Looking at myself every morning in the mirror is not a very pleasant experience for me. I have been experiencing rash of hair growth on my jawline, upper part of neck and now proudly supporting a double chin.
When girls of my age are out shopping for a new dress, searching for a new lip gloss or busy
youtubing for that new hair style, I am looking at my teenage self, slightly bloated fat tummy and puffy face.
I am 16 and this is not how I should be feeling. What is wrong with me? Answer came to my visit to an endocrinologist, my diagnoses is that I have Polycystic Ovarian Disease.
These are classic symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Disease and also known as PCOD. You may have also seen or heard the term as PCOS, which is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
You may be wondering, What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS ?
Untreated diagnosis of PCOD will eventually lead to PCOS. Women with PCOS can experience one or more multiple symptoms, which may include irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, weight gain, hormonal imbalance, thinning of hair as well as facial hair growth.
Certain medical conditions if not properly diagnosed can change one's life forever. It is important that you seek proper help and guidance from a gynecologist and learn about this disease as much as possible.
Let us talk about 3 misconceptions of PCOD or PCOS
Misconception # 1: Will i get rid of PCOS if i lose weight.
Losing weight certainly helps to balance your hormone levels. If one tries to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, then this lifestyle improves the way your body uses insulin and regulate your hormone levels.
If you are not planning to get pregnant anytime soon, then birth control pills are another option to treat as they regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels.
Another treatment is fertility medications which help to stimulate ovulation. This is of course if you are planning to get pregnant.
In some cases, a surgical procedure known as ovarian drilling can also increase chances of successful ovulation. Of course there are risks involved as with any operation, such as creating a scar tissue.
Misconception # 2: PCOD is a common disease among womens in South Asia
According to study published in 2015 Journal of the Collage of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan that PCOS in South Asian Woman, specially in Pakistani woman is much higher (52%) as compared to White population (20-25% in UK).
In United States of America, it is estimated that women of reproductive age thought to effect 5-10% of all US women.
Most importantly, it is a common belief that less than half of the womens are not diagnosed correctly or they are unaware of their own conditions.
Misconception # 3: I cannot get pregnant if i have PCOS
PCOS is strongly associated with diabetes, heart disease and hormonal levels. Many womens with ideal weight often go undiagnosed for years.
Many times PCOS is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.
It is often that people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) worry if they can become pregnant anytime soon. People with PCOS are often out there seeking help from infertility doctors. Some women think that they can never get pregnant, but this is not true. Ovulation can still happen which can lead to successful pregnancy and birth.
If you are feeling any of the symptoms discussed above, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible so a plan can be put in place for your recovery.
You can also contact Dr. Shafaq's office and set up in office appointment or zoom video call appointment.
