PCOD & irregular peroids. Want to know.

Dear Ma'am, Thank you for your query regarding PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a clinico-pathological condition with 2 of the 3 following features: 1. Oligo- anovulation characterized by irregular menstrual cycles. 2. Ultrasound evidence of PCOD 3. Clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenemia. It a chronic metabolic disorder to be viewed similar to diabetes mellitus or hypertension with limitation of long term sequela seen as the aim treatment. Long term complications include: 1. Endometrial hyperplasia 2. Endometrial cancer (rare) 3. Subfertility 4. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus If fertility is desired the goal is to ensure regular ovulation by: 1. Life style changes: Diet and exercise and weight loss .  Ideal BMI between 19- 23.  Even a 5 percent weight loss may regularise your monthly cycles. 2. Treatment of androgenemia if evidence of excess hair etc. 3. Detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with preconceptional supplementation of folic acid. ( at least 3 months prior) 4. Ovulation induction after subfertility investigation if a couple fails to conceive spontaneously after 1 trying.  Do note that if cycles are regularised with exogenous hormones like progestrogen pills or oral contraceptive pills,  no pregnancy will occur in the absence of ovulation despite menstruation.