One out of every 5 women in the world is suffering from PCOD. Polycystic Ovarian Disease AKA. PCOD is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affects the day-to-day life of a woman.
PCOD can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and even fertility issues. While PCOD may sound overwhelming to you. But the good news is that it can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and medical guidance.
Around 20% of women all around the world are suffering from undiagnosed PCOD. So, firstly, we all need to understand the symptoms so that we can further proceed with the diagnosis.
In this blog, we will understand in detail about PCOD, its causes, and symptoms, how we can cure it with lifestyle changes, and how it is different from PCOS.
What is PCOD?
Let’s understand this in Medical language. PCOD, or Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is a condition where the ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens (male hormones).
In layman language, Think of your ovaries as a finely tuned orchestra—when androgens (male hormones) start playing too loud, the entire hormonal symphony gets out of sync. In PCOD:
The Androgen Overdrive
Your ovaries pump out excess testosterone (yes, women produce it too!)
This hormonal traffic jam prevents eggs from maturing properly
The Cyst Situation
Immature eggs turn into tiny fluid-filled sacs (“cysts”)
These aren’t dangerous, but they’re like unwanted guests overstaying their welcome
The Domino Effect
→ Missed periods (your uterus keeps waiting for an egg that never shows up)
→ Unwanted hair growth (thank the androgens)
→ Blood sugar rollercoasters (thanks to insulin resistance in 70% of cases)
Key Insight: PCOD isn’t just an ovary issue—it’s a metabolic rebellion where your brain, pancreas, and ovaries stop communicating properly.
Good News? This isn’t a life sentence—it’s a manageable imbalance. With the right approach (diet, movement, stress hacks), many women reset their system within 6-12 months.
Symptoms of PCOD
The first step towards effectively managing PCOD is understanding the symptoms. The following are some common signs and symptoms that people with Polycystic Ovarian Disease go through.
Read all the points clearly and compare them with your own body symptoms. If you check even 2-3 points, chances are you might have PCOD:
- Having Irregular periods or absence of menstruation
- Excessively gained weight, especially around the abdomen
- Acne and oily skin
- Hair thinning or excessive hair growth on the face and body
- Fatigue and mood swingsDifficulty in getting pregnant
If you notice any of these 2-3 symptoms, you need to consult a doctor immediately for an early diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes of PCOD
Now the question arises, what causes PCOD? The exact cause of PCOD is still unknown. However, certain factors can be blamed for the contribution to its development:
- Genetics: The first reason could be genetics. If your mother or sister has PCOD, you may be at a higher risk of suffering from PCOD.
- Insulin Resistance: Another factor is high insulin levels. It can increase androgen production and lead to hormonal imbalances.
- Inflammation: Another cause can be Chronic inflammation in the body. As it may contribute to PCOD symptoms.
- Lifestyle Factors: And most importantly – Lifestyle factor. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress can worsen PCOD symptoms. If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, you are at high risk of PCOD.
PCOD vs. PCOS: What’s the Difference?
You might have heard of PCOS many times and misunderstood it for PCOD. However, both are different diseases. Though both conditions affect the ovaries, PCOD and PCOS have distinct characteristics:
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same battle. Here’s the real breakdown:
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Your ovaries throw immature parties (cysts) instead of releasing proper eggs
- Symptoms: Irregular periods, mild acne, stubborn weight
- Silver lining: Often manageable with lifestyle changes alone
- Reality check: 1 in 5 women have this (it’s common!)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Your entire endocrine system rebels like a hormonal mutiny
- Symptoms escalate to: Severe acne, male-pattern hair growth, insulin resistance
- Hidden risks: 3x higher diabetes risk, fertility challenges
- Key difference: Diagnosed only when you hit specific metabolic red flags
The Plot Twist
Many women are mislabeled with PCOD when they actually have PCOS – which is why proper testing (hormone panels + ultrasound) matters.
How to Manage PCOD Naturally
According to Medical science, as of now, PCOD cannot be completely cured. But the great news is, it can be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
And in simple language, lifestyle changes mean living an active and healthy lifestyle. The root cause of the development of PCOD in most cases is a sedentary lifestyle.
The following are some steps that are a must to cure PCOD :
Eat a Balanced Diet
You are what you eat. Any disease or discomfort that occurs in our body is mostly due to a poor diet. A healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOD. So, start with making healthy food choices.
- Include High-fiber foods like leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes in your everyday diet.
- Add Lean protein sources such as eggs, fish, and tofu
- Include Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil
- Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats
Exercise Regularly
PCOD can cause excessive weight gain and, in some cases, excessive weight loss. For a healthy, disease-free body, you need to have a healthy body weight and a healthy functioning body. Hence, exercising regularly is non-negotiable. Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight management. Try:
- Practice Yoga and Pilates for hormone balance
- Start doing Strength training for a metabolism boost
- Cardio exercises like brisk walking or swimming are a must.
PS: Some yoga poses are extremely crucial and helpful in the treatment of PCOD. Practice the Following asanas
- Marjari asan
- Vyghra Asana
- Surya Namaskar
- Pranayama
Manage Stress
Stress is the root cause of all diseases. And Chronic stress can worsen its symptoms. Start practicing stress-relieving activities like:
- Meditation and deep breathing
- Spending time in nature
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule- so you get proper 6-8 hours of sleep.
- Following a hobby
- Journalling
- Reading
- Self-love activities.
- Talking to loved ones.
