PCOD and PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, Natural Solutions for Hormonal Balance

PCOD and PCOS are among the most common hormonal disorders affecting women today. Yet, they’re often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or used interchangeably, even though they’re quite different in their effects on the body. Both disrupt hormonal balance and reproductive health, but the intensity, symptoms, and long-term effects vary. Understanding these differences is the first step to managing them effectively.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a functional ovarian disorder where the ovaries produce partially mature eggs that can form small cysts. Androgen levels may be mildly elevated, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and hair changes. PCOD is often influenced by lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress, or lack of exercise. Fertility is usually not severely affected, and natural conception is possible with lifestyle adjustments.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a more serious endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting the entire hormonal system. High androgen levels interfere with ovulation, causing eggs to remain trapped as cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, weight gain, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Fertility can be affected due to disrupted ovulation, and symptoms are often more pronounced than in PCOD.

In short:

• PCOD is more common and manageable.

• PCOS is a deeper hormonal and metabolic imbalance that needs long-term attention.

  

Though the symptoms overlap, their severity differs. Some women may have mild PCOD symptoms, while others with PCOS face more pronounced metabolic and reproductive issues.

• Irregular or absent periods

• Heavy or scanty bleeding during menstruation

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)

• Persistent acne and oily skin

• Hair thinning or hair loss on the scalp

• Fatigue and mood swings

• Difficulty conceiving

• Dark, velvety skin patches (a sign of insulin resistance)

If two or more of these symptoms persist for months, consulting a gynaecologist is suggested, and a hormonal profile and pelvic ultrasound are done.

While genetics play a role, PCOD and PCOS are largely triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors:

• High stress levels: Stress increases cortisol, which disrupts ovulation and hormonal balance.

• Poor diet: Excess sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods spike insulin and androgen levels.

• Sedentary habits: Lack of movement worsens insulin resistance.

• Sleep disturbances: Poor sleep affects reproductive and metabolic hormones.

• Environmental toxins: Endocrine disruptors from plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics can mimic hormones and cause an imbalance.

While medical supervision is essential, the foundation of recovery lies in lifestyle correction.

While medical guidance is important, true healing begins with understanding your body and restoring balance, something both Ayurveda and modern integrative therapies emphasise. PCOD and PCOS are not just hormonal disorders; they’re signs of deeper imbalances in metabolism, digestion, and stress regulation. By combining the wisdom of Ayurveda with mindful lifestyle choices, women can manage symptoms more effectively and support long-term hormonal harmony.

Food acts as medicine, directly influencing hormonal rhythm and overall metabolism. A balanced, low-glycemic diet rich in whole grains, millets, lentils, and leafy greens helps stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Healthy fats such as sesame seeds, flaxseeds, ghee, avocado, and nuts nourish hormone production, while protein-rich foods like paneer, legumes, and sprouts support steady energy levels and improved insulin balance. Refined sugar, processed foods, and excess dairy tend to aggravate Kapha and promote inflammation, so they are best kept minimum. Herbal teas made with spearmint, cinnamon, or fenugreek gently lower androgen levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, promoting hormonal harmony.

Staying active helps regulate energy and improve insulin sensitivity. A mix of movement and mindfulness works best around 30-45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming, which keeps metabolism balanced. Strength training aids fat metabolism, while yoga helps calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels. Movements that ground the body while strengthening it bring both physical and emotional stability.

Sleep is when the body resets hormonal equilibrium, and irregular sleep patterns can worsen insulin resistance and mood fluctuations. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, sleeping early, and avoiding screens at least half an hour before bedtime support better rest. 

Ayurvedic rituals like Abhyanga, a warm oil massage before bed, relax the nervous system and encourage deeper, restorative sleep. It can be deeply restorative for women with PCOD and PCOS. Traditionally done with sesame oil, this practice improves circulation, balances Vata dosha, and soothes an overactive nervous system. The warmth of the oil calms stress hormones, helping the body move from a “fight or flight” state into one of repair and rest. Regular Abhyanga also supports lymphatic drainage, helping flush out toxins that burden hormonal and metabolic pathways.

Managing stress is essential, as it silently disrupts reproductive and metabolic balance. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with hormonal function, making symptom management more difficult. Simple mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, or time in nature help regulate stress. Morning sunlight exposure supports melatonin and reproductive hormone balance. Natural cannabinoid-based medications can also aid relaxation, improve sleep quality, and regulate the body’s endocannabinoid system, an internal network that plays a key role in managing stress, mood, and reproductive health.

Gut health deeply influences hormonal balance. A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, metabolism, and detoxification, which are all essential for managing PCOS. Including fermented foods such as curd, kanji, or homemade pickles, along with fibre-rich ingredients like oats, bananas, and greens, strengthens the gut ecosystem. Avoiding processed foods and unnecessary antibiotics helps maintain healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Both PCOD and PCOS remind us to pause, realign, and care for the body with patience. With consistent habits like nourishing food, mindful movement, adequate rest, and stress management, our hormonal health can gradually be restored. Healing is not about strict rules or temporary fixes but about creating a lifestyle that respects the body’s natural rhythm. When balance is nurtured through awareness and consistency, the body finds its way back to harmony.

Read More:

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• The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Dysmenorrhoea

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