How is Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) Treated?

PCOD, or polycystic ovary disease, is a disease that affects almost 5–10% of women between the ages of 12 and 40. The ovaries are designed to make a small number of male and female sex hormones that are responsible for regulating the development of eggs in women. Women who have PCOD create more androgens, which cause a hormonal imbalance that prevents the release of the eggs and causes the eggs to develop into cysts inside the ovaries instead. Most women who suffer from PCOD often have one question on their mind – Can PCOD be treated? And the answer to this is ‘yes’.

In this article, we have gathered some insights from experts like Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a renowned gynaecologist who is widely known for performing the best PCOD treatment in Mumbai. Here, we will discuss PCOD, its cause, symptoms and effective treatment options available. Keep reading for valuable information.

What are the Symptoms of PCOD Condition?

Following are the symptoms of PCOD:

• Pimples

• Excess facial and body hair, especially on areas such as the chest, belly, and back

• Hair on the scalp is getting thinner

• Difficulty in losing weight

• Sudden weight gain

• Periods that are irregular or, in some cases, missing. While some women may not bleed at all, others may bleed excessively

• Issues with fertility or difficulty getting pregnant

• Depression

• In rare circumstances, PCOD can lead to issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The extent to which PCOD can be cured is determined based on the symptoms. However, if one experiences these symptoms, it is best to seek the help of an expert doctor to get effective PCOD treatment.

What are the Underlying Causes of PCOD?

Before determining whether PCOD is curable or not, let's examine its underlying reasons:

1. Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. The body does not respond properly to insulin if one experiences PCOD. This can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, which affect the menstrual cycle and lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries.

2. Hormonal Imbalance: PCOD is characterized by a hormonal imbalance that includes increased levels of androgens (such as testosterone) and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and other hormones. This hormonal imbalance may have an impact on ovulation and the growth of eggs in the ovaries.

3. Genetics: This is a genetic component of PCOD. If a close family member, such as a mother or sister, has PCOD, there could be an increased risk of developing the condition too.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Being overweight can aggravate insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Also, a bad lifestyle and poor dietary habits can also worsen the condition.

5. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body can also lead to the development of PCOD and its associated symptoms.

6. Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental factors such as chemicals could also lead to the development of PCOD and its associated symptoms.

How is PCOD Diagnosed?

The gynaecologist will diagnose PCOD based on the following criteria:

1. Medical History

A doctor will thoroughly assess weight changes and menstrual cycles in order to diagnose PCOD. At least two of the symptoms listed below will indicate the presence of PCOD:

• Irregular periods

• Signs of high androgen levels

• Hair loss, acne, and hirsutism

• Blood androgen levels that are higher

• Polycystic ovarian cysts

2. Examination of the Body

A pelvic exam is conducted to check for growths, tumors, or other irregularities in the reproductive organs.

3. Other Tests

Various tests are performed, including those that assess cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose tolerance, blood pressure, and hormone levels.

4. Imaging

Ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries and determine whether or not they have cysts. It also shows the thickness of the uterine lining.

What are the Most Effective Options for Treating PCOD?

Following are the different treatment options available that can help one get rid of PCOD, performed by the expert gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi:

1. Standard Therapies

• Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices help in regulating the menstrual cycle and treat acne. These contraceptives have progestin and estrogen hormones, which restore normal hormone functioning. This regulates ovulation and also protects patients against endometrial cancer. However, gynaecologists only recommend this option when the patient does not plan to become pregnant.

• Mild Oral Antibiotics: This can help treat PCOD acne.

• Anti-Androgens: This includes drugs that block the effect of androgens and reduce excessive hair growth.

• Infertility Treatments: There are some medications that can help patients ovulate. This includes oral estrogen medication (clomiphene), a drug taken for breast cancer, a drug taken for type-2 diabetes, and injectable hormonal medications like gonadotropins. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an effective option when medications do not help and patients with PCOD want to become pregnant.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: The patient’s diet must include carbohydrates, as they have a positive effect on insulin levels. An alternative to the typical weight loss diet is a low-glycaemic index diet where the majority of the carbohydrates come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Weight Management: Losing weight can decrease the levels of insulin and androgens, which help restore ovulation. Also, the patients can participate in weight loss programs or consult a dietician to reach their weight loss goals. Daily exercises can keep weight under control and reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which help prevent diabetes and the risk of heart disease.

Surgical Options Available

1. Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling: This is a very common surgical approach performed in women with PCOD to trigger ovulation. However, it is only performed when medications or lifestyle changes do not work. In ovarian drilling, the gynaecologist makes a small incision at the belly button and inserts a small tube. When the belly gets filled with air, a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen without causing any harm to the internal organs. This enables the doctor to see the ovarian cysts. Lastly, the doctor inserts surgical tools through the same incision or other small wounds created in the pelvic region to drill or puncture the cysts in the ovarian tissues related to high testosterone levels. For this purpose, electrocautery or lasers can also be used.

Conclusion

PCOD can be effectively managed by treating its symptoms. Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi is an expert gynaecologist who offers the best treatment for PCOD. The expert doctor will plan out the treatment based on the symptoms of the patient, their medical history and other health concerns if they desire to get pregnant. Besides PCOD, she is also an expert in genital rejuvenation, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, sexology treatment, and improving female reproductive health. 

To avail the benefits of PCOD treatment, book an appointment with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital today!