PCOD/PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Disease/Syndrome) is a condition characterized by higher than normal levels of male hormones (Androgens and testosterone) and an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which results in the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries disrupting their normal functioning.

It is one of the most common endocrine disorders prevalent in women from the early fertile ages of 14 until menopause and is one of the major causes of infertility in women around the world.

Risk factors of PCOS include obesity, a lack of physical exercise, stress and a genetic predisposition to the condition. PCOS is characterized by a battery of implications like an irregular menstrual cycle, insulin resistance, weight gain, facial hair growth, pigmentation and acne of the skin. It results in infertility, diabetes, heart diseases and endometrial cancer if untreated.

The primary treatment modalities include lifestyle and dietary changes, however, may sometime need administration of drugs to achieve better results.

• Eating a healthy balanced diet to maintain an ideal weight and nutritional status is crucial to avoid hormonal imbalances and regularize the menstrual cycle.
• Choosing complex carbohydrates like fruits, veggies, whole grain cereals and pulses over refined foods and simple sugars helps in decreasing insulin levels (the fat-storing hormone).
• The quality and quantity of fat in the diet needs to be closely monitored to achieve weight goals.
• Exercise plays an important role in the correction of the hormonal imbalances as it reduces insulin levels and fat deposition, prevents weight gain and thus hinders the formation of cysts in the ovaries.
• Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation also help in supporting treatment.

The best treatment, however, remains to identify the characteristics of this hormonal disorder at the earliest. As it is rightly said, “Early detection is half the battle won!”