Consider Medical Treatment
If your symptoms are extreme, doctors may prescribe birth control pills, hormonal therapy, or insulin-sensitizing medications to regulate periods and reduce symptoms. Follow the medications religiously.
Always and always consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication.
PCOD Diet Plan
Eating a well-balanced diet plays a key role in managing PCOD. Here’s a detailed diet plan to help regulate hormones and maintain overall health:
This is one form of a simple diet chart for the day, you can replace ingredients according to availability and taste.
Morning
- Start your day with Warm water with lemon or fenugreek seeds soaked overnight
- Then, Herbal tea (cinnamon, spearmint, or tulsi tea)
- With A handful of soaked almonds and walnuts
Breakfast
- Vegetable omelet with multigrain toast OR
- Chia seed pudding with almond milk and fresh berries OR
- Oats porridge with flaxseeds and nuts
Mid-Morning Snack
- A bowl of fresh fruits (papaya, kiwi, apples, or pomegranate) OR
- Coconut water OR
- A handful of pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Lunch
- Brown rice or quinoa with dal and a vegetable curry
- A bowl of salad with flaxseeds and lemon dressing
- Buttermilk or homemade curd (if tolerated well)
Evening Snack
- Roasted makhana or sprouts chaat
- Herbal tea or green tea
- A piece of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more)
Dinner
- Grilled paneer/tofu with sautéed vegetables OR
- Lentil soup with whole wheat chapati OR
- Quinoa Upma with nuts and veggies
Before Bed
- Have Turmeric milk with a pinch of cinnamon (If you can tolerate/are not lactose intolerant)
- Have chamomile tea. It will help you sleep better.
How to Manage PCOD Naturally (Ayurvedically)
Ayurvedic Treatment and the Moon Cycle
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, believes PCOD is completely reversible. Consuming the right kind of diet and changing certain lifestyle habits can bring about miraculous change.
Ayurveda believes that the moon has a significant influence on a woman’s menstrual cycle. Interestingly, when you see it this way, both the menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle last approximately 28 days.
And this ancient, age-old science of medication suggests a natural connection between the two. According to Ayurvedic principles, the moon’s energy influences hormonal balance. So, aligning your lifestyle with lunar phases may help regulate the menstrual cycle and hormone imbalance, and ease PCOD symptoms.
Here’s how you can sync your lifestyle with the moon :
- Drinking moon-charged water
- Start drinking moon-charged water. Leave water in a glass bottle under the moonlight overnight. And drink it in the morning to balance hormonal energy.
- Start practicing Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (left nostril breathing) to cool the body and reduce stress.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda approaches PCOD as a Kapha-Vata imbalance that disrupts hormonal harmony. The ancient system prescribes targeted herbal remedies and lifestyle shifts to restore equilibrium – Ashwagandha to lower stress hormones, Shatavari to nourish reproductive tissues, and cinnamon to improve insulin response.
A sattvic diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and bitter greens helps pacify aggravated doshas, while avoiding processed foods and dairy prevents further imbalance.
Regular detox with herbal teas and hydration supports the body’s cleansing mechanisms. Remember, Ayurvedic management requires patience and consistency – it’s not about quick fixes but gradually restoring the body’s innate intelligence through nature’s wisdom and daily rituals that honor your cyclical nature.
Ayurveda states that if we live an active lifestyle with certain foods included in our diet, we can reverse PCOD.
The following are some Ayurvedic approaches to managing PCOD:
Ayurvedic PCOD Management: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Hormonal Health
Turns out your grandma’s pantry holds powerful remedies for PCOD – when combined strategically. Here’s your researched-backed Ayurvedic toolkit:
The Heavy-Hitter Herbs (Backed by Science)
- Ashwagandha Churna – 1 tsp in warm milk at night cuts cortisol levels by 28% (2012 study)
- Shatavari Kalpa – The ultimate phytoestrogen regulator (take with ghee for absorption)
- Cinnamon Hack – 1/2 tsp in morning water improves insulin response within 8 weeks
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Shift
- Turmeric-Ginger Golden Milk – Blocks androgen receptors (2018 NCBI study)
- Bitter Greens Rotation – Fenugreek, neem leaves, amla – nature’s Metformin
- Ditch These Now – Packaged snacks (inflammatory oils), cold dairy (ama creator), ripened fruits (sugar spike)
Pro Tip: Cycle these supplements – 3 months on, 1 month off – to prevent adaptation. Track changes in your period tracker app.
The Real Game-Changer?
Combining these with 7 AM yoga (try Supta Baddha Konasana) and moon cycle-aware eating. Your great-grandmothers knew – hormones follow lunar rhythms.
Ayurvedic Medications:
Final Thoughts
That initial panic when you hear “PCOD”? We’ve all been there. But here’s the truth no one tells you upfront—this isn’t a dead end, it’s your body demanding better care. Think of it like a check-engine light; annoying but manageable. The game plan? Simple power moves:
Food as Medicine – Swap that packaged “diet” snack for whole foods (yes, ghee included)
Movement That Doesn’t Suck – Dance, yoga, even mall-walking counts
Doctor as Ally – Not a last resort, but your co-pilot
Pro Tip: Track symptoms like you stalk exes—with detached curiosity. Spot patterns early.
The Bright Side?
Women who crack their PCOD code often end up healthier than “normal” peers—because they learn to actually listen to their bodies.
Your Next Move:
Book that doctor’s appointment today.Stay informed, take care of your body!