Hello Ms XXXXXXX and thanks for your query.

I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.

Metformin has many known side effects, of which lactic acidosis and megaloblastic anemia feature most in the list occurring in the long term usage. Levels can be found out with blood tests when in doubt by your doctor.

Spironolactone (ALDACTONE) causes mainly the endocrinological side effects due to antiandrogenic action in the long term. In women, menstrual disturbances may need to be initially reviewed.

Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol (NOVELON) are estrogen substitutes which WHO mentions many points of studies that have strength of association to the risk of cancers on long term therapy. Mostly studies have shown least risk except for breast cancer.

You need to see the endocrinologist for review of your ongoing medications as a part of routine followups and in between if there are any health emergencies.

Pigmentation near nose and cheeks - is a minor side effect of Desogestrel + Ethinylestradiol (NOVELON). You may report this to your prescribing doctor for possible prescription/OTC creams for relief.

Let me know if I have missed out any other concern in your question.

Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.

Sincerely,

Dr Sujeet N Charugulla,
MBBS, MD.
Consultant Physician.

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Hello Ms XXXXXXX

Thanks for the followup.

Management of PCOD - Although the benefits of taking the above drugs are more than the risks associated, hence the relevance of exercise and diet are of utmost importance and are considered to be part of medical treatment rather than lifestyle choices. You would need to set aside time for these in every day. Definitely, a Clinical Dietician will help a lot in this.

The frequency of seeing the Endocrinologist may depend if you are doing really well on treatment or having issues with side effects. And this may need a good MD XXXXXXX Medicine Specialist in case an Endocrinologist may not always be available. I would recommend you to select a good set of doctors who can give adequate time for consultation listening to all your queries patiently rather than a very busy one who may not have more time.

I personally do not know any Endocrinologist in NCR region, but would advise you to find out from the secretary as to how much time a given doctor spends with a patient. This way you can plan well and select your doctor - as PCOD is a long term management necessitated condition and you would need a doctor whom you can trust mutually.

Let me know if you have additional concerns.

Sincerely,

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