Taking PCOD Medicines : Myths, Facts, and Safety Tips

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is essentially a metabolic disorder. It occurs when fat cells and certain hormones, like LH and FSH, act on the ovaries and affect the follicles, leading to multiple cysts in the ovaries.

The first-line treatment is usually lifestyle-based: controlling weight through diet and regular exercise. For many young women, especially those who are not overweight, PCOD can improve naturally with these lifestyle changes.

When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medications—such as birth control pills prescribed for PCOD are commonly used. In modern medicine, these pills are considered very safe and widely used in countries like the US and Europe.

Like any medication, they can have side effects on the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and eyes, but these usually appear only if taken for a long period. Typically, an initial course of 3–4 months is safe, especially if lifestyle measures aren’t enough to control PCOD. Overall, these medications are very safe when used correctly.