For several decades, menstruators and people of reproductive age have often heard the terms PCOD and PCOS. These conditions have become very common, and numerous people around us are experiencing them.
PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease and PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are both conditions concerning the ovaries in females. While PCOD and PCOS are similar conditions, there are some slight differences between the two. There are a few important differences that make these conditions different from one another.
In this post, we will explain the PCOD and PCOS difference and also the difference in symptoms, management, and treatment of these conditions.
What are PCOD and PCOS?
To understand these conditions, it is important to know that females have reproductive organs known as ovaries. Each month, one egg is released by the two ovaries alternatively. This means that every month one of the ovaries releases one egg, and the next month the other ovary releases one egg, and so on. The ovaries also produce and release hormones.
In PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease the ovaries produce multiple immature eggs which eventually become fluid-filled cysts inside the ovaries. The ovaries swell and also release more than the usual amount of androgens or male sex hormones.
- Absence of ovulation
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Difficulty in conceiving
- Weight gain
- Excessive body hair
- Acne
PCOD may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, a diet consisting of junk foods, and being overweight.
PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine system metabolic disorder. In this condition high levels of male sex hormones are secreted by the ovaries, there is irregular ovulation, and cysts form in the ovaries.
The symptoms of PCOS include –
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Excessive body hair growth
- Acne
- Male pattern baldness
- Skin darkening
- Headaches
The exact cause of PCOS isn’t well understood, but insulin resistance, hormone imbalance, and genetics seem to play a role in the development of this metabolic syndrome.
PCOS can cause several complications such as metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that includes unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar that increase your risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases. It can also lead to infertility, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions, infertility, sleep apnea, miscarriage, premature birth, and endometrial cancer.
If you think you are at an increased risk for PCOD or PCOS, discuss it with your doctor so that you can make lifestyle changes and manage the condition effectively.
Are PCOD and PCOS the Same?
Now let’s understand the main thing about PCOD and PCOS that often confuses people – are these different names for the same conditions? The answer is, no. Though PCOD and PCOS have various similarities, they are distinct conditions.
- PCOD is a condition caused by hormonal imbalance, whereas PCOS is a metabolic-endocrine disorder.
- PCOD may or may not not cause fertility issues, whereas PCOS can cause fertility issues due to hormonal imbalances.
- PCOS is considered more dangerous than PCOD because it can increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and endometrial cancer.
- PCOD may be managed with the help of lifestyle changes, whereas PCOS usually requires medications and medical intervention.
- PCOD may not cause complications in trying to conceive, whereas PCOS makes it harder to conceive. However, with treatment people with both these conditions can increase their chances of conception.
These are the key differences between PCOS and PCOD. Using the correct terminology helps increase awareness about these diseases, while also helping people become more understanding of these conditions. It is important to discuss it with your doctor if you feel that you may be having any of these conditions. When you start PCOS or PCOD treatment early, you will have better control over the conditions and feel better.
PCOD and PCOS Treatment
These conditions can have an impact on not just your health, but also your mental health, emotional health, and other aspects of life. However, with the correct treatment, timely diagnosis, and expertise of gynecologists, dieticians, and other healthcare experts it is possible to manage PCOS and PCOD effectively.
Treatment of PCOD and PCOS can include –
- Lifestyle changes – Losing weight and having a healthy diet may reduce PCOS and PCOD symptoms. Using weight may also improve the effectiveness of medications prescribed for these conditions. To understand if lifestyle changes would reduce symptoms associated with PCOD and PCOS, talk to your doctor and dietician.
- Medications – Different medications to regulate periods, and ovulation, reduce excessive body hair growth, and reduce acne may be prescribed.
- Surgery – Laparoscopic procedures such as Ovarian Drilling can remove ovarian cysts which are releasing excessive hormones.
Your doctor would advise the treatment that is most suitable for you. Always follow the doctor’s advice and take the medications as prescribed to manage PCOD and PCOS effectively.
Find a Clinic That Cares – And Doctors That Prioritize You
Gynecologists that follow a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, nutritional changes, and medical intervention help you manage your PCOD or PCOS in a holistic way. Clinics that have ethical practice with patient-centricity at the core ensure that the patient gets a round treatment that includes their mental health, and emotional well-being, as well as being completely informed about the treatment so that they can confidently approach the treatment.
Grace Fertility Clinic is one of the most credible fertility clinics in Gurgaon and Jammu.
Dr. Reubina, the founding MD at Grace Fertility believes in de-stigmatizing infertility treatment and normalizing it. The staff at Grace Fertility Clinics ensures that the patient is made aware of the treatment transparently, and the costs of treatment are explained so that the patient can plan for the treatment physically, financially, and emotionally. The staff is invested in the patient’s treatments and ensures that they receive empathetic care. The experts at Grace Fertility have helped thousands of couples start their journey to parenthood.
If you think PCOD or PCOS may be causing infertility and want to understand how to manage these conditions to improve the chances of conception, book your free consultation today. Dr. Reubina and her team’s professional competence would ensure you feel confident about your treatment and empowered to begin it. For more information, contact Grace Fertility Clinics.