How Is Urban Lifestyle Leading To PCOD AND PCOS?

You are not alone in this! 

PCOD/PCOS  has become a common condition amongst women nowadays, which impacts the female’s fertility. It causes a hormonal imbalance with irregular menstruation due to the production of the male hormone androgen.

Over 10%- 22% of the women in the whole world are suffering from PCOS/PCOD. Every 1 out of 10 women suffers from PCOS/PCOD to the female at the age of childbearing.

PCOD/PCOS mainly occurs in females aged 12-45 years. Along with the issue of fertility, it affects other health issues, which we will discuss further and how PCOD/PCOS occurs due to increasing urbanisation.

In this blog, we will discuss PCOD/ PCOS and the contribution of urbanisation to it! 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is PCOD?

2. What Is PCOS? 

3. How Is Urban Lifestyle Leading To PCOD/PCOS? 

4. The Symptoms And Causes Of PCOD/PCOS 

5. Things To Keep In Mind 

6. Dietitian's Recommendation 

7. The Final Say 

8. FAQs 

What Is PCOD? 

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)  is a medical condiion in which the ovaries produce immature eggs. In the long run, they become cysts, due to which the size of the ovaries increases and secrete an excess number of male hormones, which then cause weight gain, acne, facial hair, hairs on the chest, irregular periods, hair loss etc.

PCOD can be managed through a proper diet and an improved lifestyle.

What Is PCOS? 

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)  is a metabolic disorder in which women are affected in their reproductive years by age 12-51. In PCOS, there is excessive secretion of male hormones, which can cause irregularity in periods. Most females skip their periods, making it hard to get pregnant. 

PCOS can trigger diabetes and heart issues. It needs proper medical treatment. If it gets severe, it also gets surgical treatment.

How Is Urban Lifestyle Leading To PCOD/PCOS? 

The occurrence of PCOD and PCOS is increasing more in the younger generation. According to the new statistics, a sedentary lifestyle leads to PCOD and PCOS in the urban population because of the foods we eat and the lifestyle we follow, which includes junk and processed food. Fried foods and no physical activity soars the chances of these conditions.

Compared to the urban lifestyle, rural or village people live a healthy life which includes consuming healthy and fresh home-grown vegetables and fruits, no junk, and more physical work, which includes more walking and working on farms.

The unhealthy habits in the urban people call out for the occurrence of such diseases, which then invites other medical conditions like depression, diabetes,high blood pressure , and infertility.

Due to the overconsumption of low-immunity foods and nutritional deficiencies in the urban population, the occurrence of such disorders increases.

The National Centre of Biotechnology Information studies has reported a ten times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women affected by the polycystic ovarian syndrome. 

The worldwide prevalence of PCOS ranges from 2.2 to 26%. The rates of the polycystic ovarian syndrome have been reportedly high among Indian women compared to their caucasian counterparts, with an estimated prevalence of 9.13% in Indian adolescents.

The Symptoms And Causes Of PCOD/PCOS 

Here, we have listed a few primary causes of PCOD/PCOS 

• Family history- There is a 50% chance of having PCOD/PCOS if your mother has a history of the condition. Also, PCOD/PCOS can lead to type 2 diabetes as you age.
• Lifestyle and insulin resistance- Due to the overconsumption of junk and bakery products, the sugar in the body increases, and insulin production is insufficient.

This inhibits the blood sugar from entering into the cells, which demands excess insulin, and it can lead to weight gain and eventually PCOD/PCOS.

• Excess weight- Many women do not experience any symptoms of PCOD/PCOS as they are at their normal weight. However, the increase in weight can aggravate the condition of PCOD/PCOS.
• Inflammation- Inflammation occurs due to being overweight, which causes the androgen level to rise and then PCOD/PCOS

But, how will you recognise that you have PCOD/PCOS? No worries! Here we have listed the symptoms! 

• Excess of male hormones (androgen) - Facial hair, acne, body hair and baldness in male pattern.
• Delayed getting pregnant or failed ovulation- Due to hormone imbalance, the follicles do not get mature, which causes delayed ovulation, which increases the irregularity of periods.
  Thinning of hair
• Weight gain (mostly fat disposition on the belly, hips and thigh)
• Acne and pimples
• Excessive bleeding during periods
• Skin darkening (near the breast, neck)

Things To Keep In Mind 

If you are suffering from PCOD/PCOS, here are things you should keep in mind! 

1. Have proper and sound sleep at night, as sleep deprivation can lead to many health problems.

2. Say no to any kind of junk, processed and packaged food.

3. Sugar-containing foods increase Kapha, obstructing the body channels and causing health ailments. Hence, go with honey instead of sugar.

4. Avoid taking sweet potatoes and potatoes as they cause weight gain, one of the main problems in PCOD.

5. Avoid or decrease the intake of milk products except for buttermilk which can be taken.

6. Do not overuse contraceptives as it causes an imbalance of hormones.

7. Quit alcohol, smoking, and narcotics as they disturb the menstrual cycle, leading to many gynaecological disorders.

8. Exercise daily for 30 minutes as lack of exercise and increased weight can cause insulin resistance in the patient leading to diabetes.

9. It is recommended to avoid red meat, eggs, and deep-fried food. However, fish can be taken in some amount once in a while.

10. Do not overburden yourself with work which is more than your capacity and strength. 

Dietitian's Recommendation 

Every woman among the 10 has PCOD/PCOS now. However, with appropriate nutrition and exercise,  you can manage it and reduce the symptoms of the same. However,  there are specific tips and drinks that you can use to manage it effectively daily.

• Have fenugreek water or cinnamon water twice a day alternatively, as fenugreek and cinnamon can reduce the irregularity of the periods.
• Have almond milk instead of animal milk because animal milk can trigger the symptoms of PCOD/PCOS.
• Have more high-protein foods like fish, eggs, chicken, legumes, seeds, nuts etc.
• Do not skip exercise as it helps to manage the periods well.

The Final Say 

PCOD/PCOS has more prevalence in urban cities compared to rural areas. Urban lifestyle is very different from the rural where the food consumption is mainly processed, fried and oily, which causes many health troubles like PCOD/PCOS. 

It can lead to infertility, hair loss, unusual facial hair on the face and pigmentation. However, this difference can be diminished by adopting a healthy lifestyle, weight loss diet and physical activity. 

FAQs

1. Can PCOD/PCOS be treated permanently?

No! There is no permanent cure for it, but it can be managed by adopting a good and healthy lifestyle which includes regular physical activity and consumption of foods which are good for PCOD/PCOS.

2. Is gaining weight normally PCOD/PCOS?

Yes! It is mostly expected in most cases, but some females do not show any weight gain, although they suffer from PCOD/PCOS.

3. Does a female get PCOD/PCOS after marriage?

No! PCOD/PCOS occurs between 12-45 years old.

4. Can women get pregnant by suffering from Pcod/Pcos?

Yes, women can get pregnant while suffering from PCOD/PCOS, but they should consult a gynaecologist for the proper care and a dietitian for better food advice.

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