What Is PCOD? Know It’s Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Introduction

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), often used interchangeably with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The hormonal imbalance in the body produces more male hormones than needed which leads to problems in menstruation and fertility along with other issues. Women with PCOD may have irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, as well as high levels of male hormones. 

PCOD results in enlarged ovaries with multiple small follicles and is associated with hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and difficulty in conceiving.The ovaries may produce a large number of tiny collections of fluid (follicles) and do not release eggs on a regular basis. If left untreated, PCOD can cause more serious problems like heart disease and diabetes¹. 

Causes of PCOD

In PCOD, many small sacs called follicles fill up with fluid inside the ovaries. Each follicle contains an immature egg that does not mature enough to release the egg by a process called ovulation. The absence of ovulation leads to hormonal imbalance and an excess release of male hormones. Research has not found the exact reason why PCOD occurs as the cause of PCOD is multifactorial and include²: 

• Genetic predisposition 
• Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia 
• Sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits 
• Obesity 
• Low-grade chronic inflammation 
• Increased levels of male hormones  

Signs and Symptoms of PCOD

PCOD signs and symptoms usually appear around the time of puberty, typically noticeable at the time of a girl’s first menstrual period. However, PCOD can also develop later in life, particularly, as a result of significant weight gain. Many women may not realise that they have PCOD, but there are certain common signs and symptoms to look out for, these may include the following²:

• Irregular periods: Elevated levels of male hormones may prevent ovulation, and irregular periods are one of the most common signs of PCOD. Many patients with PCOD have fewer than nine periods a year⁶. 
• Heavy bleeding: Irregular periods may increase the thickening of the uterine wall, which can lead to heavier bleeding during periods. 
• Acne: Increased levels of male hormones cause the skin to secrete more oil, resulting in acne. 
• Hair growth: Hirsutism, which is characterised by excessive hair growth on the face, back, stomach and chest is a common symptom in PCOD. 
• Weight gain: Obese or overweight women may be at risk of developing PCOD. 
• Scalp hair thinning : Male pattern baldness, such as hair thinning on the crown or even complete hair loss because of elevated levels of male hormones are commonly observed in individuals with PCOD. 
• Headaches: Hormonal imbalance may trigger headaches. 
• Skin darkening: Skin darkening in the groin and the neck region are observed in individuals with PCOD. 
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleep apnoea, can be associated with PCOD. 
• Infertility: Abnormal patterns of ovulation may make it difficult to have children. 

Unwanted hair on the face, neck or other body parts is a symptom of hormonal imbalance as seen in PCOD. People often opt for hair removal sessions without consulting a doctor. Instead of just opting for these procedures, consult your gynaecologist or endocrinologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS MD (Pharmacology)

Complications Due to PCOD

PCOD, if untreated, may increase the risk of^3,4: 

• Infertility: Reduces the frequency of ovulation in the body and may cause infertility. 
• Diabetes: May cause insulin resistance in the body which may lead to diabetes. 
• Heart disease: PCOD increases the blood pressure in the body, which may lead to risk of heart problems. 
• Endometrial Cancer: Delayed or absence of ovulation may cause thickening of the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. This may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. 
• Depression: Hormonal imbalance in the body may lead to depression. 

How to Manage PCOD

PCOD⁵ is a condition without a cure. You may, however, manage the illness with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. Taking a ultrasound or blood tests that assess LH/FSH ratio, anti-müllerian hormone, and androgen levels may help to diagnose PCOD. Treatment usually focuses on symptom control and long-term metabolic health. This may include^7,8:

• Weight management through diet and exercise 
• Birth control pills and hormonal medication for menstrual regularity and acne 
• Ovulation-induction agents may be prescribed by a doctor in case of infertility 
• Regular monitoring of blood sugar, cholesterol, and endometrial thickness 
• PCOD diet that is low in fat and carbohydrate 

Research⁹ indicates that women with PCOD are potentially at high risk for CNS and cardiovascular disease. Many of these women have extremely high levels of serum lipoprotein, blood glucose, and cholesterol, which also increase the risk of insulin resistance. Women with PCOD may also have a higher risk for developing endometrial cancer. 

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD (Pediatrics)

Conclusion

If you experience irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, or difficulty conceiving, do not ignore these signs. Consult your gynaecologist or endocrinologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment as it can help prevent complications².  

References

1. Rasquin L, Mayrin JV. Polycystic Ovarian Disease [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2022 [cited 2025 Apr 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/  
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. 2020 [cited 2025 Apr 16]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/ 
3. Natasha. What is PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Complications [Internet]. Mantra Care. 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 16]. Available from: https://mantracare.org/women/pcos/what-is-pcod/  
4. Palomba S, Santagni S, Falbo A, La Sala GB. Complications and challenges associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: Current perspectives. International Journal of Women’s Health [Internet]. 2015 Jul [cited 2025 Apr 16];7:745. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4527566/  
5. Christ JP, Cedars MI. Current Guidelines for Diagnosing PCOS. Diagnostics [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 16];13(6):1113. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10047373/#:~:text=It%20is%20recommended%20to%20use,with%20exclusion%20of%20other%20relevant 
6. Rasquin LI, Anastasopoulou C, Mayrin JV. Polycystic Ovarian Disease. [Updated 2022 Nov 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459251/
7. World Health Organization. Polycystic ovary syndrome [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2025 [cited 2025 Apr 16]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome  
8. Sharpe A, Morley LC, Tang T, Norman RJ, Balen AH. Metformin for ovulation induction (excluding gonadotrophins) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [Internet]. 2019 Dec 17 [cited 2025 Apr 16];(12). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6915832/  
9. Alvarez, Y.R., Pico, M., Ashokprabhu, N. et al. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 25, 1003–1011 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-023-01168-1

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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