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Understanding PCOD and Your Hormonal Health

byChaitanya WellnessOnline consultations & Studio sessions at Hosa Road & KaggadasapuraStarts from3,000 per monthView full gallery

PCOD isn't just a diagnosis—it's a message from your body. Learn the real science behind your hormonal balance and why healing starts with lifestyle, not just pills.

Don't expect results if you don't have a basic understanding of PCOD. I explain what Polycystic Ovarian Disease is, what causes it, and the common symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne. Management involves lifestyle changes, not just medication.

PCOD and PCOS are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. I explain the key difference: PCOD is a condition where ovaries release immature eggs, while PCOS is a more serious metabolic disorder affecting the entire endocrine system.

Not sure if you have PCOD? I break down the three key diagnostic criteria in under a minute: irregular periods, elevated male hormones (androgens), and polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound. You only need two of these for a diagnosis.

This is the first of a series explaining the essential blood tests for a PCOS diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial. I'm pointing to the tests that check hormone levels, thyroid function, blood sugar, and more.

Hormone Levels: An elevated LH-to-FSH ratio is often observed in PCOS. We also test for Prolactin, Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and Oestrogen to get a complete picture of your hormonal health.

Androgen Levels: We test for Testosterone, DHEA-S, and Androstenedione. Elevated levels of these male hormones can contribute to symptoms like acne and excess hair growth (hirsutism).

Ovarian Function: We look at Progesterone to check for irregular ovulation and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), where elevated levels can suggest increased ovarian activity common in PCOS.

Thyroid Function: We evaluate Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free T3, and Free T4 because thyroid disorders can coexist with PCOS and have similar symptoms.

Insulin Resistance and Glucose Metabolism: We measure Fasting Glucose, Insulin Levels, and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to check for insulin resistance, a key driver of PCOS for many women.

Lipid Profile & Liver Enzymes: We assess cholesterol levels to monitor cardiovascular risk, which can be increased in women with PCOS. We also check liver enzymes as fatty liver is common.

About Understanding Your Body: PCOD & Hormones

You might be told that irregular periods or hair thinning are just 'normal' for PCOD, but they are actually your body signalling a deeper endocrine imbalance. Specifically, an elevated LH-to-FSH ratio is a common red flag that your ovulation cycle is being disrupted. We don't just help you manage these symptoms; we teach you how to read your body's signs so you can address the root cause, not just the side effects.

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