Whatever you do, there may be a few extra pounds around your abdomen that just won’t budge. Or acne that comes back, long after your teenage years are over. Individually, each of them is quite simple to dismiss. Collectively, however, they represent one of the most frequent reasons for a woman to consult a specialist. The silver lining in this case is that PCOD is highly widespread among women, well understood by doctors, and can be effectively controlled with proper treatment at the earliest.
In this guide, we shall discuss everything about what is PCOD, its symptoms that should never be ignored, the importance of early treatment, and places to get the best PCOD treatment in Mumbai.
What is PCOD?
Let’s start by understanding the PCOD full form, which is Polycystic Ovarian Disease. A healthy woman’s ovaries release a single mature egg each month. If she gets PCOD, these immature eggs are released and transform themselves into tiny cysts. The primary reason behind this issue is a hormonal imbalance that happens because of the overproduction of male hormones called androgens in the woman’s body.
How Common is PCOD?
Almost 1 in 5 women in India who are in their childbearing years may have PCOD, but these numbers also vary a lot.
This is very common in a busy city like Mumbai, where irregular eating habits, stress, and long working hours are part of everyday life.
What Causes PCOD?
Usually, a few things add up when it comes to learning the reasons behind someone getting diagnosed with PCOD. Let’s look at the most common causes that women usually deal with:
- Family History: PCOD has always been a genetic disorder. Let’s assume your mother or sister had the same condition. So, there is a high chance that you will have PCOD too.
- Insulin Resistance: Hormone imbalance may lead to higher insulin levels in women. Unfortunately, this can also lead to PCOD.
- Lifestyle Problems: Weight gain is a common issue in women that happens due to sedentary living, chronic stress, poor sleep, and a sugar-heavy diet. This also intensifies insulin resistance and worsens your PCOD symptoms.
Is PCOD The Same As PCOS?
Both terms can be used interchangeably with each other. PCOD is usually the milder and more common one, where the ovaries release immature eggs. It often gets much better with simple lifestyle changes.
Whereas Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the more complex one, and a bigger hormone and metabolism disorder. It is associated with greater long-term health risks than PCOD, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 6 and 13% of women in the reproductive age group have PCOS. To add to this, almost 70% of these cases remain undiagnosed.
Most people use the terms PCOD and PCOS together when discussing a woman’s health issues. However, that’s a huge confusion and can be handled only when you consult a gynecologist.
What Are The Symptoms To Watch For In This Condition?
PCOD symptoms may vary from one woman to another because none of them will have the same health issues. However, most women who are diagnosed with this condition talk about the following concerns.
- Irregular or missed periods, where menstrual cycles often become unpredictable.
- Weight gain near the waist area, and no matter what you do, it won’t budge.
- Oily skin with acne till adulthood.
- Facial and body hair in the chin, upper lip, chest, or back.
- Loss of hair from the scalp, such as male pattern baldness.
A simple guide: if you notice two or more of these PCOD symptoms together, especially irregular periods along with any of the others, it’s worth seeing a gynecologist in Mumbai soon. Getting answers early saves you from other health issues that you may face later.
Why Does Timely Treatment Matter So Much?
Many women in India ignore the symptoms of PCOD. However, that is not a good habit to follow because it can cause multiple health problems down the line. Ignorance of these symptoms may raise your risk of getting:
- Type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance
- Infertility issues
- High blood pressure or other cholesterol issues
- Womb-lining problems, linked to long stretches of irregular periods
The good news is that finding it early and making some lifestyle changes really does improve symptoms and lower these risks. Acting early and getting treated for PCOD can lead to better results.
Where Can You Get PCOD Treatment in Mumbai?
You can search for experienced specialists at all the multispecialty hospitals for PCOD and PCOS treatment in Mumbai. Let’s take the example of Dr. Gandhali Deorukhakar and Dr. Indrayani Salunkhe, both in our Gynecology and Obstetrics department at Wockhardt Hospitals. They can help you with both the diagnosis and treatment of PCOD or PCOS based on your respective health issues.
Here’s what you get when the condition is best handled by a team rather than one doctor working alone.
- Team-based Care: Gynecologists and hormone specialists work together, as PCOD is both a hormonal and a metabolic problem.
