What is PCOD/PCOS?

PCOS and PCOD are hormonal problems affecting women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44). PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, whereas PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Although both diseases are very similar in terms of causes, symptoms, and prevention, they are not the same.

Every woman has two ovaries in her body, and both release one egg each month. This system of correctly releasing eggs and hormones is disrupted in PCOD and PCOS. Both conditions can lead to irregular periods, acne, and fertility problems.

PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Disease, is a disease of the female body in which the ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs. Over time, these eggs form cysts in the ovaries. As a result, the ovaries become larger, and male hormones called androgens are secreted, which causes infertility, irregular menstruation, hair loss, and abnormal weight gain.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a metabolic disorder in which a woman’s body is affected by hormonal imbalances during reproductive age (12 years old to 51 years old). When hormone levels in the body rise, the ovaries begin to release large amounts of androgens. This ultimately leads to irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems, increased abdominal pain, and excessive hair growth in the body. PCOS has more serious complications like diabetes, endometrial cancer, and hypertension in later stages.

Symptoms of PCOD/PCOS

Some women notice symptoms around the time of their first period. Others find they have PCOS only after gaining a lot of weight or if they are having trouble conceiving.

The most common symptoms of PCOS and PCOD are:

• Irregular periods: Lack of ovulation prevents the endometrium from shedding each month. Some women with PCOS may have periods less than eight times a year or not at all.

• Heavy bleeding: Because the uterus lining builds up over time, your period may be heavier than usual.

• Hair growth: More than 70% of women with this condition have facial and body hair, including the back, stomach, and chest. Excessive hair growth is called hirsutism.

• Acne: Male hormones can make your skin oilier and cause breakouts in areas such as the face, chest, and upper back.

• Weight gain: Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.

• Hair loss: The hair on the scalp may thin and fall out.

• Skin darkening: Dark patches of skin may form in folds of the body, such as the neck, groin, and chest.

• Headache: Hormonal changes in some women can trigger headaches.

It’s important to see a gynecologist if you notice any of the above symptoms.

What to expect at the consultation for PCOD/PCOS Treatment at Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad?

No single test can diagnose PCOS/PCOD. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will first ask about symptoms and medical history, then do a physical and possibly a pelvic examination. This test examines the reproductive organs for abnormal growths, masses, or other problems.

A blood sample is taken to check hormone levels in the body. HDL, LDL, triglyceride levels, and glucose tolerance tests will be performed.

Imaging tests, such as ultrasonography, are done to check for cysts and the size of the endometrium and ovaries.

Apart from the above tests, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may recommend additional examinations to check for complications. This includes:

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Screening for anxiety and depression
• Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Treatments for PCOD/PCOS at Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad

Treatment of PCOD and PCOS can be surgical or non-surgical. Treatment focuses on lifestyle modification through drug-medication combinations.

Drug therapy is provided for hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and irregular menstrual cycles. Laparoscopic surgery is performed in which perforation of the ovary destroys androgen-producing tissue.

Non-surgical treatment:

• Medications: PCOS causes a woman’s body to produce androgens higher than normal levels. In women, androgens are normally converted to the hormone estrogen. High androgen levels interfere with egg development and the regular release of eggs, an ovulation process. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may advise birth control pills that have laboratory-made versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These pills help regulate the menstrual cycle by decreasing androgen production. It’s helpful. If you cannot tolerate combination contraceptives, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may recommend a progestogen-only pill.

• Diet and lifestyle changes: A healthier lifestyle, such as better nutrition, regular exercise, smoking cessation, reducing stress, and managing diabetes and other conditions, should increase your chances of conceiving. Not everyone with PCOS/PCOD is overweight, but many are. For some women, rapid weight gain can affect hormones. Losing weight can bring the hormone back to normal levels if it’s too much. Losing 10% of her body weight makes her menstrual cycle more predictable.

• Managing blood sugar: Many PCOD/PCOS patients also have insulin resistance. That’s when your body isn’t using insulin the way it should. Insulin keeps blood sugar levels steady. To control your blood glucose levels, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah may recommend eating foods low in sugar and certain carbohydrates (carbs). There are also healthy carbohydrates such as vegetables and fruits. However, processed foods, white flour, rice, potatoes, and anything else found with sugar should be avoided.

• Exercise: Regular exercise helps you burn calories and build muscle mass. This helps reduce insulin resistance which can lower androgens in the body. This, in turn, can help your PCOS/PCOD.

Surgical treatment:

PCOD is not a serious condition and is mostly managed non-surgically, while PCOS may require surgical intervention. Ovarian surgery to cure PCOS is an option for women with severe PCOS who do not want future pregnancies. Ovarian surgery to cure PCOS is a surgical treatment that can induce ovulation in women with severe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Electrocautery or laser is used to remove part of the ovary. It may be an option for women with PCOS who do not ovulate even after regular exercise, weight loss, a healthy diet, and taking fertility drugs. Ovarian surgery can restore a regular ovulatory cycle to the ovaries.

There are mainly two types of ovarian surgery to treat PCOS:

• Laparoscopic ovarian surgery uses an electrocautery device or laser to remove part of the ovary. Picking up part of the ovary can trigger the process of ovulation.

• Ovarian block resection is a surgery to remove a part of your ovary. Most doctors refuse block removal because of the risk of scarring the ovaries.

Risks of surgical treatment:

Complications from ovarian surgery are sporadic, and some can be very serious, so the decision to have ovarian surgery should not be taken lightly. Ovarian surgery can damage the bowel, bladder, and blood vessels. Although rare, it is life-threatening. There is also the risk of infertility. If the ovaries are excessively damaged during ovarian surgery, women may enter menopause earlier than expected. Adhesions (scars) may form between the ovaries and fallopian tubes after surgery, making pregnancy difficult.

If you already have children or do not plan to have children, ovarian surgery can be considered.

Recovery after surgical treatment:

Your recovery and return to normal activities after surgery depends on the circumstances, including the reason for the surgery and how it was done.

Most people can return to full activity 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Discuss exercise, driving, sexual restrictions, and general activity levels with your surgeon.

What is the cost of PCOD/PCOS Treatment in Ahmedabad?

The cost of PCOD/PCOS treatment at Saavi Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad will depend on the specific recommended treatment plan and your insurance coverage. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will discuss the cost with you during your appointment.