PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Lifestyle Tips

Living with PCOD can be distressing, especially when it starts to affect everyday wellbeing or plans for the future. The good news is that with the right medical guidance, informed choices and lifestyle changes, PCOD can often be effectively managed. That said, understanding the condition is an important first step towards taking better control of your health. To help, in this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about this condition, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment pathways. 

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) - the newer terminology proposed for the condition - is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries may produce higher-than-normal levels of certain hormones, particularly androgens. This hormonal imbalance can interfere with the normal release of eggs from the ovaries, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms. PCOD can also be associated with symptoms such as acne, excess facial or body hair, weight gain and difficulty becoming pregnant.

How is PMOS Different From PCOD / PCOS?

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the new name for the condition previously known as PCOS. The name was changed through an international consensus process in May 2026 to better reflect the condition's hormonal, metabolic and reproductive effects, rather than focusing primarily on the ovaries and the term “polycystic”. 

PMOS and PCOS, therefore, refer to the same condition, with PMOS being the newer terminology. PCOD is also commonly used interchangeably with PCOS, particularly in India, so the terms may appear different even though they are generally being used to refer to the same underlying condition. The name change does not represent a change in the established approach to diagnosis or management. 

What Causes PCOD?

The exact cause of PCOD is not known. However, the condition is thought to develop from a combination of hormonal, genetic and metabolic factors that affect how the ovaries function. These factors can interfere with normal ovulation and contribute to the symptoms associated with PCOD. Some of the factors linked to PCOD include:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Women with PCOD may have higher levels of androgens, often referred to as male hormones, than usual. This can interfere with the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. Higher androgen levels may also contribute to acne, excess facial or body hair and scalp hair thinning.

• Insulin Resistance: Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy. When cells become less responsive to insulin, the body may produce more insulin to compensate. Higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, which can further interfere with ovulation and contribute to other PCOD symptoms.

• Genetic Factors: PCOD tends to occur more often among women who have a close family member with the condition. This suggests that certain genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing PCOD, although having a family history does not mean that the condition will definitely develop.

• Weight And Metabolic Factors: Excess body weight and metabolic changes may be associated with PCOD and can contribute to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance. However, PCOD can affect women of different body weights, so weight alone does not cause the condition.

• Lifestyle Factors: Low physical activity and an unhealthy diet do not directly cause PCOD, but they may contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic changes that can worsen its symptoms. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can therefore form an important part of managing the condition.

What are the Symptoms of PCOD?

PCOD can affect women differently, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms or severity. Some women may notice changes in their menstrual cycle first, while others may seek medical advice because of skin, hair, weight or fertility concerns. Common symptoms of PCOD include:

• Irregular Periods: Hormonal changes can interfere with ovulation, causing periods to occur less often, become unpredictable or stop for several months. Some women may also experience heavier or longer periods when they do occur.

• Acne and Oily Skin: Higher androgen levels can increase oil production in the skin, which may lead to persistent acne, particularly on the face, chest or back.

• Excess Hair Growth: Increased androgen levels can cause coarse, dark hair to grow on areas such as the face, chest, abdomen or back. This is known as hirsutism.

• Hair Thinning: Hormonal changes may also contribute to thinning hair on the scalp, particularly around the crown or parting.

• Weight Changes: Some women with PCOD experience weight gain or find it difficult to lose weight. This can be associated with insulin resistance and other metabolic changes linked to the condition.

• Difficulty Conceiving: PCOD can interfere with regular ovulation, which may make it harder to become pregnant. However, having PCOD does not mean that pregnancy is not possible.

• Darkened Skin: Some women may develop darker, thicker patches of skin, particularly around the neck, underarms or groin. This can be associated with insulin resistance.

• Mood Changes: Hormonal and metabolic changes associated with PCOD may be linked with mood changes, anxiety or low mood in some women.

How Does PCOD Affect The Body?

PCOD involves hormonal and metabolic changes that can affect how the ovaries function and how the body responds to insulin. These changes can have effects beyond the symptoms that are visible or immediately noticeable, including:

Ovulation

PCOD can disrupt the normal process of ovulation. Higher androgen levels and altered hormone signalling can prevent ovarian follicles from developing and releasing an egg regularly. As a result, ovulation may become infrequent or absent, which can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.

