Usually when we discuss women’s health, particularly regarding reproductive health, acronyms like PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian syndrome) feature prominently. But it is crucial to know the difference for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. In this article, we’ll break down these two conditions and dig into their symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
PCOD — Polycystic Ovarian Disease — is an abnormal condition in which the ovaries of the affected woman develop multiple small cysts or follicles resulting in enlarged ovaries. These cysts can affect the normal function of the ovaries, especially ovulation. PCOD affects women and includes problems with irregular cycles, infertility and other hormonal levels.
PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome itself is a more complex hormonal disorder. It’s defined by abnormal periods, high levels of male hormones (androgens), and cysts on the ovaries. Unlike PCOD, PCOS can lead to chronic health problems like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, especially if it is not treated. The main difference is that PCOS has more symptoms and complications.
Although these two conditions may sound similar, they differ significantly in their causes, signs, and possible complications. Let’s examine these differences more closely.
PCOD is not that severe of a condition as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian syndrome). PCOD is milder and only affects the ovaries which can not cause severe hormonal changes and does not risk long-term health. In contrast, PCOS is a serious disorder that affects different systems in the body, and is associated with more complicated issues like infertility, metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases.
Common Symptoms in PCOD
PCOD symptoms are more mild and can include:
Common Symptoms in PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS Typically more severe and can include:
Causes of PCOD
While the exact cause of PCOD is not completely known, it is believed to be associated with hormonal disorders, genetics, and insulin resistance. Family History: Women who have a family history of PCOD are more prone to have the condition.
Causes of PCOS
PCOS is mainly due to an imbalance in the hormones which affect the menstrual cycle. PCOSWomen with the condition also tend to have higher levels of androgens (or male hormones), and that can lead to many of the symptoms. Genetics and insulin resistance also contribute to the development of PCOS.
How is PCOD Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PCOD is based on a combination of medical history, symptoms, and laboratory tests to measure hormone levels. An ultrasound of the ovaries may be done as well to check for cysts.
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PCOS requires the fulfillment of the Rotterdam criteria — a woman must present with two of three findings: having irregular periods, having elevated levels of androgens, and/or having cysts on her ovaries. It is usually diagnosed via blood tests and ultrasound.
The treatment of both conditions is a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. But treatments can vary by how bad the condition is.
Diet and Exercise Tips
Weight imbalance problem through the diet and workout is important for each PCOD and PCOS. Both groups are better off with a wholefoods, high-fibre, healthy fats diet and as little processed food and sugar as possible. Regular exercise can help control weight, regulate hormones and increase insulin sensitivity.
Medications for PCOD
PCOD treatment typically includes oral contraceptives to regulate periods, anti-androgen medications to reduce excess hair growth and metformin to manage insulin resistance.
Medications for PCOS
PCOS treatment can also include hormonal birth control pills for cycle regulation, anti-androgens for reducing unwanted hair, and fertility drugs (such as clomiphene and letrozole) to address fertility challenges. Insulin resistance is often treated with the medication metformin.
Surgical Options
When Is Surgery Required For PCOD?
Rarely surgery is needed for PCOD, if needed small holes are made in the ovary as shown below to help in normal ovulation by procedures such as making holes in the ovary – which is known as ovarian drilling.
PCOS: When is Surgery Necessary
In PCOS, surgery may be performed in patients with severe infertility not responding to other treatments. Ovarian drilling is also commonly done in this scenario to assist with ovulation.
Both PCOD and PCOS can impact a woman’s ability to conceive, however, the two conditions each have their own effects on fertility.
Effect of PCOD on Fertility
As a result of irregular ovulation, women with PCOD might find it hard to become pregnant, however many can conceive with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.
PCOS and Its Effect on Fertility
PCOS can pose a significant hurdle to fertility due to anovulation (lack of ovulation). However, women with PCOS can become pregnant with treatments such as fertility drugs or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Chronic Effects and Consequences
Long-Term Effects of PCOD
On the other hand, PCOD comes with certain long-term health risks but which are relatively fewer than those in case of PCOS. But when unmanaged, it can result in serious complications like obesity, diabetes and endometrial cancer.
Long-Term Effects of PCOS
If untreated, PCOS can cause serious long-term health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
How to Prevent PCOD and PCOS
Can PCOD be Prevented?
Although healthier lifestyle habits can help manage PCOD and lessen its symptoms, it can’t be entirely prevented. Details including risk factors such as obesity and diabetes.
Can PCOS be Prevented?
PCOS is not something that can be completely prevented either but its impact can be minimised by lifestyle changes along with weight management as PCOS often involves insulin resistance.
So to summarize, even though PCOD and PCOS sound very similar, these are different conditions with different symptoms, causes and long term effects. In both cases, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and appropriate treatment can go a long way to help manage the conditions effectively. If you think you could be experiencing either of these, you should speak to a healthcare professional, who can provide a proper diagnoses and individualized treatment.
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