- Everything in One Place: From lifestyle advice and hormone treatment to ultrasound scans and blood tests.
- Both Medicine and Surgery: Medications or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery when they are genuinely needed.
Specialists at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai
- Gandhali Deorukhakar, with 23+ years of experience in patient-friendly diagnosis and management of PCOD and PCOS.
- Indrayani Salunkhe, with 20+ years of experience with the hormone, period, and fertility problems that come with PCOD.
What Does PCOD Treatment Cost in Mumbai?
- First visit to basic medicines will be approx Rs.3000- Rs.5000
- Additional tests are usually blood work and ultrasound.
- The cost of advanced fertility treatment can go up to ₹2,00,000 depending upon the procedure.
Prices vary from hospital to hospital and from area to area, and many centers will help you with insurance plans, so it is worth asking what is covered before you start.
How Do You Choose The Right Doctor?
A few things are worth checking:
- Specialization: Ideally a gynecologist and hormone specialist.
- The Right Expertise for Your Problem: A weight and hormone management or fertility specialist.
- A Good Lifestyle: Most gynecologists help you make some permanent lifestyle changes if you are diagnosed with PCOD. A few others may also prescribe medicines or ask you to undergo surgery.
- Location and Reviews: A hospital or specialty that is easy to reach and has good patient reviews makes the whole treatment a lot easier.
What Else Should You Do Apart From Visiting Your Clinic?
A major portion of your recovery depends on how you lead your daily life. Yes, medications are helpful, but many of the changes take place through:
- Diet: Go for a healthy diet and reduce your intake of sugars.
- Exercise: Physical activities won’t take much of your time. So, make sure to walk or jog an hour every day to regulate your menstrual cycle or insulin resistance.
- Stress and Sleep: Make sure to manage your stress levels and try to get some good sleep (at least 8 hours a day).
- Consultation or Checkups: Keep consulting your doctor who can help you monitor your conditions better.
Ready To Get PCOD Treatment In Mumbai?
If you are experiencing early PCOD symptoms, such as irregular periods, slow weight gain, and the stress that comes along with it, don’t panic, as they rarely mean anything is serious. For most women, a few months of the right treatment and some lifestyle changes can bring their periods back on track, along with their confidence. PCOD is a common condition in India and doctors understand it well.
So, the right specialist can always help you manage the condition by providing medications or helping you make changes to your lifestyle.
You can always visit a trusted gynecologist in Mumbai who is a part of healthcare platforms like Wockhardt Hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PCOD lead to infertility in women?
PCOD does not mean you will not have children. In this condition, ovulation is not regular. Hence, it is a bit difficult to plan the pregnancy. Many women still get pregnant with proper treatment. If you are planning for pregnancy, then it is better to visit a gynecologist in Mira Road or a nearby specialist.
- Where can a person get the right PCOD treatment in Mumbai?
You can consult the gynecologists and obstetricians at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. These specialists like Dr. Gandhali Deorukhakar and Dr. Indrayani Salunkhe has more than 20 years of experience in treating patients diagnosed with PCOD and other conditions related to infertility or PCOS. Book an appointment online and you will be able to get your concerns heard by the doctors at our facility soon.
- What is the cost of PCOD treatment in Mumbai?
Basic medicines for a first time visit range from ₹3,000-₹5,000. Treatment of infertility in women (as per procedure) can go above ₹2,00,000.
- Does PCOD have a permanent cure?
PCOD does not have a permanent cure in present times. But the good part is that it can always be kept under control. A woman diagnosed with this condition can make some changes in her lifestyle and make sure to get the right treatment.
- PCOD vs PCOS – What is the difference?
PCOD is the milder version of the two conditions in which the eggs produced by the ovaries remain immature. PCOS is an advanced hormonal or metabolic problem and that is why, it may lead to some serious health concerns in the long run.
- What are the foods that should be avoided if someone has PCOD?
Fried and junk food are a complete no if you are dealing with PCOD. That means you must avoid food items like white bread, burger, fries, or anything made with items like maida. That’s because they can worsen your insulin problems, including PCOD symptoms. Make sure to check with your dietitian or gynecologist in Mira Road who can assist you in planning your diet. They may advise you to eat food rich in protein and fibre, including other fruits and vegetables as a healthier option.
