Ok first of all, if you’re googling PCOD symptoms, it probably means you’re worried something’s not right with your body. Maybe your periods are acting weird, or you’re gaining weight suddenly, or maybe someone said “you probably have PCOD” and now you’re in panic mode
Don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. But ya, it is something you should pay attention to. Let’s talk in simple language. No too much doctor words, just real talk.
What is PCOD Again?
So PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It’s not exactly a disease-disease but more like a hormonal disorder. Basically, your ovaries start producing too many immature eggs, and they form tiny cysts. That messes with your periods and hormones.
Not same as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) exactly, but kinda similar. Some ppl use the words interchangely. PCOS is usually more severe tho. PCOD is more common, specially in teens and young women nowdays.
So How Do You Know If You Have PCOD?
Good question. Honestly, every girl doesn’t get the same symptoms. Some have just 1–2, some get more. Here’s a list of the common ones:
1. Irregular Periods
This is the most common symptom. Your cycle gets all over the place. Like you might get period once in 2 months, or suddenly after 15 days, or skip for months. Sometimes very light, sometimes super heavy bleeding.
It’s coz ovulation isn’t happening properly. No ovulation = no regular period.
2. Weight Gain (Especially Around Belly)
You’ll notice your tummy gets big even if you’re not eating junk. And even if you diet and workout, weight is just stubborn af
Insulin resistance is usually behind this – it makes your body store more fat.
3. Acne & Oily Skin
If you’re breaking out like crazy (not just before period but like all the time), it might be PCOD. Hormones like androgens go high and cause this.
Even if you didn’t have acne in teenage, you might get it in 20s due to PCOD.
4. Hair Fall or Thinning Hair
This one hurts. Hair starts falling more than usual. And sometimes you’ll see thinning around parting area or scalp becomes visible. Feels so bad honestly.
Again – blame hormones.
5. Excess Facial or Body Hair (Hirsutism)
You might notice more hair on chin, upper lip, chest, stomach or arms. Not peach fuzz, but like dark thick hair.
This happens because of increased male hormones (androgens) in body.
6. Mood Swings / Anxiety / Depression
Your mood gets messed up. You feel irritated, low, angry – even without any reason. This one’s hard to explain but if you know, you know
Hormones affect your brain too, not just body.
7. Dark Patches On Skin
Some girls get dark, velvety patches on neck, underarms, thighs – it’s called Acanthosis Nigricans. Happens due to insulin resistance.
8. Difficulty in Getting Pregnant
PCOD messes with ovulation, so if you’re trying for baby and it’s not happening – PCOD could be one reason. Doesn’t mean u can’t get pregnant tho. Many women with PCOD have healthy pregnancies with right treatment.
Other Possible Signs
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Cravings for sugar or carbs
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Low energy or feeling tired all the time
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Trouble sleeping sometimes
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Headaches or bloating
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Breast tenderness before period
But remember, not all of these means u have PCOD. Best is to go for proper checkup.
How Do Doctors Confirm It?
If you go to gynecologist, they’ll probably:
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Ask about your periods and symptoms
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Do pelvic ultrasound to check ovaries
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Recommend blood tests to check hormone levels (testosterone, insulin, FSH, LH etc.)
Based on that they’ll say if it’s PCOD or not.
Can PCOD Be Cured?
Not “cured” exactly, but managed very well. It’s more like a lifestyle disorder. If u change ur habits, symptoms get better, periods become regular again, weight comes under control.
Here’s what helps:
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Regular exercise (even walking daily helps)
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Eating less sugar, fried food, processed stuff
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Sleep on time (don’t scroll phone till 2am )
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Stress control (easier said than done, ikr)
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Some medicines like metformin, birth control (only if doc says)
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Herbal / ayurveda also helps some ppl (talk to proper expert tho)
What Happens If You Ignore PCOD?
Tbh lot of girls just live with it without doing anything. But long-term, it can lead to problems like:
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Infertility (if not treated)
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Diabetes (type 2)
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High cholesterol
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High BP
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Depression or low confidence
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Endometrial issues (because of no regular periods)
So better to catch it early and take care of it. Don’t be scared, just be informed.
PCOD & Mental Health
This part is imp. So many girls with PCOD feel low, anxious, ugly, tired all the time. Society puts so much pressure on looks + marriage + weight + babies – it’s exhausting.
But remember, you’re not broken. Your body is just trying to tell u something. And you’re not alone. 1 in 5 women have PCOD nowdays. Talk to someone. Don’t keep it inside.
Final Thoughts
So ya, PCOD is real. And it sucks sometimes. But also – you can control it. It doesn’t have to control you. Don’t wait for things to get worse. If you’re noticing the signs – like weight issues, period problems, acne, hair fall – go see a doctor, get tested, and start small changes.
Even fixing sleep + sugar + walking 30 mins daily can show difference in 2–3 months. Be kind to yourself. Healing takes time.
And also – talk about it. Share your story. The more we speak, the less alone other girls feel.