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what is pcos
What is PCOS ?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS, also known as PCOD) is a medical condition that causes hormonal imbalance in women. PCOS or PCOD will make your body secrete more male hormones (androgen) than usual. This excess secretion will enlarge your ovaries
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What is PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS, also known as PCOD) is a medical condition that causes hormonal imbalance in women. PCOS or PCOD will make your body secrete more male hormones (androgen) than usual. This excess secretion will enlarge your ovaries, making you develop small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the outer edges of your ovaries and, you will experience irregularities in your menstrual cycles and infertility. PCOS affects women during their childbearing years, which is approximately between 12 to 45 years. Studies show that around 26.7% of women in this age group have PCOS, so if you fall under this age group, keep reading. If you are above 45 years of age or transitioning into menopause, this would still be relevant, as PCOS doesn't go away when menstruation does. [READ MORE: DOES PCOS GO AWAY AFTER MENOPAUSE?] Even before getting an ultrasound or pelvic exam, you can detect PCOS through its symptoms like irregular periods and excessive body hair. You must identify these symptoms early on and start your treatment towards the reversal of PCOS because, at a later stage, PCOS can contribute to long-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart-related diseases, and uterine cancer. [READ MORE: DOES PCOS GETS WORSE WITH AGE?] What causes PCOS? The precise cause for PCOS remains unknown but Doctors say that there are a few factors that can lead you to develop PCOS. Insulin resistance – Insulin resistance is a condition where your cells stop responding to Insulin. When this happens, your body stops converting food into energy and, your Pancreas will start to produce an excess amount of Insulin. This will result in increase of Androgen levels and will cause complications in your menstrual cycle. Heredity – Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS and, you can inherit it from your female family members. High level of inflammation – Inflammation is a process by which your White blood cells fights against diseases. A high level of inflammation stimulates the creation of cysts in your ovaries and leads to the development of PCOS [READ MORE: WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF PCOS?] How do you know if you have PCOS? PCOS manifests itself through syndromes or groups of symptoms in your body. You obviously cannot do an ultrasound or a pelvic exam at home but there are other ways through which you can initially self-diagnose PCOS. The more visible and easily detectable symptoms of PCOS are: ➢ Irregular menstrual cycle ➢ Infertility ➢ Excess growth of facial hair and hair loss ➢ Weight gain [READ MORE: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS?] Do you have an irregular menstrual cycle due to PCOS? The increase in Androgen levels and the formation of cysts at the entrance of your ovaries contribute to the irregularities in your menstrual cycle. Your period might be either too short or too long with an excessive amount of bleeding. In some cases, you might have less than 8 periods per year. [READ MORE: WHAT DOES YOUR PERIOD TELL ABOUT PCOS?] Are PCOS and complications in getting pregnant linked? The cysts formed in your ovaries will obstruct the development and release of eggs. This will result in the production of unhealthy eggs, hindering the seamless release of eggs from your ovaries. These factors disrupt the fertilization of your egg by a sperm and will result in infertility and miscarriage. [READ MORE: 18. PCOS AND PREGNANCY – CAN YOU GET PREGNANT IF YOU HAVE PCOS?] Can PCOS cause excessive facial hair and hair loss? PCOS stimulates your hair follicles and makes you develop a male pattern of hair growth. You might notice denser and darker hair growth in places like, • Upper lip • Neck • Chest • Lower abdomen