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”. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
Reference link: https://www.sterlinghospitals.com/blogs/pcod-symptoms-causes-diagnos is-treatment