Correlation of Clinical Features and Hormonal Assessment in Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Disease on Ultrasonography

A defining feature of PCOD is its association with insulin resistance, which is believed to exacerbate hyperandrogenism.11 Insulin resistance is seen in a significant proportion of women with PCOD, contributing to the development of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.12,13 These IntroductIonPolycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), a subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age worldwide.1 Characterized by a combination of hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, PCOD is a multifaceted condition with diverse clinical presentations and significant long-term health implications, including infertility, metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.2,3 The heterogeneity in its clinical presentation poses diagnostic challenges, as not all women exhibit the full spectrum of symptoms.4 However, ultrasonography plays a critical role in identifying the hallmark polycystic morphology of the ovaries, providing a cornerstone for diagnosis in combination with clinical and biochemical evaluations.5 Over the last few decades, research on PCOD has evolved significantly, revealing a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.6 At its core, PCOD is marked by dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which results in an imbalance of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), along with elevated levels of androgens such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).7,8 This hormonal disruption not only leads to menstrual irregularities and ovulatory dysfunction but also contributes to other clinical manifestations such as hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia.9,10