In addition, you will have higher hair loss in your scalp than usual (more than 100 – 250 strands per day) [READ MORE: PCOS AND FACIAL HAIR: HOW TO MANAGE PCOS FACIAL HAIR GROWTH?] Does PCOS lead to obesity? When you have PCOS, your body converts food into fat and so, you will start to gain weight over time. You might notice more weight gain in your abdomen than in other parts of the body. [READ MORE IN DOES PCOS GIVE YOU A BIG BELLY?] Why should you worry about PCOS? The hormone imbalance caused due to PCOS will affect tissues throughout your body and you have a higher chance of developing the following serious health conditions. Type 2 Diabetes – With PCOS, you will have decreased sensitivity to insulin and you will have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome – PCOS can lead to a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar level, low good cholesterol, and high bad cholesterol. All of these conditions together will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Endometrial cancer – During your periods, the lining in your uterus sheds but PCOS messes with your ovulation and the lining starts to build up. This thickened uterine lining will cause Endometrial/Uterine cancer. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – The increase of fat due to insulin resistance will lead to the accumulation of fat in your liver, which can cause serious damage to your liver. Can you reverse PCOS? The good news is YES! By modifying certain aspects of your lifestyle, you can balance your hormone levels and reduce the risk of developing serious health issues. The four aspects of your lifestyle that you need to work on are, ● Nutritious diet ● Exercise ● Meditation ● Sleep [READ MORE: CAN I REVERSE PCOS?] Will nutritious diet help with PCOS? A nourishing diet will go a long way in regulating your hormones, Blood sugar levels and assist in weight loss. Planning your everyday meals with a balanced diet is very difficult. This is where Lori comes in handy! Lori is a diet planning app, which gives you personalized nutritious diet plans every day based on your physique and your clinical concerns so, join us today in the reversal of PCOS. [READ MORE: PCOS DIET - TOP 5 THINGS TO AVOID] How can exercise help with PCOS? To reduce the insulin level of your body, you need to lose excess weight and do physical activity. By doing so, you will slowly bring your insulin levels back to normal and eventually reverse PCOS. [READ MORE: PCOS WORKOUT – 5 THINGS TO DO] Can meditation and adequate sleep help with PCOS? Stress and an unhealthy sleep schedule are some of the leading factors to hormonal imbalance in your body. Practicing meditation and having adequate sleep will help reduce stress and ensure the proper functioning of your body and will help rectify PCOS issues within your body. [READ MORE: I AM HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING. DOES PCOS GIVE YOU SLEEP ISSUES?] Lori helps you to manage and reverse your PCOS by recommending the appropriate nutrition for you based on your lifestyle and health conditions. You can even track your menstrual cycle and your hormone levels on the app. DOWNLOAD THE APP for free for your personalized health solution! References [1] March, Wendy A et al. “The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria.” Human reproduction (Oxford, England) vol. 25,2 (2010): 544-51. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep399 [2] Dunaif A. Insulin resistance and the polycystic ovary syndrome: mechanism and implications for pathogenesis. Endocr Rev. 1997 Dec;18(6):774-800. doi: 10.1210/edrv.18.6.0318. PMID: 9408743. [3] Ajmal, Nida, et al. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Genetic Predisposition: A Review Article.” European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X, Elsevier, 8 June 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590161319300948
What are the Symptoms of PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects hormone levels in women.Here’s a list of symptoms of PCOS: Irregular menstrual cycle Infertility, Excess growth of facial hair and hair loss, Weight gain, Acne, Skin darkening, Anxiety.
