PCOD in medical term is known as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). It means multiple small cysts in the ovaries. The ovary is enlarged; and produces excessive amounts of female hormones.

Symptoms
  Irregular or absent Menstrual Cycle.
  Consumption of medicine to induce a period.
  Overweight/ Weight gain.
  Excessive facial& body hair (Hirsutism)
  Infertility.

These are some of the easy symptoms to diagnose PCOD. But, however, remember that not all patients with PCOD will have all or any of these symptoms. Such patients are termed to have OCCULT PCOD.

This means that they may be thin, have regular periods, no hirsutism and normal looking ovaries on ultrasound, but still have PCOD. Interestingly, many of these patients present with recurrent pregnancy loss (recurrent miscarriages), which can be a sign that they have PCOD.

 Treatment

Hence, the best way to treat PCOD and its symptoms would be to correct the underlying insulin resistance problem with diet, weight loss (if needed) and exercise.

 Guide yourself with these healthy guidelines

  Try to select lower glycemic index foods such as whole grains (jowar, bajra, whole wheat) as they will cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Make healthy choices by adding fiber foods in your diet. Selecting wheat breads instead white breads, oat flakes or wheat flakes instead cornflakes, fresh over fruit juices, loads of vegetables too.

  Eat small and frequent meals rather than 3 large meals.

  Consume vitamin / mineral supplements, especially folic acid supplements. Consult a doctor before planning pregnancy.

  Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water per day as a high fiber- carbohydrate intake can cause constipation/ digestive discomfort.

  Restrict yourself to consuming low fat foods for maintaining your body weight. Avoid fried foods, desserts, creams, butter and cheese.

 Women with OCCULT PCOD problem who get regular periods may eat a balanced diet by combining complex carbohydrates (whole grains, and vegetables) and 20-30% lean proteins (egg whites, whole pulses and low fat dairy products).

 Exercise plays a key role in losing weight.

"Women with PCOD, weight loss is an effective treatment - but of course, under the guidance of a nutritionist. FAD diets are usually not effective"