PCOS and PCOD have become more common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. If a woman is experiencing irregular periods or no periods, there could be a chance she has PCOS or PCOD. There is a growing rate of women diagnosed with PCOD and PCOS in today’s age, but many still don’t know the difference between these hormonal disorders.

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is considered a reproductive disorder that causes hormonal imbalance in the body leading to a cluster of symptoms. It affects many women of reproductive age and is characterised by androgens and estrogen, insulin resistance and irregular menstrual cycles. Women can often experience abnormal hair growth, acne, and a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes when they have PCOS. Around the world, one in every 10 women is likely to suffer from PCOS, but a high number of Asians manifest at least one symptom of PCOS.

The old name i.e., ‘PCOD’ was derived from the necklace-like pattern seen while getting an ultrasound and was considered to be a disease. ‘It happens when the ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs rather than regular mature eggs, which can develop into cysts (little sacks filled with fluid). We now know that this appearance is part of a syndrome or group of symptoms that make up PCOS,’ Dr Rajeev Agarwal, IVF specialist & Medical Director at Renew Healthcare, told IndiaToday.in.

PCOS is also related to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, it is related to genetic and environmental factors.

How is PCOS diagnosed? Dr