People often confuse PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), but they are two different conditions. Both cause hormonal imbalances and affect the ovaries, but they have different symptoms and require different treatments.
Many menstruating women and girls suffer from PCOS or PCOS. However, due to myths and misinformation, many do not understand the difference between the two.
In PCOD, however, the ovaries may release immature or only partially developed eggs, resulting in the formation of cysts – tiny fluid-filled sacs.
PCOD can cause the ovaries to swell and grow. Additionally, it can cause the ovaries to release excessive amounts of androgens (male hormones). These hormones can lead to symptoms such as abdominal weight gain, irregular periods and even infertility in some extreme cases.
There is no single treatment for PCOS. However, making lifestyle changes with the help of medical professionals (such as a gynecologist, endocrinologist, and dietitian) can help manage it.
Exercise and a balanced diet low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber can effectively control PCOD and reduce weight gain. Even a 5% decrease in weight can significantly improve the treatment of PCOD.
In order to balance hormones, individuals may sometimes be prescribed medication. However, second-line treatment, such as laparoscopic surgery, ovarian drilling, and aromatase inhibitors, is not very common. Additionally, doctors may use skin treatments for specific symptoms of PCOD, such as acne and hair loss.
Most people can expect an uncomplicated pregnancy with minimal assistance needed to facilitate conception. However, according to Data collected from Indian women, about 20% of cases may require fertility drugs or other fertility-enhancing treatments if they wish to become pregnant.
Additionally, it can cause sleep apnea, a condition that impairs the ability to breathe during sleep, leading to interrupted sleep. In addition, due to the absence of ovulation, the lining of the uterus thickens every month, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Treatment for PCOS often involves taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen (a female hormone) and progestin (a compound that mimics progesterone, another female hormone). To regulate the menstrual cycle and manage other symptoms.
Additionally, doctors may prescribe additional medications to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, diabetes, and acne and skin problems. To further facilitate the treatment process, one should also lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
In both conditions, overall weight gain or abdominal weight gain occurs. Apart from the distress due to the respective conditions and insecurities that come with hormonal imbalance, acne, weight gain and difficulty in conceiving, women suffer a lot when they suffer from these conditions. Therefore, focusing on yourself and taking steps to feel and look good can improve the way you fight disease.
In such a situation, download HealthifyMe, which helps you understand your body’s response to specific foods. A personalized consultation with the nutritionist helps you know how small changes like incorporating small, frequent meals.
This includes good fats like seeds and nuts, the right amount of protein, and changing the cooking medium can play a crucial role in regulating your hormones.
In addition, light stretches and yoga postures can help relieve these chronic conditions. HealthifyMe’s extensive resource base is a catalyst, and you can read on to learn more about your condition.
Note from The Fitness Freak
Although PCOD and PCOS may look similar, they are quite different. With PCOD, the ovaries begin to secrete immature eggs, leading to hormonal imbalance, swollen ovaries, and other symptoms. However, PCOS results from endocrine problems that lead the ovaries to produce excessive amounts of androgens, which causes cysts to develop in the eggs. Unlike PCOD, these cysts are not released but accumulate in the ovaries.
PCOD vs PCOS: Which is More Dangerous?
After discussing the similarities between PCOS and PCOD, let us now explore the differences between the two. For starters, PCOS is usually a more serious condition. With PCOD, a few lifestyle changes may be all that is needed for management, and one may not need additional medical attention.
On the other hand, PCOS is an endocrine system disorder, which means it has more serious effects and is usually treated by taking hormones from outside the body.
PCOS is far more common than PCOS, with around a third of all menstruating women worldwide having PCOS. For example, in a study conducted in South India and Maharashtra, about 22.5% of women had PCOS, while only 9.13% had PCOS.
Finally, both PCOS and PCOS can lead to infertility; however, the extent of infertility differs. With PCOD, pregnancy is usually possible with extra precautions and minimal medical intervention.
PCOS, however, has more hormonal irregularities, so conception is more complicated. Clomiphene is usually prescribed to increase fertility in people with PCOS, but this drug also often leads to multiple births, which is undesirable.
PCOS vs PCOD: highlighting the differences
PCOS and PCOD are two different conditions caused by various factors.
- PCOS is a metabolic-endocrine disorder, while PCOS results from hormonal imbalance due to factors such as overeating junk food, being obese or overweight, stress and genetics.
- Symptoms of PCOS include acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth, while symptoms of PCOD are abdominal weight gain, painful periods, and hair loss in men.
- PCOS is more common than PCOS, affecting a third of women worldwide, while PCOS affects 4% to 20% of women of childbearing age.
- Women with PCOD can still successfully ovulate and conceive. But women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly due to a severe hormonal imbalance.
- PCOS is less serious than PCOS, but PCOS increases the risk of developing Diabetesheart disease, cancer and high blood pressure.
Note from The Fitness Freak
Although PCOD is not as serious as PCOS and does not impact fertility and metabolic health as much. Getting a prompt diagnosis and maintaining good health is always essential. Pregnancy can also be more difficult for women with PCOS due to hormonal irregularities. Therefore, recognizing the differences between the two conditions is key to ensuring the best possible health outcomes. However, women with PCOS or PCOD can still conceive with medical help and advice.
Healthy tips for managing conditions
- A balanced and nutritious diet can help manage PCOS and PCOS symptoms by regulating hormones and the menstrual cycle. It’s best to avoid processed, preserved, and carbohydrate-rich foods because they can increase inflammation and insulin resistance.
- To lose weight, if you suffer from PCOS or PCOS, change your diet to one that is low in calories but still nutritious. It will also help reduce insulin resistance, make your menstrual cycle more regular, and reduce the risk of related problems.
- Weight management also requires finding an appropriate exercise routine. Avoid excessive physical activity as it can affect hormone levels. Instead, consider walking, yoga, swimming, and aerobics to reduce symptoms.
- Establishing a quality sleep pattern is key to improving PCOD/PCOS treatment outcomes. Stick to a regular sleep schedule and avoid factors that can disrupt sleep, such as caffeine, daytime naps, smoking, bedtime snacks, and screen time.
Conclusion
It is undeniable that PCOS and PCOD convey a sense of social stigma and misinformation in Indian society. Although these are common disorders, we often treat them as something shameful that we need to hide, like other menstruation-related topics. Unfortunately, due to the lack of conversations about these issues, we lack the necessary education beyond just learning about their biology.
Mental health plays a vital role when one develops body image issues or when one is unable to conceive. For example, painful periods in young girls can be debilitating.
It affects academic and professional performance. Even in a marital relationship, intimacy can be compromised. Talking to the coaches at HealthifyMe can help you overcome those insecurities and fears.
It’s like having a confidant at every step that keeps you going through tough times and moving forward in life, but with supportive and healing touches.
