I’ll give you the honest answer upfront: No, Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD), also called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), doesn’t have a permanent cure yet because we don’t fully know what causes it.
But don’t let that discourage you! You can manage it so well that it feels like it’s hardly there, letting you live a full, healthy life.
Hi, I’m Dr Aarti Deenadayal, a gynecologist & Infertility sepcialist from Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, and I’ve seen so many women take charge of their PCOD with the right steps.
In this article, I’ll explain what PCOD is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. We’ll talk about how it affects your body—like irregular periods, weight gain, or trouble getting pregnant—and share practical ways to handle it.
You’ll hear stories from my patients, learn what works based on science, and get a clear plan to feel better. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do next and feel confident reaching out to us if you need help. Let’s get started!
What Is PCOD? A Simple Explanation
Let’s imagine your ovaries as little kitchens that make eggs and hormones to keep your body in balance. Normally, these kitchens run smoothly—every month, they “cook” an egg and send it out, while keeping hormones like estrogen (a female hormone) in check.
But with PCOD, the kitchen gets a bit chaotic. It starts making too much of a male hormone called androgen, and instead of sending out eggs, it stores them in tiny sacs called cysts. This messes up your periods and can cause other changes, like extra hair on your face or trouble losing weight.
PCOD is pretty common—about 1 in 10 women deal with it. At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we see women every day who are figuring this out.
It’s not just about periods; it can also make you feel tired, moody, or even make it harder to have a baby. The good news? We can work together to calm that chaos down.
Why Does PCOD Happen?
So, why does your body start acting this way? Think of it like a puzzle we’re still solving. Here’s what we know:
- Hormone Mix-Up: Your body has messengers called hormones that tell your ovaries what to do. In PCOD, these messengers get confused—too much androgen is made, and the egg-releasing process gets stuck.
- Family Connection: If your mom or sister has PCOD, you might be more likely to have it too. It’s like how some families all have curly hair—it can pass down.
- Lifestyle Impact: Things like stress, eating lots of junk food, or not moving around enough can make PCOD worse. It’s like piling extra work on an already busy kitchen.
Scientists are still studying this, which is why we don’t have a “fix-it-forever” button yet. But understanding these pieces helps us find ways to manage it.
Can PCOD Go Away for Good?
Here’s where I’ll be real with you: since we don’t know the exact cause, we can’t cure PCOD permanently right now. It’s a condition you’re born with a tendency for, and it sticks around.
But—and this is a big but—you can control it so well that it doesn’t run your life. I’ve had patients who, with the right plan, barely notice their PCOD symptoms anymore.
Think of it like a garden with weeds. You can’t stop weeds from ever popping up, but you can pull them out, water the flowers, and keep the garden looking beautiful. That’s what we do with PCOD—keep it in check so you feel good.
How PCOD Affects You: Stories from my clinic
Let me share a couple of stories from my OPD at Mamata Fertility Hospital to show you what PCOD can look like:
- Priya’s Story: Priya, a 28-year-old teacher, came to me because her periods were all over the place—sometimes skipping months, sometimes lasting too long. She’d also gained weight and noticed hair on her chin. We checked her hormones and saw her ovaries had those little cysts. She was worried about having kids someday. We worked on her diet, added some exercise, and gave her medicine to balance things. Six months later, her periods were regular, and she felt like herself again.
- Anjali’s Struggle: Anjali, 35, had been trying to get pregnant for two years. Her weight had crept up, and she felt tired all the time. PCOD was making her ovaries hold onto eggs instead of releasing them. We started with lifestyle changes and a medicine to help her ovulate. She’s now expecting her first baby!
PCOD can show up differently—maybe it’s weight gain for you, or maybe it’s acne or infertility. Whatever it is, we can tackle it together.
What Can You Do About PCOD?
Now, let’s talk about how to manage PCOD. I’ll break it into simple steps you can start with, based on what’s worked for my patients and what science backs up.
Step 1: Eat Smart
Your food is like fuel for your body. With PCOD, some foods help, and some make things harder. Try this checklist:
- More Veggies and Fruits: Fill half your plate with things like spinach, carrots, or apples. They’re like helpers that keep your hormones happy.
- Cut Down on Sweets: Too much sugar—like in sodas or pastries—can mess with your insulin (a hormone that controls sugar in your blood), making PCOD worse.
- Healthy Snacks: Swap chips for nuts or yogurt. They give you energy without the chaos.
