According to her gynaecologist, Komal has Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD), a common gynaecological condition among young women. It's caused by a hormonal imbalance and if neglected, PCOD can lead to serious problems like infertility, heart disease and uterine cancer.

What is PCOD?
Every woman has female as well as male hormones in her body. When the male hormones are secreted in excess, small, fluid-filled sacs called cysts are formed in ovaries. The cysts enlarge the ovaries. This hampers ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Also, excessive presence of male hormones trigger extra hair growth and weight gain.

Causes of PCOD
PCOD has been observed in women who have;

• A genetic tendency to form ovarian cysts.
• Overactive pituitary glands.
• Blood resistance to insulin, which leads to over-production of insulin and testosterone.

Also, overweight women are more at risk of developing PCOD, as the excess weight disturbs the hormonal balance. However, the exact cause of the disorder is still under research.

You should check for PCOD if;

• Your periods are frequently delayed.
• You are overweight.
• You have excessive body hair growth.
• You experience unusually severe pain during your periods.
• You have long-lasting acne after puberty and teenage years.
• You have been unable to conceive for over a year.
• You experience menstrual-like bleeding even after menopause.
• You have thinning hair on the scalp.

How is it Detected?
A blood test measuring hormone levels or an ultrasound scan of the ovaries will confirm if you have PCOD. Remember to ask your gynaecologist for a confirmation before you begin treatment.

Treatment of PCOD
PCOD is a lifelong condition - it can never be completely cured. However, certain medical treatments and lifestyle changes can make PCOD easy to deal with.

• Many gynaecologists prescribe birth-control pills as a form of treatment, even to sexually inactive girls. The additional oestrogen in the pill compensates for the extra male hormones present.
• Healthy eating habits and regular exercise will help deal with weight control and provide relief.
• Quitting smoking may help in reduce insulin resistance of the blood.
• Cope with excessive hair growth or acne through regular treatment by a cosmetologist.
• Infertility can be treated with fertility treatments, small surgeries to stimulate ovaries or IVF-assisted conception.

If PCOD runs in your family, you must do a regular blood test to check for the disorder.