What Is PCOD and How It Affects Female Fertility – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Explained
- EMC Cradle Hospital
- July 8, 2025
What is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women today. Even yet, there are still lots of misunderstandings about it, particularly when it comes to fertility. If you’re struggling with irregular periods, acne, weight gain, or difficulty conceiving, It might be a silent factor.
It’s important to note that PCOD is different from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)—though the terms are often used alternate. It is generally less severe and more related to lifestyle, while PCOS is classified as an endocrine disorder and may have a stronger hormonal and metabolic impact.
⚠️ Causes of PCOD
Hormonal Imbalance: One of the most prominent features of PCOD is an imbalance in reproductive hormones. Women with PCOD often produce higher levels of androgens (such as testosterone), which can interfere with the development and release of eggs. This imbalance can prevent ovulation and contribute to acne, facial hair growth, and scalp hair thinning.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps the body absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. In PCOD, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, prompting the pancreas to produce more. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening hormonal imbalance. Insulin resistance also leads to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, which further aggravates the condition.
Genetics: There’s strong evidence to suggest a genetic link in PCOD. If your mother or sister has PCOD, you’re more likely to develop it. However, genetic predisposition often requires lifestyle or environmental triggers to activate the condition.
Lifestyle Factors: A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, high stress levels, and disrupted sleep can all contribute to the onset or worsening of PCOD symptoms. These factors also exacerbate insulin resistance and inflammation, which in turn increase androgen levels.
Common Symptoms of PCOD
PCOD presents differently in each woman, but some symptoms are common and often overlap with other hormonal conditions. Recognizing these signs early can help in timely diagnosis and management.
1. Irregular or Missed Periods: This is often the first noticeable symptom. Due to lack of regular ovulation, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular, prolonged, or even absent for months at a time. Some women may have very heavy bleeding when periods do occur.
2. Acne and Oily Skin: Elevated androgen levels increase sebum (oil) production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne, especially on the face, chest, and upper back.
3. Weight Gain: Many women with PCOD find it hard to lose weight and tend to gain weight easily, especially around the belly. This is primarily due to insulin resistance and a slower metabolism.
4. Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Due to higher male hormone levels, women may develop coarse, dark hair on the face, chest, stomach, or back. This can be distressing and affect self-esteem.
5. Hair Thinning or Hair Loss: While facial/body hair increases, scalp hair may thin out due to the same hormonal imbalances. Some women may experience patterns similar to male baldness.
6. Infertility: Because of irregular ovulation or complete lack of ovulation, women with PCOD may struggle to conceive. Fertility issues are one of the main reasons women get diagnosed with PCOD.
7. Mood Changes: Many women with PCOD report mood swings, anxiety, or even depression. Hormonal imbalances and the physical symptoms themselves (such as weight gain and acne) can impact emotional health.
How PCOD Affects Female Fertility
Irregular Ovulation and Anovulation:
With PCOD, women don’t ovulate regularly – or at all. This lack of ovulation (anovulation) means there’s no egg to fertilize, reducing the chances of natural conception. Even if ovulation does occur, it’s often unpredictable.
Hormonal Imbalance and Its Impact on Fertility:
PCOD causes excess production of androgens (male hormones), which interferes with the development and release of eggs. This imbalance can also affect luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to poor egg quality.
Endometrial Dysfunction and Poor Egg Quality: Because of irregular cycles, the endometrial lining (where the embryo implants) often becomes either too thin or too thick. This makes implantation difficult. Also, prolonged hormonal imbalance can reduce egg viability, making fertilization less likely.
🩺Can You Still Get Pregnant with PCOD?
Yes! Many women with PCOD conceive naturally or with medical support. The key is to manage the underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances.
1. Fertility Treatments
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): May be recommended if ovulation is restored but pregnancy doesn’t happen naturally.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Suitable for women who don’t respond to medications or have other complicating fertility issues. PCOD women may produce many eggs but need close monitoring to avoid complications like OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome).
2. Lifestyle Modifications:
Weight Loss: Losing even 5–10% of body weight can restore regular ovulation in many women.
Diet: A low-glycemic, high-fiber diet helps manage insulin levels.
Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, boosts metabolism, and helps balance hormones.
When to See a Doctor?
If you notice missed periods, weight gain, acne, or hair changes, it’s time to consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist. Early detection leads to better management, improved fertility, and prevention of long-term health risks. Our experienced doctors are here to guide you every step of the way — from conception to delivery. Call Now to Book Your Appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PCOD affects fertility mainly by disrupting ovulation. If ovulation does not happen regularly or at all:
No egg is released for fertilization
Hormonal imbalances can affect the uterine lining, making implantation difficult
Egg quality may be compromised due to insulin resistance and inflammation
These factors reduce the chances of conception naturally.
Yes, many women with PCOD conceive naturally with proper lifestyle changes and ovulation monitoring.
While often used interchangeably, PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are not exactly the same.
PCOD is a condition where the ovaries release many immature eggs that develop into cysts. It’s more common and considered a lifestyle-related issue.
PCOS is a more severe metabolic and endocrine disorder with broader health implications including insulin resistance, inflammation, and higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Both can cause fertility issues, but PCOS usually has more systemic effects.
Early signs of PCOD include:
Irregular or missed periods
Sudden or unexplained weight gain
Acne, oily skin, or excessive hair growth (face, chest, back)
Difficulty getting pregnant
Thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp
If you experience 2 or more of these consistently, consult a gynecologist for evaluation.
Diagnosis involves a combination of:
Blood tests: To check hormone levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, insulin, AMH)
Ultrasound scan: To identify polycystic ovaries (multiple immature follicles)
Medical history: Irregular cycles, symptoms of high androgens, etc.
Doctors typically use the Rotterdam Criteria — diagnosis is made if 2 of the following are present:
Irregular periods
Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
Elevated androgen levels
There is no permanent “cure” for PCOD, but it can be very effectively controlled. Many women with PCOD lead healthy lives, conceive successfully, and manage symptoms well with the right care. Early intervention and consistent habits are key.