How to manage irregular periods along with PCOD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with mild polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and would like your evaluation of the symptoms I am experiencing. I often have lower abdominal and lower back pain, especially during my periods. I also feel very weak around the time of menstruation. My menstrual cycles are irregular, and during my periods, the bleeding often includes blood clots.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is known to cause hormonal imbalances, which can interfere with ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles, period pain, and blood clots during menstruation. It is also often associated with insulin resistance, which may explain the fatigue and weakness you experience around your periods. Lower abdominal and back pain, especially during menstruation, is a common symptom in women with PCOD and may be due to dysmenorrhea, which tends to be more intense when ovulation is irregular or hormone levels are imbalanced. Passing small clots during menstruation can be normal, but frequent or large clots may indicate heavy bleeding, which is often made worse by hormonal issues in PCOD. Irregular periods are a key feature of PCOD and are usually due to a lack of ovulation. This can cause the uterine lining to build up longer than usual, leading to heavier bleeding and more pain.

To better understand and manage your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a hormonal evaluation, including tests for LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid function. A pelvic ultrasound can also help assess the ovaries and the thickness of the uterine lining. Lifestyle changes like eating a low glycemic index diet, avoiding refined carbohydrates, and staying physically active can help improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance. Depending on your doctor’s advice, medications like hormonal pills (such as combined oral contraceptives or progesterone) may help regulate your cycles, and NSAIDs like Mefenamic acid can relieve menstrual pain. Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin D, B-complex, and Myo-inositol are often helpful. As you are feeling weak and might be experiencing heavy periods, checking your iron levels to rule out anemia is important.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.