Full Form of PCOD

PCOD Full Form

We might have heard about PCOD and PCOD. Some of us might think that both PCOD and PCOS are the same. But there are significant differences in both terms. So, let us first begin with discussing PCOD. PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovary Disease/ Disorder. PCOD is a hormonal disorder that affects women in their reproductive age, thereby slowing down the growth years. PCOD is a common disorder that is seen in girls of the young generation. It affects the teen’s reproductive system, thereby resulting in significant health conditions. Out of 20, only two or three cases are there, wherein which the disorder is seen at a childbearing age of a woman.

Now, how is PCOD caused? Well, PCOD is a complex disorder that is caused by the imbalance of five hormones. These hormones are:

  • Estrogen
  • Gonadotropin Hormone
  • Follicle Hormone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Progesterone

The imbalance of these hormones leads to this disorder. In this condition, it is often seen that women release more amount of androgen. Androgen is a male hormone that results in the hormonal breakdown of a woman’s body. Some of the symptoms of PCOD include irregular menstruation days, excessive body hair, thinning of scalp hair, acne, etc. PCOD is commonly seen in women, but when the condition becomes severe, it is called PCOS, i.e., Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. These two terms seem alike but have some significant differences. In PCOS, too, there is a hormonal breakdown in a woman’s body. There are many severe symptoms of PCOS.

Along with the symptoms mentioned above, one of the significant symptoms is the darkening of the skin. The patient suffering from PCOS tends to have dark, patchy skin which cannot recover unless surgery has been done. Now, let us look at some of the causes of PCOD. It is essential to note that the causes of both PCOD and PCOS are almost the same.  

  1. As mentioned above, a woman suffering from PCOD releases an abnormal amount of male hormone, i.e., androgen. Overproduction of the male hormone leads to excessive acne.
  2. In PCOD, a patient releases excessive amounts of insulin. As we know, insulin is used to control sugar levels in our body. Thus, a woman suffering from PCOD releases insulin which results in difficulty in ovulation.
  3. Sometimes, PCOD or PCOS is a genetic condition that transfers from one generation to another. This generation switching is one of the reasons that women have PCOD.
  4. Women with PCOD experience inflammation. Due to this inflammation, the body releases androgen.

These are some of the symptoms regarding PCOD. Now, let us see some of the symptoms of PCOD. Some signs have already been mentioned above. Some other symptoms include:

  • Skin tags
  • Excessive weight gain
  • Hirsutism is the excessive growth of hair on the face and body.

Apart from the symptoms, there are some serious complications associated with PCOD. These complications are seen in women at childbearing age. Some difficulties regarding PCOD are listed below.

  • Excessive Uterine Bleeding
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Endometrial Cancer
  • Hypertension
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Infertility
  • Weak metabolism
  • Miscarriage
  • Giving birth to premature babies
  • Insomnia

If a woman wants to know whether she has PCOD or not, then there are some ways through which she can diagnose this disorder. A woman is suffering from PCOD if she experiences irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, higher blood sugar levels, excessive androgens, etc. These are some ways in which PCOD is diagnosed at home. In terms of physical examination at hospitals, the patient has to go through a pelvic exam. In this exam, the blood sugar level is tested along with cholesterol. An ultrasound is done thereby, resulting in the screening of depression, insomnia, and anxiety.

Now, you must be wondering, what is the cure for PCOD? Well, there is no prescribed cure for PCOD. However, doctors take specific steps and provide medications to regularize menstrual cycles and reducing hair growth. As a result, ovulation is promoted in the woman’s body. As said earlier, there is no prescribed cure for PCOD. A patient suffering from this condition has to take prescribed medications until the situation is under control or normalized.

PCOD is a common disorder among women but this disorder results in severe complications affecting the body. PCOD and PCOS do not have much difference.

PCOS is a more severe condition than PCOD. PCOD can only be controlled through medicines. Thus, PCOD is a painful condition that negatively affects a woman’s body.