Dealing with PCOD in Teens

What is the PCOD problem?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a result of hormonal imbalances in women's bodies. PCOD is a very common problem nowadays, affecting around 5-10% of women between the ages of 12-45. The hormonal imbalances that cause PCOD can lead to many problems in women, like irregular periods.

Have you read? What Impact do Parental Mental Disorders have on the Child

Are PCOD and PCOS the same?
PCOD and PCOS are very common terms in the current context. Given that these terms are very similar, they have similar effects on a woman’s body; many people tend to believe that PCOD and PCOS are the same exact thing. But it is not so.
PCOD occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances in the woman’s body. On the other hand, PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine system. Although both these disorders are related to the ovaries and have similar effects, PCOS is far more severe to a woman's health than PCOD is.

Causes of PCOD problem
The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Disease is still unknown. However, the following reasons are believed to be associated with the cause of the disorder.

●    High-Levels of Androgen: The female body produces sex hormones to regulate periods. The female sex hormone, known as progesterone, is produced in higher amounts, while the male sex hormones, called androgens, are produced in smaller amounts. Hormonal imbalances lead to higher amounts of androgen, causing PCOD.
●    Excess Insulin: The insulin hormone is produced by our body to regulate its blood sugar levels. But sometimes the human body becomes resistant to insulin and the blood sugar level keeps increasing. The insulin then gets secreted in higher amounts, which then results in an increase of androgens, thus leading to PCOD.
●    Hereditary: It has been noticed that chances of suffering from PCOD are higher if someone in the family has a history of being affected by it in the past. It seems to run in the genetics of a family. Thus, it is better to be taking preventive measures if someone in the family has PCOD, irregular periods, or even diabetes.

Identifying PCOD and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in teen girls
These symptoms can help you identify if you are suffering from PCOD or PCOS. The following are the symptoms that can help you identify these conditions:

●    Acne issues
●    Irregular periods (difference between two consecutive periods being 28-35 days)
●    Growth of facial and body hair
●    A sudden increase in weight, especially around the abdomen
●    Trouble losing weight
●    Darkening of the skin around the neck
●    Loss of hair on the scalp
●    Depression

Consult your gynecologist if these symptoms seem to be persisting because, if identified in teenagers, PCOD can be regulated with some precautions.

Can PCOD be treated?
Although the complete and exact cure of PCOD is yet to be determined, gynecologists employ different medicines to temporarily regulate the disease. However, it takes time to determine which medicine is better suited for your body and can cure you permanently. 
However, you can still take up various measures to cure yourself of PCOD at home. Here’s how to manage PCOS and PCOD from home-

●    Weight Loss: PCOD leads to an unhealthy increase in weight that can result in other health problems. Yes, it is a little difficult to lose weight if you are suffering from PCOD, but a little extra hard work in that area can help you successfully dodge PCOD. So, try to maintain a healthy weight to cure yourself of PCOD and PCOS.
●    Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is essential to maintain a healthy weight. The right diet choices can also help you in your journey of losing weight and bringing the insulin hormones under control. For that, try to avoid processed food and remove excess carbohydrates from your diet.
●    Be Active: Staying active helps you in your persuasion of losing weight. Staying active also helps to reduce the blood sugar levels in your body. Increasing your daily activity, along with regular exercise for your body, might also show wonders by treating, or preventing, insulin resistance and thus help you avoid diabetes.

Also read: Post-traumatic stress disorder in children: Symptoms and Treatment