Irregular Periods & PCOS: Understanding the Connection & Management

Question
hi,i had irregular periods from the beginning,and i consulted a doctor after some years.she made me do a scan and told that i have pcod and prescribed some tablets.after some months we did another scan and she said i dint have pcod now.so we stopped the tablet.but still i was having irregualr periods.then she said eventhough it dint show up on the scan,i stil may be having pcod and gave me tablets for other 6 months.by that time i got married.since we were not planning to have a baby now,the doctor advised me to continue the tablet for 1 year,since it also acts as a birthcontrol pill,and also its good for my pcod treatment.now we are thinking of a baby.but i feel so afraid that whether will be any problem for me to concieve since i have pcod.please give me some advice.

Answer
Hello Aliya,
PCOD can be a confusing diagnosis.  You can have it whether or not a scan shows the multiple cysts.  Many women with PCOD get pregnant, although sometimes they need some help, since one of the primary findings in PCOD is that the woman doesn't ovulate regularly (or not at all).  What I would do is to go off the pill and see if you get pregnant.  If your periods are irregular and you're not pregnant within 3-4 months, then see your doctor.  There are pills called Clomid that will help you to ovulate.  If you're overweight, try to exercise daily and eat carefully to lose weight.  Women with PCOD who lose weight are often able to ovulate regularly without medication.  Good luck.