Many people get confused between PCOS and PCOD and think the terms can be used interchangeably. Although the conditions have certain similarities like they both affect ovaries and lead to hormonal irregularities, there are some differences between them. Here’s a closer look at PCOD vs PCOS.
What is PCOD?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a health condition where the immature or premature eggs in the ovaries finally turn into cysts. Hormonal disturbances, unmanaged stress, being overweight and eating junk food can lead to PCOD. Some typical signs of this condition include:
- Irregular menstruation
- Abdominal weight gain
- Hair loss
- Infertility
In this condition, a woman’s ovaries grow larger and heavily start secreting androgens. This causes problems with fertility and overall health.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition where the ovaries secrete large amounts of androgens. As a result, eggs cannot develop or be released properly, which often leads to the development of cysts. This condition is an endocrine problem.
PCOD vs PCOS: What Makes Them Different?
Both these conditions involve hormonal imbalance. But this sign is more prominent in PCOS than PCOD. Polycystic ovary syndrome also develops more cysts than PCOD does. As the cysts grow in one’s ovaries, they make the ovaries enlarged and interfere with the menstrual cycle.
Below are the other factors that make these conditions different when you consider PCOD vs PCOS:
- Causes
PCOS is a condition of the endocrine system. But PCOD is caused by the imbalance of hormones. However, genetics and hormonal imbalance play a major role in both conditions. The high levels of androgen secretion disrupt the normal production of hormones and eggs in the ovaries. Insulin resistance and inflammation are also associated with excess production of androgen.
- Occurrence
The polycystic ovarian disease is more common than PCOS. Almost one-third of women around the globe develop PCOD. Comparatively, fewer women experience PCOS.
- Impact on pregnancy
PCOD does not result in infertility in every woman. Nearly 80% of women who have this condition can conceive without major medical help.
However, women who suffer from PCOS can find conception challenging because of hormonal irregularities. Therefore, they need a balanced hormonal cycle to create the ideal environment for an ovum to be released and infuse with a sperm.
Once the condition is diagnosed in your pregnancy, you need to follow the lifestyle and diet recommendations given by the doctor. The diet chart may include important recommendations like fruits to avoid during pregnancy diet. You may also need certain medications.
When you notice signs like irregular periods, facial hair and sudden weight gain, make sure to visit a reputed hospital right away. Timely diagnosis can help detect the condition early so that a suitable treatment plan can be started without delay. Based on your age and the severity of the condition, you may be prescribed certain medications. But most importantly, you need to follow the recommended lifestyle changes. The polycystic ovarian syndrome can be corrected with exercise and a proper diet. PCOS can is generally treated by addressing factors that caused the syndrome.
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