Hormonal Balance

The hormonal changes associated with PCOD can affect the balance between androgens and the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Higher androgen levels can interfere with normal ovarian function, while changes in hormones involved in ovulation can make the menstrual cycle irregular.

Insulin Response

Many women with PCOD have some degree of insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond as effectively to insulin. The pancreas may compensate by producing more insulin. Higher insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, creating a cycle that can further disrupt ovulation.

Metabolic Health

The metabolic changes associated with PCOD can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The risk varies between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as family history, weight and physical activity.

Reproductive Health

Irregular ovulation can make conception more difficult because an egg may not be released consistently. However, PCOD does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. With appropriate management, many women with PCOD can conceive.

Overall Health

PCOD is not limited to menstrual or reproductive concerns. Over time, the associated hormonal and metabolic changes may increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Regular monitoring can help identify these risks early and address them appropriately.

PCOD and Fertility

PCOD can affect fertility mainly by causing irregular or absent ovulation, which means an egg may not be released regularly for fertilisation. This can make it harder to predict the fertile window and may increase the time it takes to conceive. However, PCOD does not mean infertility, and many women with the condition can become pregnant with appropriate management. If pregnancy does not occur, further fertility evaluation and treatment may be considered based on the individual's needs.

How is PCOD Diagnosed?

PCOD does not have a single test that can confirm the condition. A doctor usually considers the menstrual history, symptoms, physical findings and test results together, while also ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The diagnostic approach may include:

Medical History

The doctor asks about menstrual patterns, changes in weight, acne, excess hair growth, hair thinning and difficulty conceiving. A family history of PCOD or other hormonal conditions may also be considered.

Physical Examination

A physical examination may look for signs associated with hormonal changes, such as excess facial or body hair, acne, scalp hair thinning or darkened skin. Weight and blood pressure may also be checked as part of the overall assessment.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be used to assess hormone levels and identify hormonal imbalances. Tests may also check blood glucose and cholesterol levels to assess metabolic health. Additional tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound can examine the ovaries and uterus and may show multiple small follicles in the ovaries. It can also help rule out other structural causes of menstrual irregularities. An ultrasound finding alone does not confirm PCOD, so it is considered alongside the other clinical findings.

How is PCOD Treated?

Medical treatment for PCOD focuses on managing hormonal changes, regulating menstrual cycles, controlling symptoms and supporting ovulation when pregnancy is planned. Common medical approaches include:

Birth Control Pills

Hormonal birth control pills may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the effects of excess androgens. They can also help manage acne and unwanted hair growth and protect the lining of the uterus when periods are infrequent.

Insulin-Sensitising Medicines

Medicines that improve the body's response to insulin may be recommended for women with insulin resistance or certain metabolic concerns. They may also help improve menstrual regularity and ovulation in some women.

Anti-Androgen Medicines

These medicines help reduce the effects of excess androgens and may be used when symptoms such as unwanted facial or body hair, acne or scalp hair thinning are a concern. Medical supervision is important because some of these medicines are not suitable during pregnancy.

Ovulation Medicines

For women with PCOD who are trying to conceive, medicines that stimulate ovulation may help encourage the regular release of an egg. The choice of medicine depends on individual factors and the response to treatment.

Also Read: Understanding Bleeding During Pregnancy

Managing PCOD Through Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes can support hormonal balance, metabolic health and symptom management in women with PCOD. Some practical approaches include:

• Eat a  Balanced Diet: Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats in regular meals. Limit highly processed foods and foods high in added sugar to support healthy blood sugar levels.

• Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, support weight management and help regulate metabolic health. A combination of aerobic activities and strength training can be useful.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: For women who are overweight, even modest weight loss may help improve insulin sensitivity, menstrual regularity and ovulation. However, PCOD can affect women at different body weights, so weight management should focus on overall health.

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. A consistent sleep schedule can also support metabolic and hormonal health.

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can affect overall well-being and may make it harder to manage PCOD symptoms. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies and adequate rest can help manage stress.

Manage PCOD With Medical Guidance

PCOD can affect women differently, so its management depends on the symptoms, hormonal changes and health concerns involved. A gynaecologist can assess these factors and recommend appropriate treatment and lifestyle measures to help manage the condition over time. Consult a gynaecologist at Sterling Hospitals for an evaluation and guidance on managing PCOD.