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Home / Infertility Diseases Conditions / Pcod

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder)

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal condition that affects the normal functioning of the ovaries. In women with PCOD, the ovaries may produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with the growth and release of eggs (ovulation). As a result, multiple immature follicles may accumulate in the ovaries, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalance, and fertility problems in some women. While “PCOD” is widely used in India, internationally the condition is more commonly referred to as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10–13% of women globally are affected by PCOS, and up to 70% remain undiagnosed. In India, studies have reported prevalence rates ranging from 7.2% to 19.6%, depending on the diagnostic criteria used and the population studied.

What are the signs and symptoms of PCOD?

Irregular or Absent Periods

This is a common symptom, which means the menstrual cycles in a woman are longer than 35 days. Some women have fewer than eight periods a year, or a complete absence of periods.

Heavy or Prolonged Periods

Some women have heavy bleeding during their periods.

Acne

Women with hormonal imbalance and high androgen levels often have severe acne.

Excess Hair Growth

Women with high androgens may notice extra hair on their face, chin, chest, abdomen, and back.

Weight Gain

Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain.

Skin pigmentation

Dark patches appear in skin folds, like the neck, groin, and underarms. These patches are often linked to insulin resistance.

Hair loss

Increased androgens can sometimes lead to thinning hair on the scalp.

Difficulty getting pregnant

If a woman doesn’t ovulate regularly or at all, it can be hard to get pregnant naturally.

What are the main causes of PCOD in females?

The cause of PCOD in women can differ from one person to another. This results in a variety of symptoms and levels of severity.

Hormonal Imbalance

This is the primary cause of PCOD. High levels of androgens, like testosterone, can affect egg growth and release. This can lead to hirsutism (extra body hair) and acne. In PCOD, balancing Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is important. An imbalance can disrupt ovulation. This affects how eggs mature and are released.

Insulin Resistance

About 70% of women have insulin resistance (PMC). This means the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar. High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to make more androgens. This can lead to a hormonal imbalance that elevates the risk of PCOD. Insulin resistance can also contribute to weight gain, which can worsen PCOD.

Genetics

A woman with a family history of PCOD has a higher risk of developing it.

Low-Grade Inflammation

Women with PCOD tend to have higher levels of chronic, low-grade inflammation. This inflammation can cause the ovaries to make more androgens. This can lead to a hormonal imbalance.

Lifestyle Factors

Some lifestyle choices can greatly affect PCOD. For instance, an unhealthy diet, not getting enough exercise, and constant stress can make symptoms worse. They raise insulin resistance. Additionally, weight gain and stress can change hormone levels, leading to PCOD.

What are the main causes of PCOD in females

Role of Hormones in PCOD

The hormones that play an important role in the development of PCOD are:

Androgens

High androgen levels in women can lead to more body hair, acne, and male-pattern baldness.

Insulin

Many women with PCOD have insulin resistance (Body cannot use insulin effectively). This results in high levels of insulin that raise the androgen production.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

These hormones help to regulate ovulation. In a woman with PCOD, these hormones are imbalanced, leading to irregular ovulation.

Diagnosis of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of factors, including

PCOD Risks and Complications

Endometrium: There is a higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia. This means the uterus lining thickens. Sometimes, this can lead to endometrial cancer.
Mental health issues: Hormonal changes can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Pregnancy complications: Increased risk of infertility, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

What are the differences between PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are two conditions that are related but not the same. Both impact women’s reproductive health. They have some similarities, but key differences are important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let us discuss the differences between PCOD and PCOS. It covers their causes, symptoms of PCOS, and ways to manage the condition.

Feature	PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)	PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Primary Feature	Primarily an issue with the ovaries and egg maturation, leading to the growth of cysts.	A syndrome characterized by high androgen levels, issues with insulin, and ovarian cysts.
Hormonal Imbalance	The condition is generally milder and primarily affects egg production and release.	Features high androgen levels, which are often linked to insulin resistance.
Impact on Periods	Often irregular, but periods may still occur.	Very irregular periods, missed periods, or heavy bleeding are common.
Severity	Generally considered a milder condition.	Considered a more complex hormonal and metabolic disorder.
Cyst Characteristics	Multiple small cysts on the ovaries, but the ovarian volume may be normal.	Many small cysts on the ovaries are usually accompanied by an enlarged ovarian size.
Long-term Health Risks	Typically less severe and mainly associated with irregular menstrual cycles.	Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer.
Management	Often manageable with lifestyle changes.	Usually requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)?

PCOD can be successfully treated to increase fertility, decrease long-term health risks, and relieve symptoms. Treatment plans will be customised based on the severity of symptoms and the health condition of the patient. Let us discuss the available options:

Hormonal Birth Control (Oral Contraceptives): These are prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and manage acne and excess hair growth in women with PCOD.
Anti-Androgen Medications: These medicines block the effects of excess androgens, reduce hirsutism (excess body hair growth), and acne.
Medicines for Diabetes: These are advised to treat type 2 diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOD.
Medications to Induce Ovulation: For some women with PCOD, can be improved by prescribing medications such as metformin, letrozole, clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, and injections of FSH and LH that promote ovulation.

Surgical Options

Ovarian Drilling: Although laparoscopic ovulation puncture is not a first-line treatment, it can temporarily lower testosterone levels and improve ovulation in certain women who have not responded to medication.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): IVF is recommended for women with PCOD who haven’t conceived with other fertility treatments, which involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring the embryos to the uterus.

PCOD Management by Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, especially diet and exercise, are significant for managing Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD).

Diet for PCOD

Low glycaemic Index foods
Fruits and leafy vegetables
Fiber-rich foods
Nuts and whole grains
Lean meat and fish
Low-fat food
Unprocessed foods

Exercises for PCOD

Cardiovascular Exercise: Brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.
Strength Training: Weightlifting and bodyweight exercises
Mind-Body Exercises: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

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What is PCOD Symptoms Causes Role of Hormones Diagnosis Risks & Complications PCOD vs PCOS PCOD Treatment Lifestyle Changes FAQ's

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