Understanding PCOD Problem: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Table of Contents

  1. What is PCOD?

  2. PCOD vs PCOS: What’s the Difference?

  3. Causes of PCOD

  4. Common Symptoms of PCOD

  5. How PCOD Affects Fertility

  6. Diagnosis: How is PCOD Detected?

  7. Treatment Options for PCOD

  8. Lifestyle Tips for Managing PCOD

  9. When to See a Doctor

  10. Conclusion

What is PCOD?

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease, a common condition affecting Indian women, especially those between the ages of 15 to 45. In this condition, the ovaries produce and release many immature or partially mature eggs each month, which can develop into small cysts over time.

This results in hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and other health issues. Around 20% of women in India are estimated to suffer from PCOD.


PCOD vs PCOS: What’s the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, PCOD and PCOS are different.

FeaturePCODPCOS
Full formPolycystic Ovarian DiseasePolycystic Ovary Syndrome
SeverityMild to moderateMore severe, chronic
OvulationDelayed but still happensRare or no ovulation
Impact on fertilityLower chance of infertilityHigher chance of infertility
Hormonal imbalanceLess pronouncedMore severe hormonal disturbance
Long-term effectsManageable with lifestyle changesMay cause diabetes, heart issues

Causes of PCOD

PCOD is caused by a mix of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.

Hormonal Imbalance
  • Higher levels of androgens (male hormones) disturb the monthly ovulation cycle.

  • Abnormal LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) levels affect egg development.

Insulin Resistance
  • High insulin levels make the body store more fat and also increase androgen production.

  • This leads to weight gain and irregular periods.

Genetics
  • If your mother or sister has PCOD, you may also have a higher chance of developing it.

Lifestyle Factors
  • Irregular sleep cycles, poor diet, and lack of physical activity worsen the condition.

Common Symptoms of PCOD

SymptomDescription
Irregular periodsDelayed, missed, or unpredictable periods
Acne and oily skinCaused by excess androgens
Hair thinning or hair lossOften seen at the crown or temples
Weight gainEspecially around belly and hips
Excess facial/body hairGrowth on chin, upper lip, chest, etc.
Mood swings or fatigueDue to hormonal imbalance
Difficulty conceivingIrregular ovulation impacts fertility

How PCOD Affects Fertility

PCOD can impact fertility in many ways:

  • Irregular ovulation: Makes it hard to predict your fertile window.

  • Poor egg quality: Hormonal imbalance can affect egg development.

  • Endometrial issues: Hormone imbalance may prevent proper thickening of the uterus lining.

  • Increased miscarriage risk: Uncontrolled insulin levels may cause early pregnancy loss.

Many women with PCOD are able to conceive with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Diagnosis: How is PCOD Detected?

Detecting PCOD early can prevent complications and improve your fertility outcomes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how doctors diagnose PCOD:

Step 1: Understanding Your Medical History

Your doctor will start by asking questions like:

  • Are your periods regular?

  • Have you experienced weight gain, acne, or hair loss?

  • Are you facing difficulty in conceiving?

These answers give your doctor clues about hormonal imbalance.

Step 2: Physical Examination
  • Checking weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio.

  • Examining skin for acne, hair growth, and scalp thinning.

Step 3: Pelvic Ultrasound (Transvaginal or Abdominal)

This is a key test to look at your ovaries and uterus. It helps detect:

  • Enlarged ovaries

  • Multiple small follicles (often called “string of pearls” appearance)

  • Thickness of the uterine lining (important for fertility)

📌 Note: A woman can have PCOD even if her ovaries don’t show cysts on ultrasound.

Step 4: Blood Tests

A few important hormone tests are done to understand how your body is functioning:

Blood Test NamePurpose
LH & FSHChecks ovulation pattern
TestosteroneMeasures male hormone levels
ProlactinRules out milk-producing hormone disorder
TSHTests thyroid function
Insulin & GlucoseChecks for insulin resistance or diabetes
AMH (Anti-Mullerian)Assesses ovarian reserve (egg count)

These tests also help rule out other causes like thyroid disorder or hyperprolactinemia that can mimic PCOD.

Treatment Options for PCOD

There is no single cure for PCOD, but symptoms can be managed effectively.

Treatment ApproachDescription
Lifestyle changesDiet + exercise can reverse many symptoms
MedicationFor regulating periods, controlling acne, inducing ovulation
Fertility TreatmentOvulation-inducing drugs (Clomiphene), IUI, IVF
Surgery (rare cases)Ovarian drilling to restore ovulation

Lifestyle Tips for Managing PCOD

Balanced Diet
  • Avoid white rice, sugar, and fried foods

  • Eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean protein

  • Drink plenty of water and reduce caffeine

Regular Exercise
  • Aim for 30–45 minutes of walking, yoga, or strength training

  • Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance

Stress Management
  • Meditation, journaling, or even hobbies can lower stress hormones

  • Adequate sleep (7–8 hours) is crucial

Consistency is key. Even small changes can show big results over 3–6 months.

When to See a Doctor

Visit a doctor if:

  • You’ve missed more than 2 periods without pregnancy

  • You notice excess facial hair or sudden weight gain

  • You’re trying to get pregnant for 6+ months without success

  • You feel emotionally low or exhausted all the time

Early diagnosis can help you avoid long-term problems like diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

Conclusion

PCOD is a growing health concern for Indian women, but it’s treatable and manageable with the right guidance. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of living a healthy life — and even becoming a parent naturally or with minimal medical help.

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Dr. Indu Madhusudhan

MBBS, MD – OBG, Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine

Fertility Specialist with 22+ years of experience

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