Docyard | Treat hormonal disorders early

According to studies conducted by the health experts at AIIMS in 2016, one in every four women in India is suffering from Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Statistics on National Health Portal (NHP) reveals that 9.13 per cent women in South India suffer from PCOD.

Hormonal imbalance in women leads to PCOD. Therefore, girls in their teenage years should make sure that they follow a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet, engage in physical activities and keep a check on their weight to avoid any symptoms in the future. If not diagnosed and taken care of at an early stage, it can lead to several health complications later in life like high cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, Type-II diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases

If not treated timely it can even result in infertility among women and require a surgical treatment. Hence, immediate consultation is important along with focus on weight reduction as it can improve the surgery success rate and can even prevent the surgery.

SYMPTOMS

• Excess body or facial  hair growth
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Pelvic pain
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility

Women suffering from infertility due to Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) are prescribed fertility drugs to aid ovulation. Surgical treatment is recommended to the women who suffer infertility and do not respond to ovulation induction medications or have reversed hormonal ratio. Now-a-days laparoscopic ovarian drilling is done only in resistant cases where punctures are made in ovaries laparoscopically.  

This is done to help women suffering from polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) to achieve pregnancy. However, the symptoms may reappear as the surgery is aimed at inducing ovulation and not correcting the hormonal imbalance. It also carries the risk of premature ovarian failure if improper surgical techniques are followed. lifestyle modifications with proper diet and physical activity can help women control the symptoms.

PCOD cannot be cured, however, the symptoms can be lessened by adopting healthy lifestyle modification. Below mentioned are some of the lifestyle modifications to control Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD):

• Healthy diet: A healthy diet including fresh leafy vegetables and fruits can help provide necessary nutrients to the body. Make sure that you avoid processed food and include nuts like almonds, walnuts in diet.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help control body weight, regulate menstrual cycle and lower blood sugar levels in the body. 40 minutes of brisk walk daily or any other form of intense exercise can help prevent the early symptoms of PCOD
• Medical consultation: Consult a doctor immediately if you suffer any symptoms of PCOD. When controlled at an early stage it can prevent infertility among women.
• Don’t skip medications: Remember to take your prescribed medications on time. This will help in controlling initial symptoms and maintaining hormonal balance in the body.

 (The writer is Consultant, Gynaec laparoscopic Surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore)