What is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease).

DR. SUDHA BALAJI, OBSTETRICIAN & GYNAECOLOGIST, KAUVERY HOSPITAL, KARAIKUDI

It is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. While PCOD is common, not everyone suffers from it. 

Symptoms of PCOD

There are some important criteria for the diagnosis of PCOD. 

1. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles is the most common sign of PCOD. 
2. Excess androgen levels is the next symptom. Elevated levels of male hormone may result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism) and occasionally severe acne and male pattern baldness. 
3. Multiple cysts in the ovaries during an ultrasound scan. Ovaries might be enlarged and contain multiple cystic follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries fail to function regularly and infertility issues arise. 
4. PCOD signs and symptoms are more severe if you are obese. Stress and sudden weight gain may also cause the hormonal levels to increase and PCOD related issues start. 

 

Treatment: 

        

           One of the best ways to treat is to reduce stress levels by practicing yoga and meditation. Despite all remedies, if this problem does not get resolved, hormonal supplement treatment is given. For young women of reproductive age, oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are given for 3 to 6 months. For married women, who face infertility, OCP and otherwise ovulation induction drugs can help fix the problem and improve symptoms. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is the last resort for patients, when lifestyle modifications as well as hormonal treatment proves ineffective.