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What are the Symptoms of PCOS Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects hormone levels in women. If you are a woman between 12 years to 45 years, you should know how to identify this issue and know when to consult with your physician. So, here’s a list of symptoms of PCOS: • Irregular menstrual cycle • Infertility • Excess growth of facial hair and hair loss • Weight gain • Acne • Skin darkening • Anxiety How is your menstrual cycle affected by PCOS? With PCOS, your menstrual cycle goes for a toss. Your periods could be irregular, either too short or too long! In some cases, you could have an excessive amount of bleeding too. When you have PCOS, you tend to have higher androgen levels (male hormones) and, an excessive amount of insulin in your body. This imbalance creates small cysts in the entrance of your ovaries and causes irregularities in your menstrual cycle. [READ MORE: PCOS AND TRACKING YOUR PERIODS: DOES THAT HELP?] How do you know when you have irregular periods due to PCOS? • In the case of adolescents, you will experience a delay in getting your first period • For adults, you will have less than 8 periods in a year • The duration between your periods will be less than 21days • The period bleeding could end in less than 2 days. • Extended period bleeding for more than 5 days. If you identify with any of these issues, there is a high chance that you might have PCOS, so we suggest you consult with your physician. [READ MORE: WHAT DOES YOUR PERIOD TELL ABOUT PCOS] Does PCOS make it harder to get pregnant? PCOS is known to cause fertility issues in women. According to experts, almost 35% of cases of infertility are due to PCOS. Causes of infertility (Shady Groove Fertility, 2008) If you have PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the development and release of eggs from your ovaries. It also creates multiple fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in your ovaries, hindering your ovulation process and affects the quality of your egg. If your ovaries do not release a healthy egg, you will experience infertility and miscarriage. If this sounds like what you have been going through, you might want to consult a doctor. In the meantime, keep in mind that PCOS is reversible and, help and guidance are available to keep your PCOS symptoms in control! [READ MORE: IS IT HARD TO BE PREGNANT IF YOU HAVE PCOS?] Does PCOS cause excessive facial hair and hair loss? PCOS causes an excess of Androgen, the male hormone which, stimulates your hair follicles and causes you to develop a male pattern of hair growth. You might notice hair growing in places like, • Upper lip • Chin • Neck • Chest • Lower abdomen This excess hair growth will be thicker and darker than your usual body hairs. If you notice this unusual hair growth, see them as a sign to consult a doctor. Also, you may have seen excessive amounts of hair loss in your scalp (more than 100 -150 strands.) [READ MORE: PCOS AND FACIAL HAIR: HOW TO MANAGE PCOS FACIAL HAIR GROWTH?] Does PCOS cause weight gain in the abdominal region? When you have PCOS, insulin resistance develops, wherein your body won’t use the insulin present in your body. This causes a fluctuation in your Blood sugar level and, you become obese. Insulin resistance cycle Furthermore, your body secretes extra insulin, which increases the male hormones (Androgen) production in your ovaries, and might gain more fat in your abdominal area (men usually carry weight in that area.) Researchers have found that around 85% of women with PCOS suffer from insulin resistance. The more weight you gain, the more your other symptoms will start to develop at a quicker pace. [READ MORE: DOES PCOS GIVE YOU A BIG BELLY?] Do you have PCOS Acne? PCOS attacks your Pituitary gland, which is responsible for the regulation of hormones. This hormonal imbalance causes acne in your face, chest, and upper back. Acne is one of the earliest symptoms of PCOS and, if you do not exercise caution, it could lead to the progress of PCOS and increase of other PCOS symptoms in your body. [READ MORE: PCOS AND ACNE: HOW DO I MANAGE MY PCOS ACNE?] Is your skin unusually dark in certain areas because of PCOS? When you have PCOS, you are prone to develop discoloration (scientifically called Acanthosis nigricans) in certain parts of your skin. Insulin resistance causes your skin to have patches of black and purplish velvet textures in your underarm region and under your breasts too. The same colour and texture will also form a ring around your neck. No skin treatment can get rid of this discoloration, and only by addressing the underlying insulin resistance issue can this be reversed. Does PCOS make you more anxious? Anxiety is one of the psychological symptoms of PCOS. Hormonal changes coupled with sudden weight gain and excessive hair growth in the “unfeminine” places in your body can cause emotional and mental stress lowering your self-esteem and can have a significant impact on your overall mood. Studies show that women with PCOS are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than women without PCOS. [READ MORE: PCOS AND MENTAL HEALTH: HOW TO HANDLE STRESS AND ANXIETY?] What are the suggestions to reverse your PCOS symptoms? If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t be distressed or disheartened. The good news is that you can reverse PCOS by having a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food and physical activity. At Lori, we support you on your journey towards reversing PCOS. Based on your health and body, the Lori app provides you with personalized daily nutrition plans. The goal here is to help your body use insulin effectively and regulate your blood sugar levels. The menstrual tracker helps track your menstrual cycle and provides meal suggestions based on this. Whichever stage of PCOS you are in (irregular periods, looking to get pregnant, transitioning through menopause), we are here to help! Let us begin the reversal of your PCOS today! [READ MORE: CAN YOU REVERSE PCOS?] References: [1] Dennett, Carrie C., and Judy Simon. “The Role of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Reproductive and Metabolic Health: Overview and Approaches for Treatment.” Diabetes Spectrum, American Diabetes Association, 1 May 2015, spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/28/2/116. [2] El Hayek, Samer, et al. “Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Updated Overview.” Frontiers in Physiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 5 Apr. 2016. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4820451/. [3] Zhang, B., Zhou, W., Shi, Y. et al. Lifestyle and environmental contributions to ovulatory dysfunction in women of polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Endocr Disord 20, 19 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-020-0497-6
What is the main cause of PCOS?
