Lean PCOD & PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) are the two common health issues with which the majority of women are getting affected. Through this blog, we are spreading awareness about lean PCOS & PCOD including their symptoms, causes, and effective management.

Before going in deep, firstly let’s understand PCOS and PCOD. What is the difference between PCOS and PCOD? Many times, people get confused with PCOS and PCOD. They use the term interchangeably but there are significant differences between them.

We know both problems somehow occur because of hormonal disbalance but they are different and hence we must understand them individually and precisely.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women in their reproductive age. Women facing PCOS problems deal with infrequent menstrual cycles that later on reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Moreover, in this problem ovaries don’t produce eggs because of follicles (small collections of fluid).

Symptoms of PCOS

Some symptoms may reflect if you have a PCOS problem. If you are consistently noticing such symptoms, you must take the opinion of your healthcare expert. Also, you can track your period using Aarogyaone if you forget dates, etc.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle: A common symptom of PCOS is infrequent periods that include unexpected heavy blood flow, missed periods, and delayed periods.
Increased level of Androgens: During PCOS, androgens (male hormones) increase and you will have excess hair on your face & body along with severe acne.
Increased Weight: Ladies put on excess weight if they have PCOS problems. Reducing weight becomes very challenging for them.
Polycystic Ovaries: In some cases of PCOS, the ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. Further, it creates issues to conceive.

We strongly recommend to visit your doctor if you find anything serious.

What are the causes of PCOS?

The exact reasons or causes for PCOS are still not known but some factors may contribute. Furthermore, the causes include Genetic, Hormonal, and Environmental factors:

Family History: Women with a mother or grandmother having PCOS problems, may have the issue.
Insulin Resistance: Many women are insulin-resistant with PCOS. It means their body does not consume insulin effectively as a result of which androgen (male hormones) increases because of more insulin in the blood.
Diet & Lifestyle: The current lifestyle is very disturbed. Women with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles gain weight and further face PCOS.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) refers to a health condition for women where the ovaries contain many immature or partially mature eggs. Further, these eggs can become cysts over time. The symptoms of PCOD are somehow the same as PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOD

Irregular Period Cycle: Women having PCOD face irregular or missed periods.

Increased Level Androgens: Same as PCOS, PCOD can cause excess hair growth on the face & body along with acne, and male-pattern baldness.

Obesity: Like PCOD, weight gain and difficulty losing weight are often associated with PCOD.

Infertility: PCOD does not let you conceive. It makes conceiving challenging because of irregular ovulation or anovulation.

Causes of PCOD

The causes of PCOD are also similar to those of PCOS, involving genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

Family History: If your mother, sister, or grandmother is dealing with PCOD, the chance for you is quite high.
Insulin Resistance: Women with PCOD and insulin-resistant are at higher risk. When the body does not consume insulin effectively it results in a higher level of androgens.
Diet & Lifestyle: Women with imbalanced diets and fancy lifestyles gain weight and further face PCOD.

Understanding Lean PCOD and PCOS

Sometimes, women don’t gain weight during PCOS & PCOD but they have the problem. It is called lean PCOD & PCOS.

Lean women with PCOS or PCOD experience hormonal imbalances and related symptoms, but their condition can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed because they do not present with the typical weight gain.

Along with weight, one should track the other symptoms as well. Overlooking may create serious problems in the future.

What are the symptoms of lean PCOS and PCOD?

The symptoms are quite similar as we have mentioned above. Only you need to exclude Weight Gain/Obesity.

Menstrual Irregularities
Excess Androgens
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Insulin Resistance

Causes of Lean PCOD and PCOS

The causes for lean PCOD and PCOS are similar to those in non-lean cases:

Family history
Hormonal Imbalances
Lifestyle Factors

Effective Management of PCOD and PCOS

Managing PCOD and PCOS requires a multifaceted approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions. The primary goals of treatment are to regulate menstrual cycles, manage symptoms like hirsutism and acne, and address any associated conditions such as insulin resistance or infertility.

Lifestyle Changes

Proper Diet: To deal with PCOD & PCOS one should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in their diet. It helps to manage insulin levels. Moreover, you should avoid processed foods.

Physical Activity: Doing exercise should be an integrated part of your routine. It improves overall health along with PCOS and PCOD management.

Weight Management: Keep track of your weight. Once your weight is controlled, the problem starts.

Stress Reduction: Stress is inversely proportional to happiness. Less stress, more happiness. It further keeps you healthy and eliminates the problem of PCOS & PCOD.

Lean PCOD & PCOS Management

Proper Diet: Maintain your diet including green vegetables, fruits, and other nutritional values.

Physical Activity: Keep doing some physical activities including running, walking, meditation, etc.

Stress Reduction: Don’t take stress. Try and keep yourself happy. You can’t control everything.

Conclusion

We know, that a large volume of women community are facing the problem of either PCOS or PCOD. We hope, that now you have a clear understanding of PCOS and PCOD along with symptoms, causes, and effective management.

Moreover, the problem is quite serious in lean women because diagnosis becomes challenging. Hence, we have covered that section as well. Despite obesity keep your focus on other factors as well.

With a healthy lifestyle, medical approach, and stress management, women with PCOD and PCOS can manage their well-being effectively.

If you find or have PCOD or PCOS, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Ref

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10042521/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443