Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD): A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, Psychological Impact, and Therapeutic Approaches

January 2025 in “ i-manager s Journal on Life Sciences ”

Sadhana Bondili

Polycystic Ovarian Disease hormonal imbalances insulin resistance alopecia Rotterdam criteria metabolic syndrome type 2 diabetes inositol supplementation PCOD hair loss inositol

Studysummary This review discusses PCOD's pathophysiology, clinical features, and management strategies but reports no new clinical findings, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalances, metabolic issues, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is a major cause of infertility and is linked to systemic and psychological complications, including anxiety and depression. The disorder's etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, insulin resistance, and environmental factors. Clinically, PCOD manifests as irregular menstruation, excessive hair growth, acne, alopecia, obesity, and infertility. Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, biochemical tests, and ultrasound imaging, with the Rotterdam criteria being widely used. If untreated, PCOD can lead to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and endometrial carcinoma. Management includes lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and assisted reproductive technologies, with emerging treatments like inositol supplementation showing promise. The review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and effective multidisciplinary management.

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