What Causes PCOD?
There is no exact cause of PCOD and doctors believe that some women have a tendency to it and that it may run in the family. The first, most common symptom of this condition is irregular periods but if that's not the case, PCOD can largely go undetected. For a few women, PCOD is diagnosed when they're trying to get pregnant since this condition can cause problems with fertility. Besides an ultrasound, the other way to detect this condition is by conducting blood tests which includes insulin and hormonal checks like testosterone.
Symptoms of PCOD
Irregular periods happen to be the most common symptom of PCOD. If periods are largely irregular and not corrected over a long period of time, then the risk of uterus cancer also goes up. Mood swings and bouts of depression could also be milder symptoms of PCOD.
I had always been an over-weight kid and when I started getting lot of acne, something which the basic "Ghar ke Muskhe" couldn’t help me with, that's when my mom first took me to a Gynaecologist. I was told that I have PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Disease. PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Disease, is a kind of hormonal disorder that affects one in 10 women. It refers to a condition where a woman has a number of small cysts in the ovaries. Besides unpredictable hormonal behaviour, this condition can trigger diabetes, infertility, acne and excessive hair growth. It's a fairly common disorder, but one with no exact cure. Most PCOD patients are overweight and are advised to exercise regularly, which can further help to control the symptoms.
Well throughout my weight-loss journey (this was my 3rd attempt), PCOD played a big role in making it tough for me to loose all that weight.
5 things that helped me cure my condition of PCOD:
1. Nutrition - Eat it right to beat it -
One contributing factor to PCOD may be an overproduction of the hormone androgen. This can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin, the hormone that helps convert sugar and starch into energy, is linked to higher-than-normal androgen levels.
Eating equal amounts of protein and carbohydrates assists in keeping your insulin levels even, therefore maintaining a healthy balance of hormones. The type of carbohydrates that you eat is also an important factor in this process. When I started my struggle with weight-loss and fighting PCOD the only way to go about it was by correcting my food-intake. Though it was not easy, but it was sure worth it. But what good things come easy in life? I changed my food habits and started consuming more wholegrain based foods or sprouted grain products as they naturally contain more protein and fiber than their processed equivalents. I avoided as much as possible to eat heavily processed carbohydrates such as white flour and white rice as these cause a spike in insulin levels, while providing almost no nutrient value.
2. Just add cinnamon -
Cinnamon is a very helpful spice if you are suffering from PCOD. It's a simple everyday spice that can help a women regulate the cycle naturally. Cinnamon has been shown to improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. When I first came across cinnamon’s benefits it was just something I tried. Have not only my periods become regular but with change in PCOD there is marked difference in my acne and facial hair.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar - The magic formula - When taken before a high-carb meal, vinegar slows the rate of stomach emptying and prevents large blood sugar spikes. It also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps your body move more glucose out of the bloodstream and into your cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels
4. Loose that weight -
I know you have heard this one many times before. But weight-loss actually helps you make PCOD condition better. Weight loss improves ovarian function and reverses some of the associated hormonal abnormalities. For these reasons, weight loss should be the first line of treatment in women with PCOD who are overweight and wish to conceive. I still remember every visit to the doctor and the embarrassment of being told that I was obese. Well unhealthy weight does not add to your body or life in any way. So why carry it around?
5. Exercise -
Daily physical exercising is must for PCOD patients. Especially if you are having sedentary work pattern. It helps maintaining your metabolism to optimum level. It also helps shedding extra fat and assists reducing insulin resistance. Amount of exercise needed for you may vary depending upon your weight, work pattern etc. Physical exercising should be preferably done in morning hours.
Struggling with PCOD? With the right nutrition and exercise - a balance of both you can fight out this disorder out of your system. What matters is that first step. So start your journey today towards a healthier you.