Difference Between PCOD and PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are often mistaken for one another. However, there are distinct differences between the two. After reading this post, you should have a crystal clear understanding of the difference between PCOD and PCOS.

Early diagnosis is necessary for a woman to treat these conditions so she can have the best chance of overcoming them.

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What is PCOD?

 Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a condition in which the ovaries release many immature or partially mature eggs, eventually creating cysts commonly referred to as polycystic ovaries. In this condition, the ovaries are usually enlarged and secrete large amounts of male hormones that can cause infertility in women.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can have serious lifelong complications. Women produce higher levels of androgen which disrupt egg development and ovulation.

Symptoms of PCOS:

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a collection of symptoms experienced by different women to varying degrees.

The symptoms of PCOS may include:

• Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods

• Ovaries that are large or have many cysts

• Hirsutism or excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back

• Weight gain, especially around the belly

• Acne or oily skin

• Male-pattern baldness, thinning hair, or hair loss 

• Infertility

• Small pieces of excess skin (skin tags) on the neck or armpits

• Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
  

Difference between PCOD and PCOS:

 PCOS is considered a serious metabolic disorder and can be treated in different ways depending on the circumstances. PCOD is not a disease but it can be managed with dietary changes and exercise. Here are some of the key differences:

Women with PCOS are more likely to have higher cholesterol and blood pressure than those not struggling with PCOS. If not treated, women with PCOS are more likely to develop heart disease.

Studies indicate that there around 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. If left untreated, this can progress to diabetes.

Women with PCOD generally experience irregular periods rather than no periods at all. Because periods are irregular, there is a buildup on the uterine wall causing heavy bleeding. PCOD is typically not detected when someone is young; it is usually discovered when a woman is trying to conceive. Signs and symptoms of PCOS can be seen in the teenage years.

Women with PCOD typically don’t suffer the metabolic consequences experienced by women who have PCOS.

Learn how to manage your PCOS on your own terms! All the resources you need to kick PCOS’ ass in one guide!!

1. Causes:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, while polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance. While no one knows exactly why PCOD and PCOS occur, some possible reasons to examine are:

• Excess androgen: Too much testosterone overproduced by the ovaries might lead to hirsutism and acne.

• Excess production of insulin: Insulin controls the level of sugars (blood sugar) in the body. When the body's cells stop responding to insulin, blood sugar levels rise. As a result, the body produces an excess of insulin to regulate this high blood sugar level. Insulin overproduction can cause symptoms such as an increase in the production of androgens, which usually exist at a lower level in females. Higher levels of testosterone cause irregular ovulation.

• Heredity: Researchers have identified some correlation between PCOS and genetics in women.

• Presence of low-grade inflammation: Women with PCOS have a high level of low-grade inflammation in their bodies, which may stimulate their ovaries to produce androgens.

2. Occurrence:

PCOD is much more common than PCOS. Almost one-third of women around the world suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD).

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that PCOS affected 116 million women worldwide in 2012 (3.4% of the population). Global estimates for PCOS prevalence vary widely, with the numbers ranging from 2.2% all the way to 26%. One community-based prevalence study using the Rotterdam criteria found that about 18% of women had PCOS and that 70% of them were previously undiagnosed. Less than one-third of apparently healthy women of childbearing age have been found to have PCOD in a population study according to USG criteria. The prevalence of PCOS in women of reproductive age is commonly reported at 4-10%. This applies when the diagnosis is based on clinical, biochemical, and ultrasound features.

3. Effects of PCOD & PCOS on pregnancy:

One of the many consequences of having unbalanced hormones is irregular periods. Women who have unpredictable menstrual cycles may also find it difficult to get pregnant.

Women with PCOD and PCOS often suffer from ovulation problems. Ovulation may not occur if there is an increase in testosterone production or the follicles on the ovaries do not mature. Even if ovulation does occur during a woman's cycle, an imbalance in the hormones necessary for pregnancy can prevent her uterine lining from properly developing and allow the mature egg cells to implant.

While Polycystic Ovarian Disease can make it hard for some women to get pregnant, pregnancy is still possible. In about 80% of cases, women can conceive with assistance.

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women. According to studies, the prevalence of infertility among PCOS sufferers is thought to be 70-80%. When you have PCOS, if you want to get pregnant, you need to learn how to track ovulation.

Having PCOD or PCOS does not mean a woman can't get pregnant. Female infertility is a common but treatable condition.

Diagnosis:

PCOD is usually discovered by ultrasound.  ​PCOS is more complicated to diagnose. The doctor is likely to start with a discussion regarding medical history, including menstrual periods and weight changes. A physical exam will include checking for signs of excess hair growth, insulin resistance, and acne.

The doctor might then recommend:

• A pelvic exam.

• Blood tests.

• An ultrasound.

Doctors recommend regular checkups for women with PCOD and PCOS.

Treatment of PCOD and PCOS:

There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PCOD. To control the disease, lifestyle modifications must be made.

One of the most effective ways to manage PCOD is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining an appropriate weight. Even a slight weight reduction can help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary are advised to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. A diet low in sugars and carbohydrates is helpful. Women with PCOD and PCOS should increase their protein and fiber intake.

Treatments can vary based on the symptoms, but treatments generally include one or more of these modalities:

• Medicines are available to treat insulin resistance and balance hormones so that a woman's cycle will be regular. A popular medication for PCOS is metformin, but there are more natural options like Ovasitol for PCOS, which I have personally used and come with fewer side effects.

• Treatments for acne, pigmentation, and hair growth are available.

• Infertility drugs are administered to patients who are unable to conceive.

• Oral medicine like Clomid and injections are used to induce ovulation and release an egg for fertilization. There are natural alternatives to Clomid, too!

• The most extreme cases may require second-line therapy, such as aromatase inhibitors, laparoscopic surgery, or ovarian drilling.

• Patients with PCOS who wish to become pregnant are often provided aggressive treatments. But have no fear it is possible to become pregnant with PCOS. I got pregnant naturally twice with PCOS.

Treatment is ineffective without appropriate lifestyle changes.

Summing up PCOD vs. PCOS

Both PCOD and PCOS can be managed with lifestyle changes, but it’s essential to know the difference between them. If you think your symptoms are a result of one or both of these conditions, talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options that may work best for you.

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