Medically Accurate · Gynaecologist Reviewed

Understanding
PCOS & PCOD

A complete guide to one of the most common yet most misunderstood hormonal conditions, symptoms, causes, diet, exercise and mental health support.

👩

1 in 10

Women affected

🔬

PCOS types

📚

Topics covered

✅

Symptoms listed

🌸

PCOS vs PCOD

1 / 7

Understanding

PCOS vs PCOD, What's the Difference?

Both conditions involve the ovaries but have different severity, root causes and long-term implications.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOD

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

What it is

A hormonal & metabolic syndrome

Ovaries produce immature eggs

Root cause

Insulin resistance, inflammation, genetics

Hormonal imbalance, diet, stress

Hormone impact

High androgens, elevated LH, low FSH

Mild androgen elevation

Fertility

Often affects ovulation & conception

Rarely impacts fertility

Severity

Chronic, managed, not cured

Often reversible with lifestyle

Prevalence

~10% of reproductive-age women

~20–30% at some point

The 4 Types of PCOS

Identifying your type guides the most effective treatment approach.

🍬

Insulin-Resistant PCOS

Estimated prevalence: ~70%

Most common type. Cells don't respond to insulin properly, elevated insulin drives the ovaries to produce excess androgens.

🔥

Inflammatory PCOS

Estimated prevalence: ~30%

Chronic low-grade inflammation stimulates adrenal glands and ovaries to overproduce androgens, disrupting the hormonal axis.

⚡

Adrenal PCOS

Estimated prevalence: ~10%

The adrenal gland produces excess DHEAS (a stress-related androgen). Elevated cortisol from chronic stress is a key driver.

💊

Post-Pill PCOS

Estimated prevalence: ~15%

Temporary PCOS-like symptoms after stopping combined oral contraceptives. Typically resolves within 3–6 months as hormones self-regulate.

🩺

When to Get Diagnosed

PCOS is diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria, you need at least 2 of 3: irregular periods, elevated androgens (blood test or symptoms), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. A gynaecologist will also test LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEAS, insulin, thyroid and prolactin levels to rule out other conditions.