Understanding PCOS and PCOD

Although often confused, PCOS and PCOD differ in causes, severity, and health impacts. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

PCOS can be triggered by both genetic and environmental factors like obesity, poor diet, and chemical exposure, making lifestyle a key component in prevention.

1. Environmental Factors

• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Exposure to industrial chemicals (e.g., Bisphenol A)
• Poor dietary habits

2. Genetic Factors

• Family history of PCOS
• Faulty genes related to insulin resistance

Diagnosing PCOS involves assessing symptoms, hormone levels, ultrasound findings, and sometimes even mental health and sleep studies to confirm the condition.

1. Irregular menstrual cycles (due to failed ovulation)
2. High levels of male hormones (leading to facial hair, scalp hair thinning, and acne)
3. Multiple cysts in ovaries detected via ultrasound

Diagnostic Steps:

• Medical History: Assessment of menstrual cycles and associated symptoms.
• Physical Examination: Inspection of reproductive organs, hair growth, and pigmentation.
• Ultrasound: Checks the ovaries and uterine lining.
• Blood Tests: Hormone levels (FSH, LH, Testosterone, Insulin, DHEAS), glucose tolerance, and lipid levels.
• Mental Health Assessment: Screening for anxiety and depression.

Sleep Study: Detecting conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.

PCOS treatment includes lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. A tailored approach helps manage symptoms and improve fertility and hormone balance.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight Loss: Reducing 5-10% of body weight can improve insulin resistance by 50%.
• Healthy Diet: Avoid sugary foods, refined carbs, and high-GI foods.
• Regular Exercise: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Sleep Regulation: Poor sleep quality increases insulin resistance and obesity risk.
• Quitting Smoking & Alcohol: Reducing toxins can improve hormonal balance.

2. Medications

• Hormonal Pills: Help regulate menstrual cycles but may cause weight gain.
• Metformin: Originally an anti-diabetic drug, it improves insulin resistance and aids weight loss.
• Spironolactone: An anti-androgen that reduces excess hair growth, pigmentation, and acne.
• Vitamin D3, Myo & Chiro Inositol Supplements: Recommended for hormone regulation.
• Fertility Treatment: Ovulation-inducing medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole may be prescribed.

3. Surgical Treatments

• Ovarian Drilling (Laparoscopic Surgery): Recommended for women who fail to conceive through medication alone.

A PCOS-friendly diet focuses on fiber-rich whole foods and avoiding refined carbs, sugars, and processed items to manage symptoms and improve insulin sensitivity.

Foods to Eat

• Fruits & Vegetables: Rich in fiber and antioxidants.
• Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, wheat.
• Protein: Pulses, tofu, chickpeas, lentils.
• Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado.
• Lean Meat & Fish: Skinless poultry, salmon, tuna.

Foods to Avoid

• Refined Carbs: White bread, pasta, pizza, sugary cereals.
• Sugary Drinks: Aerated beverages, bottled smoothies, packaged juices.
• Processed Foods: Cakes, cookies, fast food, artificial cheese.
• Saturated & Trans Fats: Red meat, French fries, doughnuts.
• Alcohol & Sugary Cocktails: Increase insulin resistance.

Regular physical activity like cardio, strength training, and yoga helps reduce insulin resistance, manage weight, and regulate hormone levels in PCOS.

• Cardio Workouts: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming.
• Strength Training: Helps improve metabolism.
• Yoga & Meditation: Reduces stress and balances hormones.

Untreated PCOS may lead to serious health issues including diabetes, heart problems, cancer risk, and psychological challenges like depression and anxiety.

• Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining)
• Increased risk of endometrial cancer
• Diabetes & high blood pressure
• Depression & anxiety
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Cholestrol
• Stroke & obesity-related complications

The best doctor for PCOS offers expert knowledge, empathy, and holistic care. In Mumbai, Dr. Dimple Doshi stands out for her specialized PCOS treatment.

When it comes to managing PCOS effectively, choosing the right doctor is crucial. The ideal specialist should not only understand hormonal imbalances but also guide you through lifestyle changes, mental health challenges, and fertility concerns.

In Mumbai, Dr. Dimple Doshi at Vardaan Hospital, Goregaon, is highly recommended for PCOS treatment due to:

• Specialization in PCOS and hormonal disorders
  
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
  
• Integration of modern medicine with holistic wellness practices
  
• Warm and compassionate patient care approach
  
• High patient satisfaction and positive outcomes

Vardaan Hospital offers expert, compassionate, and comprehensive PCOS care backed by modern technology, holistic support, and experienced specialists & is a trusted name in women’s health—especially for the diagnosis and management of PCOS. It stands out for offering end-to-end care under one roof. Here’s why you should consider Vardaan Hospital:

• Expert Leadership: Guided by renowned gynecologist Dr. Dimple Doshi, known for her PCOS expertise.

• Comprehensive Services: From gynecology, all aspects of PCOS care are covered.

• Modern Infrastructure: Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical facilities.

• Friendly & Supportive Environment: Women feel comfortable, heard, and empowered throughout their treatment journey.

• Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Quality care that is accessible without financial stress.

• Multidisciplinary Team: Collaboration between specialists ensures better outcomes and continuity of care.

Vardaan Hospital isn’t just a treatment center—it’s a support system for women navigating PCOS and its long-term effects.

Managing PCOS involves consistent effort with diet, exercise, and medical advice. These steps help regulate hormones and improve long-term health outcomes.

1. Maintain a healthy weight to control insulin and androgen levels.
2. Follow a low-glycemic diet to regulate blood sugar.
3. Stay active and establish a consistent daily routine.