What PCOS and PCOD REALLY Do To Your Body & Proven Ways to Control PCOS.

 What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age that causes irregular periods, acne and excess body hair growth. It affects approximately 5 percent of women in Australia, but many don't know they have it until it's pointed out by their doctor.

Women with PCOS usually have high levels of male hormones called androgens — for example testosterone — which can cause male characteristics such as excessive facial or body hair growth, acne and irregular periods. Women with PCOS are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes because their bodies produce higher levels of insulin than normal.PCOS is a complex condition, and there are no simple solutions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) are two very different conditions, but they are often confused because they share some common symptoms.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs that make eggs and female hormones. The disorder can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth on the face and body, ovarian cysts, infertility and type 2 diabetes.

PCOD causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on their outer edges. Ovulation may be infrequent or absent.Women with PCOD have higher than normal levels of male sex hormones called androgens . This may lead to male-pattern baldness or excess facial hair (hirsutism).

 Having too many male hormones can interfere with your menstrual cycle, preventing an egg from being released from the ovary (ovulation) each month. It can also increase your risk of endometrial cancer .

 A hormone imbalance also increases production of insulin, which may result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in turn can lead to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.  For women who take birth control pills to regulate their cycles, pill use and excess insulin appear to increase cholesterol levels.

The main difference between PCOS and PCOD is that PCOS is a genetic condition and PCOD is not. People with PCOS will have more than 12 small cysts on their ovaries, while those with PCOD may have fewer than 12 small cysts or no cysts at all.

Here's what you need to know about the differences between the two conditions:

But these techniques can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthier life:

• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps lower insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which can help reduce symptoms of PCOS. Regular exercise also improves your overall health and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression.

• Eat healthy fats. Healthy fats — such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados — help regulate hormones like testosterone that affect menstrual cycles. They also provide energy to your body, which can help you feel less tired during the day.

• Consider taking vitamin D supplements daily if you don't get enough sun exposure or have darker skin pigmentation (which makes it harder for your body to make vitamin D). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes in women with PCOS.

• Get enough sleep each night — at least seven hours for most adults — so that your body has time to repair itself after the stressors of the day.

• Limit alcohol consumption (no more than one drink per day) because it can increase blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance in body.