Do you know that Researchers, doctors, and health care providers worldwide don't know the precise cause of PCOS? Most believe that several factors such as insulin resistance, hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental factors cause PCOS.
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What is the main cause of PCOS Do you know that Researchers, doctors, and health care providers worldwide don't know the precise cause of PCOS? Most believe that several factors such as insulin resistance, hormonal changes, genetics, inflammation, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors cause PCOS. How does Insulin Resistance Cause PCOS? Insulin resistance is caused majorly by lifestyle factors. As more blood sugar enters the bloodstream, the pancreas secretes more insulin to push the blood sugar into the cells. Over time, your cells stop responding to all that insulin. This condition is insulin resistance. A higher level of insulin increases the production of androgens (a group of hormones that play a role in male traits), causing difficulty with ovulation. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to weight gain, irregular periods, and even type 2 diabetes if left unchecked. How do Hormonal Changes Cause PCOS? Due to hormonal imbalance, there will be an increase in male hormone production (hyperandrogenism). Androgens are called the “male hormones”, which control the development of male traits in your body. The ovaries produce high levels of androgens (such as testosterone). Higher than the normal androgen levels in your body can affect your ovaries and prevent ovulation and thus, remain a leading cause of infertility. The hormonal imbalance also contributes to symptoms, such as irregular periods, male pattern baldness, excess hair growth, and acne. Apart from Androgens, imbalance in hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, thyroid hormone can also cause PCOS. Is PCOS Genetic? Scientists believe that there is a link between certain genes and PCOS and that the link is likely to be complex and involves multiple genes. A wide variety of genes and mechanisms seem to cause PCOS and, so it has a wide range of symptoms and develops at different ages for women. Genes trigger a hormone cascade in your body which affects hormone levels and insulin resistance. PCOS seems to have a connection with family history and genetics. Hence, it runs in families due to mutation in one or more genes. It increases the risk for the family to develop the same metabolic abnormality. How does Inflammation Cause PCOS? Inflammation occurs when your body’s natural immune system reacts to a foreign substance in an attempt to protect your body from an invader. Unfortunately, sometimes this response is triggered to react to your cells. Without going all science-y, there is a high correlation between PCOS and inflammation markers such as oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, white blood cells (lymphocytes and monocytes). Inflammation makes it harder to lose weight and is associated with diabetes, insulin resistance and heart disease (common in those with PCOS). How does Lifestyle Cause PCOS? Leading an unhealthy lifestyle increases the risk of PCOS. Poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, gaining too much weight, sleeping disorders, and high-stress levels are the substantial causes of PCOS. It also leads to physically and emotionally distressing symptoms. A diet high in carbohydrates can cause insulin resistance in your body. It can cause low-grade inflammation, which stimulates the androgens' production and cysts' creation in your ovaries. It can also lead to cardiovascular problems. Check out Lori app and get your personalized nutrition plan today. To manage a healthy lifestyle, it recommends a healthy eating regime without any artificial supplementation. Lack of physical activity is a potential contributing factor to insulin resistance. It leads to a higher concentration of estrogen in the body which causes weight gain. Higher than a healthy weight worsens insulin resistance and, it increases the production of male hormones responsible for PCOS symptoms. Depression and other mental health disorders can worsen your PCOS symptoms. It causes reproductive dysfunctions in your body (e.g., infertility). Lack of quality sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity, fatigue, increased hunger, and insulin resistance. The causes for PCOS/PCOD may be many but there is a one-step solution for all this. This is where Lori app helps you. It creates your personalized health plan based on your body’s requirement. It can assess the root cause of your disorder (pcos/pcod) by health evaluation and helps you manage PCOS/PCOD. [READ MORE: CAN YOU REVERSE PCOS?] REFERENCE: "Causes & Symptoms." Jean Hailes, 26 Sept. 2019, www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/symptoms-causes. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic, 29 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, 29 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome." Womenshealth.gov, 1 Apr. 2019, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome. "What Causes PCOS?" Https://www.nichd.nih.gov/, www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/causes.
