Can thin women get PCOD? Gynecologists share symptoms of lean PCOD: Dark Skin Patch, Oily Skin

Polycystic is one of the hormonal disorders that affects many women of menstruation. According to a February 2025 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS affects at least 6–13 percent of women of breeding-class. But they are just official diagnosis numbers, as at least 70 percent of women are uncontrolled globally, they are unaware that they may have PCOS. This shows how PCOS, PCOD -like breeding, metabolic disorders are such an extent in women.

Also read: Doctors share diet tips for women with PCOS that better manage symptoms and breeding issues

One reason is that these disorders sometimes appear in different ways. Typically, suffering from overweight or obesity is associated with pcod. In fact, it is also seen as one of the signs. But not all cases can be the same, as thin women can also have PCOD.

To understand this unique form of PCOD, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, Ujj’s advisor gynecologist Dr. Tejal Kanwar told HT lifestyle more about it. In fact, a name is associated with it, called ‘lean PCOD’, indicating that it is not an discrepancy, but the medical formally recognized variation of this condition.

Sharing its own clinical experiences and busting normal stereotypes around the pcod, he said, “Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD) is often associated with weight gain or obesity. Still, many women who are also with lean or ‘general’ weight also with PCOD, often do not fit for PC.” The reproductive plan disrupts, and even long -term metabolic health can damage.

Why thin women can have pcod

The gynecologist said that PCOD is not caused by overweight, but due to hormonal and metabolic issues. He called it ‘hormonal and metabolic disease’.

Dr. Kanwar further explained, “Genetics is important for lean women because a family history of metabolic syndrome or PCOD can increase their risk. Even with low body fat, insulin resistance can still develop because lean PCOD patients may have reduced muscle insulin sensitivity or intestinal fat.”

Hormonal imbalance increases further due to both internal and external conditions. He said, “hormone imbalance can be made worse by environment and lifestyle factors, such as exposure to chemicals that disrupt the hormones, disrupt sleep deficiency and ongoing stress.”

Symptoms of lean PCOD

However, a major weight gain may not occur, which usually becomes one of the teltel signals, but Dr. The conward urged to focus on these signs:

• Missed or irregular period: The cycle can be completely abandoned or may be longer than 35 days.
• Oily skin and acne: Adult acne, especially around the jaw, is a common indicator.
• Hirsutism: The chin, the upper lip, the excess hair on the chest or abdomen is known as Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Hi Puritism.
• Scalp Thinning: Widening part line or spreading hair loss.
• Infertility: Even with a normal BMI, irregular ovulation can cause infertility issues.
• Dark Skin Patch: Some women replaced lipid profiles, ethnosis monitoring (dark skin patches), or mild insulin resistance.

how to manage?

Since weight management is not applicable here, how do you manage? According to a gynecologist, you need to manage hormones and metabolism. He suggested these 4 tips:

1. Repeated cycle and hormone level monitoring: Even when BMI seems normal, check the pattern of menstruation with lipid profiles, thyroids, insulin and androgens.
2. Low-GI, balanced diet: Give preference to whole grains, lean proteins (legumes, chicken), high-fiber vegetables and healthy fats. It is clear about severe diet or skipping of food, as they can increase hormone imbalance.
3. Regular exercise for 150-300 minutes per week: Target for 150-300 minutes per week per week that adds strength and cardio training. While medium cardio supports overall metabolism, power training increases insulin sensitivity. Explain excessive exercise as it can throw cycles.
4. Stress and Sleep Management: Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and good sleep hygiene all help promote ovulation and reduce cortisol.

Because there are more serious issues around infertility and even otherwise, Dr. Kanwar suggested a gynecologist or endocrinologist to discuss treatments such as insulin sensitaries (such as metformin), ovulation induction drugs, or hirsutism and skincare for acne.

Finally, Dr. Kanwar clearly warned that PCOD is not just a weight issue. It is a complex difference of hormones, genetics and metabolism.

Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.