Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles. Women with PCOD may also experience excess androgen levels and polycystic ovaries. It can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and infertility. People often manage it through lifestyle changes and medication.
What is PCOD ?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease , is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones which affects the ovaries.
‘Polycystic’ literally translates as ‘many cysts’. This refers to the many partially formed follicles on the ovaries, which each contain an egg. These rarely grow to maturity or produce eggs that can be fertilized
Who can get affected with PCOD ?
PCOD can be affected by women between age of 15 and 44, or during reproductive years. Most women find out they have PCOD in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor.
But PCOD can happen at any age after puberty.
It is characterized by two or more of the following:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Hyperandrogenism
- Polycystic ovaries
What are the causes of PCOD ?
The exact cause is not know.
- High levels of androgen
- High levels of insulin
- Low levels of progesterone
Polycystic Ovarian Disease Every Woman Should Know !!!
- Heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods
- Infertility
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Excessive hair on the face or body
- Acne or oily skin
- Baldness or hair thinning
Diagnosis of PCOD?
Diagnosed by the presence of the following:
- High androgens levels which can be seen as unwanted facial or bodily hair, acne .
- Irregular or absent menstrual period
- Ultrasound scanning
- Blood tests for hormonal levels
Can PCOD be cured ?
- Treatments can improve symptoms of PCOD
- Some symptoms of PCOD can be reduced through lifestyle changes.
- Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can help reduce weight and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes .
- Women with PCOD often lack some key vitamins and minerals. Many of these deficiencies affect fertility. They also impact insulin resistance.
- Therefore, vitamin or mineral supplements can exert beneficial effects on PCOD related symptoms.
How to Deal With Polycystic Ovarian Disease ?
- Lifestyle modification needs to be stressed in the treatment of infertility.
- Choosing healthy fats and lean proteins can help. Including whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may also reduce the risk of PCOD.
- Also avoid processed foods and those containing high levels of fat, added sugar and salt.
How Physiotherapy can help in PCOD?
A physiotherapist and dietician are highly recommended as these are considered first-line treatments.
- Physical therapy interventions aim to decrease the main symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOD). They address hormonal imbalances and obesity. These interventions also seek to improve the quality of life for women with PCOD.
- Pelvic health physical therapy can help to manage many pelvic symptoms. Many patients with PCOD can experience abdominal pain, pelvic pain, urinary and/or bowel dysfunction, and pain with intercourse. All these issues are well within the wheel house of pelvic health physical therapy.
What type of exercise should I do in PCOD?
Cardiovascular training
- Benefits: Reduces insulin resistance, stabilises mood and boosts fertility.
- Moderate exercise includes brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. These are different forms of cardiovascular exercise that can improve your symptoms.
Strength training
- Benefits: Reduces insulin resistance, increases metabolic rate, increases in muscle mass.
- The more muscle you have, the greater ability your body has to burn calories at rest, achieving a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Abdominal and pelvic floor strength
Benefits: Improves general health and well-being. It aids in injury prevention. It prepares the body for any future pregnancies. It also prevents pelvic floor problems, which can occur later in life.
Training your abdominal and pelvic floor strength will help support future pregnancies. It will correct any issues that may have already happened from previous pregnancies. It will also support your body when you begin to go through menopause later in life.
The biggest goal and bottom line is: not one treatment fits all! Working with your physiotherapist will help you identify your own specific goals and how you can achieve towards it.
Dr.Krutika Bhoir MPT (Women’s Health)
Dr.Krutika Bhoir PT is our Parel Branch head as well as she Chief Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Cura Advanced Physiotherapy. She is also a fitness trainer for Antenatal & Postnatal Females (Pregnant Women’s). In addition to that she takes Scientific Grabhasankaar Classes.