Can you Reverse PCOS ?
Yes, of course. PCOS and PCOD manifest as acne, menstrual irregularities, obesity, male-pattern baldness, weight gain, and fatigue. Reversing the condition can be attempted by balancing the hormone levels and certainly require lifestyle changes.
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Can you Reverse PCOS Yes, of course. To attempt the reversal of PCOS and PCOD, you need to know more about them. PCOS and PCOD manifest as acne, menstrual irregularities, obesity, male-pattern baldness, facial hair growth, mood swings, weight gain, and fatigue. Reversing the condition can be attempted by balancing the hormone levels and certainly require lifestyle changes. Your efforts to reverse PCOS and PCOD help reduce the risk of developing health complications in the future. The mantra to reverse PCOS is a mix of: Eating wisely, being physically active, sleeping well, and managing your stress to reverse the hormone imbalances and the symptoms. How to Eat Well if you have PCOS or PCOD? The first part of the Reverse PCOS/PCOD Mantra is your nutrition. While there are dime-a-dozen solutions, you have to find out what works for you. Get a custom solution based on what your body requires. (This is where Lori helps. Download our app for free and get your custom nutrition plan today!) Food is your primary source of nutrients and, hence a nourishing diet helps regulate your hormones. Consumption of nutritious, natural and unprocessed food such as fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Keep a track of your weight loss, decreased insulin levels, periods to know if your regime is working. Track these and many more health metrics on the Lori app. Managing a consistent well-balanced diet might be a task for most of you. Here is where the Lori app helps you. It helps manage PCOS and other clinical concerns by recommendations about what you can eat to manage a healthy lifestyle without any artificial supplementation. Your health plan is yours, customized to you, so you can relax about 'what should I eat today?'. Open the app and check out your recommendations and, if you don’t like any, you can switch to something you like from the variety of options. The app also helps you track your health markers such as weight, hormone levels, blood sugar, insulin and many more. [READ MORE: PCOS DIET - TOP 5 THINGS TO AVOID] Does Exercise Help to Reverse PCOS/PCOD? Lack of physical activity and excess body weight are potential contributing factors to insulin resistance, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Be more active and incorporate any physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. This helps you manage the common symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain and fatigue. Weight reduction leads to a decrease in glucose intolerance, which, in turn, leads to improvement in reproductive and metabolic derangements in PCOS. Exercise training improves the regularity of menstrual cycles and ovulation. Focus on your physical activity, frequency, duration, and intensity and make sure not to overdo it. Include exercise in your daily routine, and you'll see that your hormone balance is restored naturally. [READ MORE: PCOS WORKOUT – 5 THINGS TO DO] Can Meditation Help with PCOS/PCOD? Women with PCOS are more likely to possess reduced quality of life and anxiety and/or depression symptoms. If you are constantly under pressure, it disrupts the hormonal/endocrine system. Avoiding stress is very important to ensure your hormonal balance. Elevated levels of stress for long periods can be harmful to your hormones and overall health. Hence you should practice meditation, yoga or mindfulness to ensure that you stay more in the present. [READ MORE: PCOS AND MENTAL HEALTH: HOW TO HANDLE STRESS AND ANXIETY?] Is PCOS/PCOD disturbing your Sleep? Your body requires at least 7-9 hrs of sleep to function normally. Make sure you get quality sleep every day to ensure hormonal balance. Sleep deprivation leads to increased hunger and carbs craving. Leptin or satiety hormone is suppressed due to lack of sleep. This is why you feel hunger pangs on the day that you have not slept well. Regulating sleep helps you achieve good results in the reversal of PCOS. Fix your sleep issues by focusing on sleep hygiene. If you are experiencing sleep disturbances, it will most likely be taken care of by the diet and lifestyle adjustments. Fortunately, you'll reverse PCOS with the proper combination of diet, exercise, sleep, and meditation. Put conscious efforts to correct your condition. Consult with your physician if you have any specific needs. [READ MORE: I AM HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING. DOES PCOS GIVE YOU SLEEP ISSUES?] REFERENCE: Eenfeldt, Andreas. "Can Low Carb and Keto Help Reverse PCOS? — Diet Doctor." Diet Doctor, 28 Jan. 2021, www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/benefits/pcos. Galan, Nicole. "How Exercise for Women With PCOS Leads to Better Health." Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/exercise-benefits-for-women-with-pcos-2616351. "Natural Treatments for PCOS: Evidence-based Methods." Medical and Health Information, 4 Oct. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326560. "How PCOS Can Sometimes Lead to Sleep Difficulties." Verywell Health, Nov. 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/pcos-and-sleep-disturbances-2616639. Khademi, Afsaneh. "The Effect of Exercise in PCOS Women Who Exercise Regularly." PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289164/.
Are PCOS and PCOD the Same?
We use Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) interchangeably, but they actually are not the same. Both are gynaecological problems associated with your ovaries and have similar causes, but they are different.
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Are PCOS and PCOD the Same We use Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) interchangeably, but they actually are not the same. Both are gynaecological problems associated with your ovaries and have similar causes, but they are different. But there are many differences between the two that you simply must know! Before we go into the sciencey explanation, here is a little example. The Endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. So if hormones are cars, Endocrine System is the factory that they are made in. PCOD is a hormonal disorder (From our example, it is the issue with cars. e.g. brakes, engine etc.). PCOD is considered temporary as there are higher possibilities to reverse it (You can go to a repair shop and get the car fixed). PCOD is more common as compared to PCOS. The ovaries contain many immature or partially mature eggs, which eventually become a cyst. These cysts cause more cysts, and so the cycle goes. It does not cause infertility in all women, and with medical intervention, the women can conceive successfully. Women who have PCOD may have similar symptoms as PCOS, but they ovulate periodically. PCOD can be fixed with lifestyle changes. PCOS is an endocrinological disorder (From our example, it is an issue with the factory. e.g. assembly line issues). PCOS is severe (needs a lot more work to fix this) and has serious complications. In PCOS, the ovaries produce higher levels of androgen, which interferes with egg development and release. A number of the eggs become cysts. These cysts build up within the ovaries and may even get enlarged during ovulation. For women with PCOS, conception can become a bit of a challenge. They even have higher rates of miscarriages. PCOS needs more medical intervention and clinical supervision. [READ MORE: WHAT IS PCOS?] What are the Causes of PCOS and PCOD? Though the exact cause is unknown, a lot of factors contribute to both these conditions. PCOD • Poor eating habits • Lack of physical activity • Stress • Gaining too much weight • Excess production of insulin PCOS • High-Stress Level • Hormonal imbalance • Metabolic disorder • Heredity • Excess production of androgen and insulin • Presence of low-grade inflammation [READ MORE: WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF PCOS?] How to Diagnose PCOS and PCOD? There is no specific test to diagnose PCOS or PCOD and, there aren't any universal diagnostic criteria. this is often because the signs and symptoms for both are quite common. A doctor would recommend several tests to diagnose a PCOS/PCOD condition. These tests include physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, and pelvic scans. Pelvic/Transvaginal/Abdomen ultrasound: This ultrasound is the testing process to create an image of the ovaries to detect the cysts. In PCOS, the ovaries could also be larger than the usual size and characteristically have 12 or more follicles per ovary. In PCOD, the ovaries might