One patient, Sneha, told me she stopped drinking cola every day and started eating more dal and veggies. She lost 5 kilos in three months, and her periods got more regular!
Step 2: Move Your Body
Exercise isn’t about becoming a gym star—it’s about keeping your body strong. Even 20 minutes a day can help. Here’s what works:
- Walking: A brisk walk after dinner can lower insulin and help your ovaries.
- Dancing: Put on your favorite song and move! It’s fun and good for you.
- Yoga: Gentle stretches can reduce stress, which often makes PCOD tougher.
I had a patient, Ritu, who started walking with her husband every evening. She dropped some weight, and her energy soared.
Step 3: Medicines When Needed
Sometimes, lifestyle alone isn’t enough, and that’s okay. At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we might suggest:
- Pills to Balance Hormones: These can make your periods regular and reduce extra hair or acne.
- Help for Ovulation: If you want a baby, medicines can nudge your ovaries to release eggs.
- Insulin Helpers: Something like metformin can keep your sugar in check, which helps PCOD.
We always tailor this to you—your body, your goals.
Step 4: Manage Stress
Stress is like a loud noise that throws your hormones off. Try:
- Breathing Deep: Sit quietly for 5 minutes, breathing in and out slowly.
- Sleep Well: Aim for 7-8 hours a night. It’s like recharging your body’s battery.
One woman, Lakshmi, started a simple bedtime routine—no phone, just a book. She said it made her feel calmer, and her periods improved.
Can PCOD Come Back After It’s Managed?
Here’s something patients often ask me in the clinic: “If I get it under control, will it stay that way?” The answer depends on you. If you keep up these habits—eating well, staying active, managing stress—PCOD can stay quiet.
But if life gets busy and old habits creep back, symptoms might return. It’s like that garden—if you stop weeding, the weeds sneak in again.
I’ve seen this with a patient, Meena. She managed her PCOD beautifully for two years, but then work stress and late-night snacks took over. Her periods got irregular again. We got her back on track, and she’s doing great now.
PCOD and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
If you’re worried about having a baby with PCOD, let’s talk about it. PCOD can make it trickier because your ovaries might not release eggs regularly.
But it’s not impossible! With the right help—like lifestyle changes or medicines to kickstart ovulation—many women with PCOD have healthy pregnancies.
At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’ve helped women like Anjali (from earlier) get pregnant. We check your health, make a plan, and support you every step. Even if you’re not thinking about kids yet, managing PCOD now keeps your body ready for the future.
Long-Term Health: Why It Matters
PCOD isn’t just about today—it can affect you later too. If it’s not managed, it might raise your chances of:
- Diabetes: That insulin trouble can turn into bigger sugar problems.
- Heart Issues: Extra weight and hormones can strain your heart.
- Mood Swings: Feeling down or anxious can happen more with PCOD.
But here’s the thing: by taking action now, you lower those risks. It’s like building a strong house today so it stands firm tomorrow.
Your Next Steps: A Checklist from Me to You
I want you to walk away from this feeling ready to act. Here’s what you can do:
- Track Your Periods: Write down when they come and how they feel. Bring this to your doctor—it’s a big clue.
- Start Small: Pick one change—like a daily walk or less sugar—and stick to it for a week.
- Talk to a Specialist: If you’re in Secunderabad or nearby, come see us at Mamata Fertility Hospital. We’ll check your hormones, do an ultrasound if needed, and make a plan just for you.
- Ask Questions: No question is too small. Wondering about weight? Hair? Babies? We’re here to help.
Why Reach Out to Mamata Fertility Hospital?
I’ve been working with women like you for years, and at Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’re all about making this journey easier. We’ve got the tools—like advanced tests and treatments—and the heart to listen to you. Whether it’s getting your periods on track or planning a family, we’re here to support you, not judge you.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If PCOD’s been weighing you down—maybe with extra pounds, missed periods, or worries about the future—let’s chat. Call us or visit mamatafertility.com. We’ll sit down, look at your story, and find what works for you. You deserve to feel good, and we’re here to help you get there.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
PCOD might not have a permanent cure yet, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With simple changes and a little help, you can manage it and feel like yourself again. I’ve seen so many women turn things around—Priya with her regular periods, Anjali with her baby on the way—and I know you can too.
Take that first step today. Whether it’s a healthier meal, a quick walk, or picking up the phone to call us, you’re moving forward. You’re not alone in this, and at Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’re ready to walk with you. Let’s make PCOD a small part of your story, not the whole book.