🌸 Understanding PCOD: A Rising Women's Health Concern

What is PCOD? Definition & Diagnosis

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), often interchangeably called PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), is a hormonal disorder commonly affecting women of reproductive age. It disrupts ovulation, leads to irregular menstrual cycles, and causes the ovaries to develop multiple small cysts.

Key Diagnostic Criteria (Rotterdam Criteria):

To be diagnosed, two out of the following three must be present:

Irregular or absent menstrual periods (Oligo/anovulation)

Signs of excess androgens (e.g., acne, facial hair)

Polycystic ovaries are seen on ultrasound

Additional tests often include:

Blood tests for hormone levels (LH, FSH, insulin, testosterone)

Pelvic ultrasound

Screening for thyroid or prolactin abnormalities

How Many Are Affected? Global & Country-wise Prevalence

🌍 Global Insights

Global prevalence: ~9.2% of women aged 15–49

Varies by diagnostic criteria:

NIH: 5.5%

Rotterdam: 11.5%

AES: 7.1%

🌏 Country Highlights

Highest prevalence:

Italy: ~3979 per 100,000

Japan: ~3105

New Zealand: ~2789

Lowest:

Albania: ~93

North Macedonia: ~94

Bosnia & Herzegovina: ~94

🇮🇳 India & South Asia

India reports higher than global averages:

Up to 20% of women, especially urban and young populations 🔥

Average: 11.3%, with studies ranging 3.7–22.5%

High burden is also seen in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan 🔥

What Are the Risks & Complications?

PCOD is not just about missed periods—it affects multiple systems in the body.

⚠️ Common Symptoms

Irregular periods or no periods at all

Excess facial/body hair (hirsutism)

Acne, oily skin, and hair thinning

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

💔 Complications

⚠️Fertility issues: anovulation leading to infertility

⚠️Metabolic syndrome: insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes

⚠️Cardiovascular risks: high cholesterol, hypertension

⚠️Endometrial cancer: due to unopposed estrogen

⚠️Pregnancy complications: miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia

⚠️Mental health: anxiety, depression, body image issues

⚠️Sleep disorders: sleep apnea and poor sleep quality

How Is PCOD Treated?

There is no single cure, but it is manageable through a personalised approach.

🥗 Lifestyle Modifications (First-line)

Weight loss (5–10%) improves hormonal balance, ovulation, and insulin sensitivity

Balanced diet: low-glycemic index foods, rich in fibre, protein, healthy fats

Regular exercise: brisk walking, yoga, strength training

Stress management: meditation, adequate sleep

💊 Medications

Oral contraceptive pills: regulate cycles and reduce androgenic symptoms

Metformin: improves insulin sensitivity

Anti-androgens: spironolactone, finasteride for excess hair/acne

Fertility drugs: clomiphene citrate, letrozole to induce ovulation

🧬 Advanced Treatments

Ovarian drilling: for medication-resistant cases

IVF: When other fertility methods fail

Bariatric surgery: in cases of morbid obesity

❤️ Supportive Measures

Hair removal treatments

Skin care for acne

Counselling for emotional well-being

Vitamin D and supplements as needed

✅ Summary

PCOD is a complex but treatable condition affecting millions of women globally. Early detection and a holistic management plan involving lifestyle changes, medications, and emotional support can drastically improve a woman's quality of life and fertility outcomes.

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