PCOD
Dr. Ria Katwala Solanki is a gynaecologist and gynaecological oncosurgeon consulting in Andheri East and Vile Parle West, Mumbai, who diagnoses and treats PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), a common hormonal imbalance issue that 1 in every 5 women in India experiences.
Unlike its name, it is not limited to the ovaries. It is a systemic disease — in simpler terms, it can affect other organs of the body.
Common Symptoms :
Irregular/missed periods
Excess facial or body
hair (hirsutism)
Acne or oily skin
Thinning hair on the scalp
Difficulty in getting pregnant
Weight gain (especially lower abdominal fat) or slowed metabolism
Complicated pregnancy
Effect on other organs :
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02
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05
Insulin resistance: Increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Abdominal Obesity
Can increase the chance of uterine cancer in the future
Why the rise :
Modern lifestyle
Lack of exercise
Genetics
Stress
Poor diet
Disrupted sleep
Treatment options :
Follow a PCOD Diet ( anti-inflammatory diet)
Medication to control the diabetes/blood pressure/cholesterol.
Regular exercise ( Strength training)
Fertility work-up and ovulation induction
if planning for pregnancy.
Medication to regularise the period / avoid excessive hair growth.
• PCOD may be a lifelong condition, but you are not alone and it is completely manageable.
• With the right diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medical support, you can take control of your hormones,
health, and fertility.
Start small, stay consistent, and remember — your body deserves care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can PCOD be completely cured?
There's no permanent cure, but it can be very effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medication so that symptoms don't interfere with your life or fertility.
Q: Will PCOD affect my chances of getting pregnant?
It can make ovulation irregular, but most women with PCOD do conceive, especially with lifestyle changes, ovulation-inducing medication, or fertility support when needed.
Q: Is surgery ever needed for PCOD?
Rarely. PCOD is primarily managed with diet, exercise, and medication; surgery is not a standard treatment for it.
Q: Is robotic or laparoscopic surgery relevant to PCOD?
Not typically for PCOD itself — but if a related issue such as a persistent ovarian cyst needs surgery, it can be done laparoscopically or robotically, both minimally invasive.
Q: How is PCOD diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, blood hormone tests, and an ultrasound of the ovaries.
Q: Does PCOD go away on its own or come back after treatment?
PCOD is usually a long-term condition, so symptoms can return if diet, exercise, or medication routines lapse, which is why consistent follow-up matters.
