PCOD vs PCOS: What is the Difference between PCOD and PCOS?

When we discuss the effects of PCOD and PCOS on women’s health, often we mix up between the terminologies, right? Both the disorders, PCOD and PCOS cause anomalies in hormone levels and are related to the ovaries, but they are not the same. Despite their similarities, PCOS and PCOD are two different medical conditions. 

Let’s find out how they are different from each other!

What is the PCOD Problem?

When a woman has polycystic ovarian disorder, or PCOD, her ovaries may produce an excessive amount of immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs have very high chances to turn into ovarian cysts. This condition can also lead to enlarged ovaries and show hormone imbalance.

The enlarged ovaries, in this case, emit androgens. It is a male hormone that causes irregular menstruation, hair loss, abnormal weight gain, and infertility.

PCOD affects mainly the ovaries and if we can control them properly, it does not necessarily lead to severe health issues. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help to manage PCOD.

PCOD is often confused with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), but the two have slight differences, primarily in the severity and underlying causes.

What is PCOS?

PCOS or Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a metabolic disease primarily affecting women who are fertile and between the ages of 12 and 51. The main characteristics of this disease are – irregular periods, hormone imbalances, especially high amounts of male hormones. Apart from that, problems like irregular ovulation and pregnancy issues are common in PCOS.

Women who have PCOS may observe irregularities in the growth of hair on their faces and bodies. Ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and elevated levels of male hormones are also common symptoms of PCOS. Yes, it also can be controlled with sufficient medical treatment, proper diet and exercise.

What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD problem / PCOS?

PCOD and PCOS are not supposed to show signs at the very early stage. This can appear at any of the stages, it varies from person to person. Some women don’t have symptoms until they start to gain a substantial amount of weight or are having difficulties getting pregnant, while others start having symptoms from their first menstrual cycle. Though the symptoms in PCOD and PCOS are mostly the same and common. The most typical indications and symptoms of PCOD and PCOS in females are as follows:

Common signs of PCOD

Irregular Menstruation or Oligomenorrhea: Younger girls and women may experience infrequent or irregular menstrual cycles in PCOD problems.

Skipped Periods or Amenorrhea: Missing periods are also common in women with PCOD.

Skin Acne: PCOD patients may experience breakouts of acne on the face, chest, and upper back.

Weight Gain: Women may experience sudden or excessive weight gain as a key symptom.

Hair Loss: PCOD comes with hair loss and hair thinning.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding or Menorrhagia: In PCOD, patients may face heavy bleeding and cramps during the periods.

Common signs of PCOS

Irregular Menstruation: In PCOS, inconsistent periods are very common.

Excessive Hair Growth: Increased hair growth on the face, chest, belly, and back (hirsutism).

Skin Acne: Severe acne can affect the face, chest, and back.

Weight Gain: Weight gain is frequent in PCOS. 

Hair Loss: Hair thinning and loss are also common in PCOD.

Skin Darkening: PCOD patients experience dark patches on the neck, groin, and under the breasts.

Infertility: Trouble conceiving due to irregular ovulation.

Causes of PCOS/PCOD

The exact cause of PCOS/PCOD remains unclear, but certain factors are believed to contribute to the development of these diseases:

Genetics

There is proof that PCOS runs in families, especially among mothers and sisters. The tendency to have these diseases remains always high with family history.

Chronic Inflammation

According to research, people with PCOS may experience low-grade inflammation for a long time. More testosterone is produced as a result of this inflammation, raising the risk of vascular problems and heart disease.

Insulin Resistance

More androgens, or male hormones, are produced by the ovaries when insulin levels are high. Menstrual cycle irregularities or infertility may result from such ovulation disturbances.

Increased Androgen Levels

Women with PCOS often produce more androgens than usual. This leads to common symptoms like excess facial and body hair (hirsutism) and acne.

Difference between PCOD and PCOS

There is a common misconception that PCOD and PCOS are the same. But no! These two feminine problems are way more different from each other. Although they both result in hormone imbalances and impact women during their reproductive years, which typically span from 12 to 51, they are not the same. It can be difficult to distinguish between PCOS and PCOD because of their comparable symptoms. Women need to understand the minute differences between these two situations. While irregular periods and potential difficulties conceiving are common symptoms of both PCOD and PCOS, women should be aware that these conditions differ greatly in their causes, impact, and severity. Here we have put together the characteristics of both the diseases in listicle format.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)	PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting the function of the ovaries.	PCOD is a condition where the ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs.
It is much more serious than PCOD. Around 0.2% to 2.5% of women fall prey to PCOS.	It is a common disorder among adolescent girls and women. Around 10% of the total women get affected by it.
PCOS is Primarily caused by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.	PCOD is related to poor lifestyle choices, such as diet and stress.
This can result to infertility due to irregular ovulation	This has a less severe impact on fertility. Women can still conceive with treatment.
There are long-term health issues like diabetes and heart disease in PCOS.	PCOD is generally milder and can be managed with care and good habits.

Diagnosis of PCOD / PCOS

In addition to examining the patient’s clinical symptoms, several tests are performed to determine the effects of PCOD/PCOS on the way the body functions. Doctors keep watch on the patient’s lifestyle, medical history, and irregular monthly periods. Period irregularities, acne, thinning hair, and unwanted growth of male-pattern hair on the face and chest are also signs to consider.

To confirm PCOS/PCOD, the gynecologist suggests the following tests:

• Blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol check
• Screening for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression
• Assessing for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

In addition to these, doctors may suggest further advanced tests like:

Pelvic Examination

It is commonly used for inspecting inner structures and evaluating any irregularities or issues. A pelvic examination assesses a woman’s reproductive health by palpating her and visually inspecting her cervix, uterus, ovaries, and external genitalia.

Blood Tests

These are done to assess hormone levels and may include a fasting lipid profile to check cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests produce visual depictions of the interior of the body through the use of technology. Some of the most common imaging tests are MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds.

What is the best possible treatment for PCOD Problem / PCOS?

The treatment for PCOD/PCOS focuses on assessing individual symptoms such as irregular periods, obesity, infertility, acne, or hirsutism. Doctors usually start treatment with some common lifestyle changes and then go for medication and surgery. These treatments include:

Treating symptoms

• Doctors use medication and suggest some skin care methods to treat acne and excessive hair growth.
• Laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be used to remove androgen-producing structures from the ovaries in cases of severe PCOS.

Weight Reduction

It case of PCOS/PCOD patients losing 6-8% of body weight really makes a huge difference. The weigh loss regulates menstrual cycles and decreases risk of cardiovascular diseases. The weight loss can be done through diet and regular exercise.

Workouts and Exercise

You can regulate insulin production, improve ovulation, and encourage weight loss by working out five days a week for at least 20 minutes at a moderate to high effort.

Proper Diet

PCOS and PCOD come under control by more with a healthy lifestyle and diet. Here you need to care in dietary plans to avoid medication and advanced treatments. Dietary plans are associated with a decreased risk of cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.

Medication

• Some common medicines like Clomiphene and metformin are used in PCOS/PCOD to control hormonal imbalance. Hormone treatment treats insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, and hormonal imbalances.
• The amount and quality of ovulation are enhanced by ovulation induction using injections and oral medicines.
• Doctors may suggest fertility medicines like Letrozole and Bromocriptine to women having trouble in getting pregnant.

References

1. National Library of Medicine – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
2. Oxford Academic – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Treatment With Emphasis on Adolescent Girls
3. National Library of Medicine – Polycystic Ovarian Disease