Difference Between PCOS and PCOD

PCOD vs PCOS

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PCOS vs. PCOD. There is a lot of debate regarding these two issues. Many people think they are the same and use them interchangeably in many references. At the same time, there are others who argue that both are different and have different effects on a woman’s body.

So, are they the same or different? If they are different, what are the common signs and symptoms of the two conditions? Continue reading to learn all about PCOD and PCOS and their effects on the female body.

What is PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder) is a condition where the ovaries produce several immature or partially mature eggs. These immature eggs develop into cysts in the ovaries.

This causes the ovaries to enlarge and secrete large amounts of male reproductive hormones (androgens). These hormones lead to issues like irregular periods, sudden weight gain, infertility, etc.

PCOS

On the other hand, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic disorder where the ovaries secrete more androgens, forming cysts. This can prevent the ovaries from producing mature eggs and cause anovulation.

PCOS is more severe than PCOD. Common symptoms include hair loss, obesity, irregular or no periods, infertility, etc.

PCOD and PCOS Difference

PCOD PCOS
PCOD occurs when the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs, leading to the formation of cysts.
PCOS is a metabolic disorder where ovaries secrete high levels of androgen, leading to excess formation of cysts.
Almost one-third of women in the world have PCOD.
PCOS is a less common issue and affects fewer women than PCOD.
PCOD does not secrete as many male hormones.
PCOS leads to excess secretion of male hormones.
With the proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle improvements, PCOD can be improved.
PCOS cannot be cured. However, the symptoms can be managed through proper medication and lifestyle changes.
Women with PCOD can still ovulate regularly and become pregnant.
Women with PCOS do not ovulate and have difficulty getting pregnant due to hormonal issues.
PCOD does not lead to any serious complications.
PCOS can lead to serious complications like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, and endometrial cancer.
PCOD symptoms are the same as PCOS. But they are minimal and sometimes barely noticeable.
PCOS symptoms include acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. This appears early in life during a woman’s teenage years.
PCOD doesn’t cause severe infertility issues. With some help, almost 80% of women with PCOD can become pregnant successfully.
PCOS causes severe infertility issues, making it difficult to get pregnant. Even if women get pregnant, there are high chances of miscarriage or premature delivery.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of PCOD / PCOS Problem

As discussed in the above table, PCOD and PCOS share some common symptoms. They just differ in the intensity of the symptoms. Women with PCOS experience these symptoms more severely than women with PCOD. Below are some of those symptoms.

  • Irregular or no periods
  • Heavy bleeding with severe stomach pain during periods
  • Hair loss leading to male pattern baldness
  • Excess hair growth in the face and body (chest, belly, and back)
  • Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
  • Dark spots (pigmentation) around the neck, under the breasts, and in the groin area
  • Infertility and difficulty getting pregnant
  • Obesity, sudden weight gain
  • Depression and difficulty sleeping

PCOD/PCOS Causes

The exact cause of PCOD/PCOS is unknown. It may be caused due to genetic issues or environmental factors like pollution or unhealthy lifestyle changes. Below are some major causes of PCOD/PCOS.

Excess androgen in the body

In most cases, PCOS is caused due to the excess secretion of the male hormone androgen.

Both men and women naturally secrete the hormone androgen. However, men secrete them at higher levels than women, hence the name male hormone. Conversely, women secrete higher levels of estrogen (female hormone) and less androgen.

PCOS/PCOD can be caused when this balance is changed, and women secrete higher levels of androgen and less estrogen. This affects the body’s natural functioning, like ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Excess insulin production

Another cause of PCOD/PCOS is insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels. It allows the body to use sugar (glucose) as its primary energy source.

If the body begins resisting insulin, it can’t process the sugar, leading to increases in insulin production. Excess insulin can stimulate the production of androgen, thus causing PCOS/PCOD.

Can PCOD Be Cured Permanently?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for PCOD as of now. However, proper lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and undergoing treatments can reduce the effects of the symptoms.

PCOD symptoms like acne, body hair, weight gain, and irregular periods can be rectified by following the right routine. You can also visit a gynecologist or nutritionist to discuss the right treatment and diet plans for this issue.

Treatments for PCOD & PCOS

PCOD/PCOS can be treated through lifestyle changes, medication, and undergoing treatments. Though they are not permanent remedies for the issue, they can help improve the condition on some levels

Lifestyle modifications

Your sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle is one of the main reasons for hormonal imbalances. Modifying them can provide ample benefits to your body.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce weight, prevent diabetes, and maintain cholesterol levels. Studies have found that even a 5% reduction in weight improves PCOD in women.

You can also consult a fitness coach and start doing physical exercises to keep your body active. Exercise helps burn excess calories and helps manage weight.

Medical treatment options

If lifestyle modifications don’t give you the desired results, you can always visit a doctor and get clinical remedies for the issue. Your doctor will recommend the following medications to help you ovulate.

  • Clomiphene citrate(Clomid) – Taken orally. Stimulates FSH production and induces ovulation.
  • Letrozole (Femara) – Taken orally. Helps induce ovaries to ovulate.
  • Metformin – Reduces the body’s insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar levels.
  • Birth control pills – The estrogen and progestin in some birth control pills can help reduce androgen levels and induce ovulation.

Surgical methods

If lifestyle changes and medications don’t work, you can undergo certain surgical procedures to treat the issue that prevents you from ovulating.

Laparoscopic surgeries can be done to remove the ovarian cysts that prevent ovulation. Note that the outcome is not permanent, and it can only help you ovulate regularly for about 6–8 months. You need proper lifestyle modifications to have a prolonged outcome.

Conclusion

Whether you have PCOD or PCOS, both conditions can negatively impact your body’s natural cycle. It is crucial to take the necessary measures to diagnose and treat the issue as early as possible.

Visit your doctor and discuss the treatment plans so you can rectify the issue. Though they can’t be cured permanently, lifestyle modifications and medication can help you efficiently manage the condition.

FAQs

While there is no definitive test to diagnose PCOS, you can visit your doctor and take tests like a physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound tests to check if you have PCOS.

PCOD does not have any serious complications. PCOD has no serious problems and can be treated with a proper diet and lifestyle changes.

PCOS, on the other hand, is associated with significant problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and advanced endometrial cancer.

Yes, you can get pregnant with PCOD. Though pregnancy is not that easy with PCOD, you can still achieve it with the help of your doctors and healthy lifestyle changes.

Several cysts form in the ovaries when a hormonal imbalance disrupts the ovulation process. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to significant, life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular and heart disease, and uterine and endometrial cancers.

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