PCOD FACTS
I have been seeing increasing number of young women suffering from PCOD in my practice, It is a disease which can be attributed to today’s lifestyle (80%) largely associated with High stress, erratic eating, nutritional deficiencies and toxic metal load and to Genetic influence ( 20%)
It is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age world-wide.
it accounts of 85%of women with androgen excess and hirsutism. Stress and poor diet are important contributory factors to PCOD. when stressed too much prolactin released, this may affect the ability of the ovaries to produce the right balance of hormones.
Two of the following three criteria confirm the diagnosis:
- Irregular or absence of menstruation
- Excess androgen production
- Polycystic ovary on Ultrasound
Signs and Symptoms:
Obesity
irregular or absent menses
Alopecia
Hirsutism
Acanthosis Nigricans
Depression irritability
Acne
- Infertility affects 75%of women who are obese with PCOD
- Mostly women with PCOD gain weight around the waist as opposed to overall weight gain
- Most women with PCOD have elevated Insulin levels
- DHEA and Testosterone are elevated in women with PCOD
- phthalates, Bisphenol-A, cadmium and mercury toxicities have all been related to PCOD
- It has been observed that imbalance of HPA axis is part of the etiology of the disease.
- Hyperprolactinemia is present in 25%of women with PCOD which contributes to high estrogen levels.
- Hypothyroidism may be a cause of PCOD as 27% women with PCOD had elevated Thyroid antibodies.
women with PCOD are at higher risk of the following :
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Hypertension
Infertility
Hormonally related cancers such as ovarian, breast,
Obesity
Following to be done to help:
- Increase exercise
- Eat real food , avoid all processed ,frozen food with artificial preservatives.
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Avoid plastics, canned food, Aluminum and other non stick frying pans.
- Take supplements to cover up nutritional deficiencies.
- Balance hormones by taking Bio Identical progesterone.
- Reduce stress, practice, Yoga, Meditation etc.
Dr Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat
Functional Medicine Consultant
BHRT consultant