PCOD is a common hormonal problem in women where the ovaries produce many small cysts and the body makes more male hormones (androgens). This can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and hair growth.
PCOD/PCOS treatment focuses on managing symptoms, as there's no cure, primarily through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) and medications (birth control pills, insulin sensitizers like metformin, anti-androgens) to regulate periods, reduce hair/acne, and improve fertility. Fertility treatments like ovulation induction (clomifene) or IVF may be used, alongside procedures like laparoscopic ovarian drilling for severe cases, always guided by a doctor based on individual goals like pregnancy or symptom control.
Lifestyle & Diet (First-Line)
Weight Management: Losing even 5-10% of body weight improves hormones and ovulation.
Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, fiber, and low-glycemic index foods; avoid processed foods.
Regular Exercise: Helps with weight, insulin sensitivity, and hormone regulation.
Stress Management: Crucial for hormonal balance.
Medications (For Specific Symptoms)
Hormonal Birth Control: Regulates cycles, reduces androgens, helps with acne/hair growth (pills, IUD).
Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate periods and lower androgens.
Anti-Androgens: Block male hormones to control excess hair (hirsutism) and acne.
Fertility Drugs: To induce ovulation (e.g., clomifene).
Fertility Treatments (If Trying to Conceive)
Ovulation Induction: Medicines like clomifene or letrozole to encourage egg release.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD): A surgical option to destroy androgen-producing tissue in ovaries.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): May be used if other treatments fail.
Other Treatments
Skin Treatments: For acne/pigmentation.