not appear large but have follicles (5 to 6 per ovary) that can be relatively smaller and immature. Often the cysts are lined alongside the surface of the ovaries. Physical Examination: Your doctor may conduct a physical examination where he/she may measure your weight, calculate your BMI, observe abnormal hair growth, hair loss, increase in acne, etc. Pelvic Examination: The doctor may conduct a physical examination, where he/she may feel any abnormal growth within the pelvic area. It is to detect abnormalities within the ovaries, clitoris, vagina, fallopian tubes, rectum, cervix etc. Blood Tests: TSH, T3, and T4: The most common test assigned to the physical symptoms could be a thyroid test. The TSH, T3, and T4 blood tests calculate the extent of thyroid hormones in your bloodstream. Hormone Tests (FSH, LH, Testosterone, Oestrogen, Androgen): Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) regulates your ability to get pregnant, while LH (LH) promotes your ovulation. If you've got PCOS, FSH would be less than the normal level while LH would be higher. [READ MORE: I THINK I MIGHT HAVE PCOS. WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?] What are the symptoms of PCOS and PCOD? You can detect PCOS/PCOD before getting any kind of diagnosis through their symptoms. PCOS  Acne  Weight gain and trouble losing weight  Extra hair on the face and body due to excess androgen in your body  Thinning hair on the scalp or hair loss on the scalp; male-pattern baldness  Irregular periods  Fertility problem  Too much hair on the body where men usually have hair. this is often called "hirsutism."  Skin tags  Darkening of the skin PCOD ● Irregular periods (amenorrhea) ● Unusual body and facial hair growth (hirsutism) ● Stubborn acne ● Uncontrolled weight gain around the waist area ● Pigmentation or darkening of the skin (Acanthosis nigricans) ● Infertility ● Male-pattern baldness ● Headaches [READ MORE: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS?] Diagnosing the symptoms early and starting your treatment on time can prevent you from these long-term health problems. Go and visit your doctor if you see any of the above mentioned symptoms. What are the Other Possible Risks with PCOS and PCOD? PCOS ● Diabetes ● Heart diseases ● Endometrial Cancer ● Obesity-related conditions ● High blood pressure ● Depression ● Obstructive sleep apnea ● Liver disease ● Abnormal uterine bleeding ● Breast cancer ● Metabolic syndrome ● Miscarriage or premature birth ● Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis PCOD Uncontrolled PCOD can cause numerous problems like ● Perinatal complications like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia ● Long term risk of endometrial cancers ● Increased cholesterol levels ● High blood pressure [READ MORE: WHY ARE MY PCOS SYMPTOMS GETTING WORSE?] There's no cure for either PCOD or PCOS, but both diseases are often managed with specific medication and lifestyle changes. Check out Lori app, it provides tailored health plans to manage PCOS/PCOD and certain medical conditions that are mentioned under the possible risks of PCOS/PCOD (such as diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure). It helps you track your health metrics. Download it right away and get access to your personal health management. [READ MORE: CAN YOU REVERSE PCOS?] REFERENCE: "Polycystic Ovaries or PCOS – What’s the Difference?" Dr Alex Polyakov, 7 Oct. 2020, www.dralexpolyakov.com.au/blog/polycystic-ovaries-or-pcos-whats-the-difference/. Watson, Stephanie. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment." Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease. "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic, 29 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443.
Do I have to lose weight to reverse PCOS/PCOD?
The answer is YES! Weight loss can significantly help you in reversing PCOS. PCOS is a hormone imbalance syndrome, which increases the Male hormone and insulin levels in your body.It can lead to long-term health issues such as cancer.
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lose weight to reverse pcos Do I have to lose weight to reverse PCOS/PCOD?
The answer is YES! Weight loss can significantly help you in reversing PCOS. PCOS is a hormone imbalance syndrome, which increases the Male hormone and insulin levels in your body.It can lead to long-term health issues such as cancer.