• Execise Daily

    Execise Daily to keep your self fit and strong

  • Say NO to Junk Food

    Eat Clean and stay fit and healthy

  • Follow Three E’s to stay healthy and fit

    1-.Eating Right 2-Exercise Regularly. 3-Everyday active.

Thursday, 23 October 2025

What Is Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)?

By  at 22:27:00  ,  No comments

What is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)?


PCOD, also called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder affecting 6–13% of women of reproductive age globally, with prevalence rising in recent decades. It is characterized by:

  • Hormonal imbalance (high androgens)
  • Irregular ovulation or anovulation
  • Multiple small cysts on ovaries

What-is-PCOD
What-is-PCOD
PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is linked to long-term health risks such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Alarmingly, up to 70% of cases remain undiagnosed worldwide.



Global Trends and Burden

  • PCOS prevalence has increased by nearly 60% over the last three decades, with projections indicating further growth through 2036.
  • Economic impact: In the U.S., annual healthcare costs exceed \$4.36 billion, and lifetime management costs average \$22,000 per patient.
  • Quality of life: 40–60% of women with PCOS report anxiety or depression, and up to 50% experience relationship strain.


Causes of PCOD

Causes-of-PCOD
Causes-of-PCOD
PCOS is multifactorial:

  • Genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers
  • Insulin resistance (present in up to 70% of cases) leading to excess androgen production
  • Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, and stress exacerbate symptoms


Symptoms

Common signs include:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Excess facial/body hair (hirsutism)
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Hair thinning on scalp
  • Dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
  • Infertility
  • Mood changes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances


Diagnosis

There is no single test for PCOS. Diagnosis uses Rotterdam criteria, requiring two of:

  1. Irregular ovulation
  2. Clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism
  3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Tests include:

  • Blood work (androgens, LH/FSH ratio, glucose, lipids)
  • Ultrasound
  • Medical history review


Complications

Untreated PCOS can lead to:

  • Type 2 diabetes (risk up to 4x higher)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Pregnancy complications (miscarriage risk 30–50% higher)


Mental Health Impact

  • Depression and anxiety affect 40–60% of women with PCOS
  • Increased risk of eating disorders (3–6 times higher)
  • Social stigma and body image issues worsen psychological burden


Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
Diet-and-Lifestyle-Recommendations
Diet-and-Lifestyle-Recommendations

Evidence-based strategies:

  • Low-GI diet: Whole grains, legumes, vegetables
  • Mediterranean diet: Anti-inflammatory, improves insulin sensitivity
  • Lean protein and omega-3 fats (fish, nuts, seeds)
  • Vitamin D optimization
  • Avoid refined carbs, sugary drinks, processed foods
  • Exercise: 150 min/week of aerobic + resistance training improves insulin sensitivity and ovulation
  • Stress management: Yoga, mindfulness, adequate sleep


Fertility Outcomes

  • Lifestyle changes restore ovulation in many cases
  • Letrozole is now preferred over clomiphene for ovulation induction
  • IVF success rates: ~42% live birth rate in PCOS patients
  • Bariatric surgery improves fertility in obese PCOS cases



References