Let's Talk About PCOS/PCOD

Get on board the hormonal roller coaster! It is more common than you think. Understand PCOD to understand people better.

Women face a lot of issues in life. They are strong, intelligent, and nurturing yet face discrimination and lack of understanding and support from others. To understand women is to understand humankind.

It is about time that we educate ourselves on issues plaguing womankind for ages. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) is a hormonal condition that affects many women worldwide.

It's still not talked about as much as it should be. Let's take a deeper look at PCOD/PCOS to know better:

PCOS and you

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work.

The three main features of PCOS are:

1. Irregular periods – in which ovaries do not regularly release eggs

2. Excess androgen – in which high levels of "male" hormones in your body cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair

3. Polycystic ovaries – where ovaries become enlarged with fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs,

PCOS in India

PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) is a hormonal disorder affecting a significant number of women in India. According to studies, it is estimated that around 3.7 to 22.5 per cent or about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in India, suffer from PCOS.

The condition's prevalence in India can be attributed to various factors, such as genetics, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and stress.

Let's dive into some facts about PCOS/PCOD that you may not know:

It's Not Just About Cysts: Despite the name, not all women with PCOS have cysts. The condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries' ability to release eggs regularly. The cysts that form are just a side effect of the condition.

It's More Common Than You Think: PCOS affects up to 10% of women of childbearing age, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women.

Insulin Resistance is a Big Factor: Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells don't respond appropriately to insulin, is closely linked to PCOS. This can cause weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and other health problems.

It's Not Just a Fertility Issue: While PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant, it can also cause a range of other health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes Can Help: While there is no cure for PCOS, changing your diet and lifestyle can help manage its symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all help regulate hormone levels and improve overall health.

The one thing we can learn is that prevention is better than cure, and the best thing you do to protect yourself is to get a health plan. The Individual Plan from Kenko Health provides you with all you need to protect yourself against the high cost of medicines, lab tests, and much more.

*TCA