Are you gaining weight as a result of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)? If so, it's important to keep in mind that lifestyle changes like eating well and exercising can lessen the severity of the condition. In young individuals with PCOD, excessive weight gain is common. However, if the problem remains unidentified and untreated, it can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and infertility issues. This blog will explain why you gain weight during PCOD. But before that, we will learn what PCOD is and its symptoms. Furthermore, we will discuss PCOD treatment in Mumbai. 

What is PCOD?

PCOD affects young people of reproductive age. Menstruation is typically regulated by a combination of hormones produced by the ovaries. People with PCOD develop cysts rather than mature eggs due to a hormonal imbalance. The majority of children with PCOD have high insulin levels, which can cause them to gain weight quickly or become obese. The ovaries may produce an excessive amount of androgens, or male hormones, as a result of the elevated insulin level, which may disrupt the development and release of eggs. The patient may experience unwanted hair growth and irregular periods.

Symptoms of PCOD

PCOD leads to several symptoms. These include:

• Missed or irregular periods
• Acne 
• Infertility
• Enlarged ovaries with small cysts 
• Hair growth on areas such as the back, arms, legs, face, etc. 
• Hair loss on the scalp 
• Fatigue  

Why Do We Gain Weight During PCOD? 

1. Inadequate sleep 

Individuals who receive less than seven hours of sleep per night are more likely to be overweight than those who receive at least nine hours. This is due to increased levels of the hormone Ghrelin, commonly referred to as the hunger hormone, in those who do not get enough sleep.

2. Mental health

Since stress, anxiety, and depression can result in eating disorders and an increase in appetite, they are all linked to weight gain. They may encourage weight loss instead of weight gain, so this isn't always the case.

3. Steroid therapy

Steroid therapy causes weight gain by increasing a person's body fat. Conditions like arthritis and asthma are treated with steroids.

4. Insulin therapy

Insulin medication or treatment may make weight gain worse. It facilitates the conversion of meal energy into fat and the breakdown of proteins and fats. 

5. Thyroid inactivity

Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Weight gain could result from this. An underactive thyroid can cause depression, fatigue, dry skin and hair, and muscle pain.

Are you also dealing with PCOD and are you looking for an effective treatment? Consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a renowned gynaecologist in Mumbai, to manage PCOD symptoms. The expert gynaecologist recommends non-surgical options like oral contraceptives, infertility treatments, and lifestyle modifications to manage PCOD. If these treatments are not effective, the expert gynaecologist will recommend laparoscopic ovarian drilling. To learn more, consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital.