PCOD is the No. 1 cause of female infertility, according to WomensHealth.gov, affecting as many as 5 million women in the United States. PCOD stands for polycystic ovarian disease, which means there may be multiple cysts in a woman's ovaries, according to MayoClinic.com. The disease is sometimes called PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of child-bearing age. While there is no cure for PCOD and the exact cause is not known, there are treatments available to address many of the symptoms of this hormonal imbalance.
Step 1
Take birth-control pills to correct the hormone imbalance, according to GirlsHealth.gov. Additionally, birth-control pills can lower testosterone levels, which can address symptoms such as hair growth and acne. The hormones in birth-control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles. The pill can also reduce the chance of developing endometrial cancer, which occurs more often in females who don't have regular menstrual cycles.
Step 2
Talk about anti-androgens with a physician. This medication can reduce the male hormone, androgen, which is also naturally produced in the female body. Anti-androgens can diminish many of the symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian disease, including hair growth, acne and weight gain.
Step 3
Request a laboratory blood test to find out if insulin levels are high. The physician may prescribe metformin if the patient's insulin levels are high. Some females with PCOD have high insulin levels, and metformin is helpful in decreasing insulin levels in females who are diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Step 4
Remove excess hair by using bleach, wax, a depilatory or electrolysis. Prescription medicine is available to reduce the amount of new hair growth, including spironolactone and finasteride. These drugs do not remove existing hair, so they should be used in conjunction with a hair-removal process or treatment. While excessive hair growth is not dangerous, it can have an emotional effect on a woman.
Step 5
Treat acne with one of several products designed to clear up skin. Birth-control pills, antibiotics, topical creams and other ointments can be effective in resolving acne. Makeup can make acne worse and should be used with care.
Step 6
Lose weight. Eat less, exercise more and maintain a balance of blood sugar and insulin by eating nutritious foods. Weight reduction can reduce the symptoms of PCOD, according to KidsHealth.org. Low-impact exercises are best, especially when done for 30 minutes per day, four or five days a week, according to OBGYN.net.
Step 7
Develop a relationship with a physician who is willing to explore treatment options for PCOD, which is a complex syndrome. Keep all scheduled appointments and maintain the treatment plan to gain the most benefit in treating the symptoms.
