PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Content Last Reviewed on: Jun 25, 2026
What is PCOD
PCOD Symptoms
PCOD Causes
Role of Hormones
PCOD Risks
PCOD Diagnosis
PCOD Treatment
PCOD Management
Fertility Impact
PCOD vs PCOS
Myths & Facts
Why Choose Ferty9
FAQ
What is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder)?
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.
Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)?
What are the main causes of PCOD in females?
- 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.
Role of Hormones in PCOD
- 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)
- Medical History: The Doctor will review the frequency of menstrual cycles. They will check how often they happen, any symptoms of PCOD, and the patient’s family history of menstrual problems.
- Physical Examination: This includes looking for signs of high androgen levels. These signs can cause excess body hair and acne in the patient.
- Ultrasound: The doctor examines the patient’s pelvis with an ultrasound. This shows the size of the ovaries, any cysts present, and the condition of the reproductive organs.
- Blood Tests: These tests check hormone levels. They include androgens, LH, FSH, and sometimes insulin and glucose.
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.
Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)?
Medication and Surgical Treatment Options for PCOD
- 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
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.
What are the differences between PCOD and PCOS?
PCOD vs PCOS: Key Differences
| 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 conditions were milder and primarily influenced egg production and release. | It 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 usually come with a larger ovarian size. |
| Long-term Health Risks | Typically, the conditions are less severe and primarily related to irregular cycles. | Increased chances 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. |
Summary
References
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*Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. PCOD treatment outcomes may vary based on individual health conditions, fertility factors, and medical history. For accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, please consult a fertility specialist at Ferty9..
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