These women don’t ovulate which means they are not moving through a normal cycle. As a result of this, they start to have higher levels of progesterone causing the acne, oily skin, and facial hair.
How do we diagnose PCOD?
We obtain a history from the patient. We can also do an ultrasound and a blood test. The blood test checks for a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and a luteinizing hormone (LH). A vaginal ultrasound is also done in the office. A PCOD ovary will be larger and have multiple cysts on the ovary and will be easy for our team to identify.
How do we treat PCOD?
We need to put patients on something to regulate their cycles and the easiest way to do that is to put them on a birth control pill. It regulates their cycle and balances out their estrogen and progesterone to limit unwanted side effects. We also use some medication to get rid of the insulin resistance. Metformin, Glucophage, and Glumetzin are three different medications we can use to help treat this.
How long will PCOD last?
No matter what age you may have been diagnosed, the sooner you start treatment the sooner you can get back to normal. You’re going to need to be on these treatments during the entire time of your reproductive years. If at any time you reach menopause or have a full hysterectomy, you may discontinue treatment as you will no longer have functioning ovaries.
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