Series 1: Understanding PCOS: What It Is, How It Differs from PCOD & Why It Matters

If you’ve heard terms like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) tossed around, you’re not alone, especially in busy urban zones like Noida and Greater Noida. But what exactly do these conditions describe, how do they differ, and just how common are they in India?             

Source: Gleneagles Hospital

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting women of reproductive age. It’s characterised by irregular or absent menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels (male-type hormones), and often ovaries with multiple small follicles. The World Health Organization estimates PCOS affects around 6%–13% of women in this age group globally. In India, recent meta-analyses show pooled prevalence figures of about 11% (using Rotterdam diagnostic criteria) across multiple studies. Urban data from Delhi-NCR noted a prevalence as high as 17.4% among young adult women aged 18–25.

PCOS vs PCOD: What’s the Difference?

The terms PCOS and PCOD are sometimes used interchangeably, but medically, there’s nuance. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) India, PCOD is considered a broader concept where the ovaries become “polycystic” (many small cyst-like follicles) and can lead to menstrual irregularities; PCOS, on the other han,d includes the full spectrum of hormonal imbalance, metabolic consequences and ovulation dysfunction. In short, PCOD may describe the ovarian appearance plus menstrual issues, while PCOS refers to the syndrome involving hormonal, metabolic and ovarian changes.

How Common Is This in India, Especially in Noida & Greater Noida?

While nationwide studies vary, ranging from 3.7% to 22.5% depending on diagnostic criteria and population studied. In fast-urbanising zones like Noida and Greater Noida, the lifestyles tend to increase risk factors: sedentary jobs, easy availability of processed food and stress and disturbed sleep. A recent Delhi-NCR study found 17.4% prevalence among women aged 18 to 25. Though district-level data for Noida and Greater Noida specifically may be limited, the broader NCR statistics highlight that this is very much a local concern.

Why It Matters

PCOS isn’t just about irregular periods. It’s linked to infertility, higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular issues and obesity. In India’s growing urban middle class, where diet, stress and lifestyle shifts are visible, recognising PCOS early becomes critical.

Stay tuned for Series 2: Where we’ll dive into what problems happen because of PCOS.And, don’t miss Series 3: We’ll explore how to tackle PCOS through diet, lifestyle and meaningful steps for urban Indian women.

Sources:

Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Genetics & Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in India, National Library of Medicine.