Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which doctor should be consulted if I have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary disease?

A: You should consult and be under the care of a gynecologist

Q: Can I have Pain with Polycystic ovary disease?

A: No, usually as there is no ovulation there is seldom pain. The pain if it occurs is usually due to any other associated problem. Mid-cycle pain is absent in this condition.

Q: What are my chances of risks of developing diabetes if I have polycystic ovary disease?

A: It is estimated that 30% of women with polycystic ovary disease have pre-diabetes, and over 7% have diabetes. Almost 50% to 70% of women with PCOS also have insulin resistance.

Q: Which regions of my body would have excessive hair growth?

A: Women with PCOS have extra hair growing in the sideburn area of their face and on their chin, upper lip, nipple area, chest, lower abdomen and thighs.

They may also get associated acne and about half are obese.

Q: How long does it take for excess hair to go away after I start the treatment?

A: Hirsutism can take six months to a year to start diminishing or disappearing after starting treatment.

Q: How long does it take for acne to go away after I start the treatment?

A: Acne usually clears up within a few weeks after starting treatment.

Q: Can I have polycystic ovary disease without any external signs or symptoms?

A: Yes some women with polycystic ovary disease have no signs of it. If you are not becoming pregnant this condition needs to be excluded.

Q: Is there any genetic co-relation to polycystic ovary disease?

A: No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. There may hence be an association.

PCOS that is associated with male pattern baldness is probably inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, i.e., one half of the female offspring of a woman carrying this gene will have PCOS.

Q: If I get pregnant should my tablets be changed?

A: One must remember that if you are on Metformin you should not try and become pregnant as these insulin sensitizing drugs effect on a developing fetus are not known. So usually these drugs are given with other birth control methods.

If pregnancy is desired these drugs should be stopped and hormone based drugs should be used. However, with clomiphene one must remember there are some chances of a multiple pregnancy

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Nida21

I am suffering from PCOD since I was 15 years. I have been taking 'krimpson 35' medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Its been 5 years and I have to take the medicine daily for getting my periods regular. Will I be dependent on medicine all through my life? Does it have any side effect?

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c7e4k6h2

I've been dealing with this for over 15 yrs, and yes, you can have kids-I have 2. If you get hold of a GP who won't take it seriously, find another one. I use is 1500mg daily Metformin, 2 iron supplements [Metformin can make you have mal-absorption] daily and a b12 shot monthly, (metformin stops b12 absorption in some cases too). After years of struggle with eating disorders that hospitalized me and almost ruined my health and mental well being, I am at normal weight with moderate diet and excerise regimes. the right drug regime is key, don't let them tell you do nothing until you want to be pregnant or prescribe birth control. Take it seriously- it is easily managed but it is a condition.

I've been dealing with this for over 15 yrs, so I can say, even in extremes, yes, you can have kids. I have 2. If you get hold of a GP who won't take it seriously, find another one. the treatment I use is 1500mg daily [1 at meal times] Metformin, 2 iron supplements (Metformin can make you v tired from malabsorption of iron) daily and a b12 shot monthly, (metformin stops b12 absorption in some cases too). these few hiccups have been nothing compared to what I gained. After years of struggle with eating disorders that hospitalized me and almost ruined my health and mental well being, I am able to maintain a normal weight with moderate diet and excerise regimes. the right drug regime is key, don't let them tell you do nothing until you want to be pregnant or prescribe birth control. There are so many things we know now that this can affect, hormones, depression, kidneys, pancreas, heart. Take it seriously- it is easily managed but it is a condition. Best of luck-

PriyankaR

me too suffering from PCOD from the time i started having periods at the age of 13.now i am 25.will i be able to get pregnant?

Confused34

I was diagnosed with PCOS the gyn says I have nothing to worry about unless I want to get pregnant or worry about getting facial hair. I am not receiving treatment because he said it wasn't serious. Now I am worried he was wrong