she can conceive naturally without any medical help or interference. Many women with PCOD may not need any fertility treatment for a successful pregnancy.
PCOD generally does not require any medical treatment like PCOS. With changes in lifestyle and diet, one can bring PCOD under control. Typical PCOD treatment will include –
● Reducing blood glucose levels
● Treating side effects of hormonal imbalance – like facial hair growth, acne
● Restoring the menstrual cycle using a combination of birth control pills, hormone therapy and other medicines.
● Laparoscopic surgery to remove the cysts.
PCOD may not be as severe as PCOS, but it is definitely an issue that needs attention and care. With dedicated lifestyle changes, most women suffering from PCOD can go on to have successful pregnancies with healthy babies. If you have any symptoms, consult your gynaecologist immediately to start working on your PCOD without further delay. It can not only help improve your pregnancy chances but can reduce various other complications caused by hormonal imbalances, too.
Yes, most women with PCOD can pregnant naturally without any medical intervention. With some guidance from their gynaecologist and lifestyle changes, pregnancy is definitely possible despite PCOD.
PCOD causes the ovaries to release an excess number of underdeveloped or immature eggs, which can accumulate and become cysts over time. These cysts can cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens. As a result of this imbalance, menstrual cycles and ovulation can become irregular or even miss completely.
Yes, you can manage PCOD without any medical treatment. Changes in lifestyle and following a nutritious high-fibre diet can help control PCOD symptoms naturally.
