PCOS Diet

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is an endocrine (hormonal) condition that can cause multiple ovarian cysts, abnormal hair growth, inflammation and other symptoms read more

3 Medications You May Be Prescribed if You Have PCOD

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a medical condition that can lead to several side effects in women, including fertility challenges and weight management problems. If you have been diagnosed with PCOD, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce symptoms.

Below are three common medication options for PCOD that may help:

1. Metformin

Metformin is a generic diabetes medication that helps to reduce total blood glucose (sugar) by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed by the body and processed in the liver. Women are sometimes prescribed metformin for PCOD because the condition tends to cause trouble with weight management and blood glucose processing due to hormone imbalances.

When a woman is prescribed metformin for PCOD, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that she has diabetes, but this can be a concern as well. Diabetes can come along with PCOD, and some women may develop diabetes as a result of the condition before discovering that PCOD is part of the cause.

2. Avandia

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a medication that is usually prescribed to treat PCOD symptoms when a woman is experiencing infertility. Avandia is designed to induce ovulation, and it is often used as a first-line medication for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant naturally.

PCOD often causes fertility issues in addition to problems with weight management and blood sugar. When used as prescribed by your doctor, Avandia may make it easier for women with PCOD to get pregnant, but the medication does not stop other PCOD symptoms.

3. Femara

Femara (letrozole) is a breast cancer drug that is also used to stimulate fertility, and it works by lowering estrogen levels. Although this may sound counter-intuitive in a woman who has low estrogen due to PCOD, Femara stimulates other hormones that increase fertility.

If you are prescribed Femara, the risk of developing osteoporosis may increase. As a result, it’s important to stay on top of all follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure your body is healthy.

Disclaimer: The above information is presented for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Only your doctor can guide you in treating a medical condition.

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