About Polycystic Ovarian Disease

A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. Although about 20 eggs start to mature every month, only one usually becomes dominant and fully matures. At this point (ovulation), the follicle breaks open to release the egg for fertilisation.
In women with PCOD, the follicles instead grow into fluid-filled cysts and no mature egg is released. Ovulation as such, does not occur. Thus with each menstruation cycle, these cysts accumulate and facilitate hormonal imbalances, which result in more cysts, thus sustaining a vicious cycle.
Although some cysts will subside, many remain inside the ovaries. Such hormonal imbalances create irregular (or no) menstruation in women, making them susceptible to infertility problems.
Diagnosis usually encompasses a history of menstrual cycles and a vaginal ultrasound to look for enlarged ovaries. Blood tests are also helpful in measuring the levels of hormones, in particular androgen (male hormone) and oestrogen. Excessive levels of the former can lead to acne and an abnormal amount of body and facial hair, among other symptoms.
Though there is no cure for PCOD, it can be managed. Treatments depend very much on the symptoms of each patient and their desire to conceive, in which case, fertility medication may be prescribed to enhance ovulation. Care however, must be taken to ensure that a woman’s ovaries are not over-stimulated to an extent which is detrimental to her health.
Since many women with PCOD tend to have a weight problem, a healthy diet and increased physical activity to lose weight may help restore a normal period. PCOD, sometimes referred to as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is the most common hormonal abnormality in women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. Not much is understood about the causes of PCOD though many suggest a strong genetic link. An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age are believed to have the condition.