PCOS & PCOD: Symptoms, Causes and How It's Diagnosed
Reviewed by Dr. Saraswathi Ramesh
M.B.B.S., M.D. (OBG), FMIS-Gynaecology
Fellowship in Urogynaecology, 35+ years' experience.
Arka Anugraha Hospital is a multispeciality and integrative hospital in JP Nagar, South Bengaluru, combining Dr. Saraswathi Ramesh’s 35+ years of obstetric and gynaecological practice, including minimally invasive gynaecological surgery (MIGS), with a full hospital ecosystem for diagnostics and surgical backup, including ultrasound imaging and hormone lab work under one roof.
Missed periods for months. Acne that will not clear up. Weight that climbs no matter what you try. If this sounds familiar, you may have already searched your symptoms and landed on two confusing terms, PCOS and PCOD, or been told that “everything looks normal” on a basic scan, even though your body is telling you otherwise.
At Arka Anugraha Hospital in JP Nagar, South Bengaluru, we believe a woman’s concerns about her own body deserve a proper look, not a quick dismissal. This guide explains what PCOS and PCOD are, the symptoms to watch for, what causes them, and how doctors reach a diagnosis you can trust.
What Is PCOS/PCOD?
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) are hormonal conditions in which the ovaries produce higher-than-usual levels of male hormones called androgens, which disrupts ovulation, the monthly release of an egg. This can lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries known as follicles or cysts. According to Mayo Clinic, PCOS is a common hormone problem affecting women during their reproductive years, and while there is no single cause, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, excess androgen, and heredity are all believed to play a role.
PCOS and PCOD are closely related terms, and Indian gynaecologists often use them somewhat interchangeably in daily practice. We cover the precise difference, and why it matters for fertility, further down this page.
Common Symptoms of PCOS and PCOD
The most common signs of PCOS and PCOD include irregular or missed periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, unexplained weight gain, and scalp hair thinning. Not every woman has every symptom. According to Cleveland Clinic, excess hair growth (called hirsutism) affects up to 70% of women with PCOS, and 40% to 80% also live with obesity or difficulty managing their weight.
- Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods (fewer than 8 to 9 a year, or cycles over 35 days), sometimes with heavy bleeding
- Acne along the jawline, chest, or back that persists past the teenage years
- Excess hair growth on the face, chin, chest, or abdomen (hirsutism)
- Thinning hair or hair loss from the scalp
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, that is hard to shift
- Darkened, velvety skin patches in body folds (acanthosis nigricans), linked to insulin resistance
- Small skin tags around the neck or underarm area
- Difficulty conceiving, due to irregular or absent ovulation
Some women live with PCOS for years undiagnosed because their symptoms are mild, or because they were told their tests were “normal.” At Arka Anugraha, we look at the full symptom picture, because a normal-looking scan does not always rule out a hormonal imbalance.
What Causes PCOS?
PCOS does not have one single cause. Most clinical evidence points to a combination of excess androgen production, insulin resistance, and inherited genetic factors. Understanding which plays the biggest role in your case, based on clinical evaluation, helps guide the right treatment.
Hormonal imbalance
In PCOS, the ovaries produce more androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) than usual. Mayo Clinic explains this hormonal shift interferes with the signals that trigger ovulation, which is why periods become irregular and why some women notice acne or extra hair growth.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance means the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar into cells for energy. The pancreas then makes more insulin, and Cleveland Clinic explains this excess insulin pushes the ovaries to produce more androgens, worsening symptoms and, over time, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Genetics and inflammation
PCOS tends to run in families. Cleveland Clinic notes that if your mother or sister has PCOS, you are more likely to develop it too, even though no single “PCOS gene” has been identified. Many women with PCOS also have chronic low-grade inflammation, which may itself encourage the ovaries to produce excess androgen, adding to the cycle.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria, which require at least two of three findings: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of excess androgen, and a polycystic appearance of the ovaries on ultrasound. A peer-reviewed analysis on NIH’s PubMed Central notes this approach, used since 2003, is the most widely accepted diagnostic standard worldwide, with prevalence estimates of 15% to 20% under these criteria, versus 7% to 12% under older, stricter NIH-only criteria.
A full diagnostic visit for PCOS or PCOD generally includes:
- A detailed history and physical exam: covering your cycle pattern, weight changes, family history, and visible signs like acne, excess hair, or skin changes.
- A pelvic exam: to check for any other cause of abnormal bleeding, as recommended by Cleveland Clinic.
- A hormone panel (blood tests): androgen, LH, and FSH levels, plus glucose or insulin to screen for insulin resistance, often alongside a thyroid test.
- A pelvic ultrasound: usually transvaginal, to check ovary size, follicle count, and uterine lining thickness.
PCOS vs PCOD: The Short Answer
PCOS is generally considered a broader hormonal and metabolic syndrome that can affect long-term health, including insulin resistance and weight, while PCOD more narrowly describes ovaries producing many immature eggs, which often responds well to lifestyle changes alone. In everyday practice across Indian clinics, the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, which adds to the confusion many patients feel. For a full breakdown of the terminology, the underlying biology, and what it means for your fertility, read our detailed guide:
PCOS vs PCOD: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Fertility
What Happens After Diagnosis
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is built around your goals, whether that means regulating your cycle, managing acne and hair growth, or planning for pregnancy. For many women, treatment begins with lifestyle changes and may include medication to regulate hormones or support ovulation, where clinically appropriate. In fewer cases, where a cyst or growth needs direct attention, minimally invasive surgery is an option.
For a full breakdown of medication, fertility support, and when surgery may be considered, read our detailed guide:
PCOS/PCOD Treatment in Bangalore: Options That Actually Work
If your evaluation shows a cyst, fibroid, or other growth that may need surgical attention, you can also learn more about laparoscopic fibroid and ovarian cyst surgery at Arka Anugraha Hospital.
To understand the full range of gynaecological and obstetric care available locally, visit our Obstetrics & Gynaecology Hospital in JP Nagar, Bangalore overview, or explore our approach to integrative women’s health, which combines medical treatment with root-cause, whole-body care where appropriate.
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If irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, or unexplained weight changes have you wondering whether PCOS or PCOD could be the cause, you don't have to figure it out alone. Share a few details through our short enquiry form, and our care coordinator will help you arrange the right first consultation with Dr. Saraswathi Ramesh, based on your symptoms and concerns.
Book a PCOS ConsultationA short conversation today can save months of uncertainty. If you're ready, book an appointment with a gynaecologist in JP Nagar, or contact Arka Anugraha Hospital with your questions. You can also learn more about Dr. Saraswathi Ramesh, her qualifications, and her 35+ years of experience in gynaecology, obstetrics, and urogynaecology before your visit.