What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?
Statistics suggest that both these lifestyle disorders are on the rise, with 1 in 8 and 1 in 5 women suffering from PCOD and PCOS in India.
PCOD
and PCOS are on the rise
Even though both of these diseases are related to menstrual problems and are
quite alike, PCOD and PCOD are not the same. There are very minute differences
between the two. The right kind of diagnosis made at the right time can help
attend to the problem.If you too are confused, we explain to you the difference:
What
is PCOD?
Polycystic
Ovary Disorder (PCOD) is a disorder caused by an imbalance of hormones in the
reproductive system. The hormonal imbalance leads to an excess secretion of
male hormone which leads to irregular periods and delayed egg release, which
may also turn into cysts. Missed periods, or skipping cycles altogether is a
common consequence of the same and if not treated in time, it can induce other
side effects such as weight gain, acne, hair fall or excess hair growth.
What
is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is very similar to that of a PCOD diagnosis but is
an endocrinal problem. Women who suffer from PCOS produce higher than usual
levels of androgen, the male hormone in the body which impact the monthly
ovulation cycle. The period cycles get disrupted and the eggs which form as
cysts build up in the ovaries and get enlarged in size. It also leads to a
change in metabolism, carries an increased risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes and
other chronic health problems.PCOS can also manifest in women in different ways, depending on the age and other pre-existing health problems. Inflammatory and Hidden-cause PCOS are the two most common ones.
How
are they two different from each other?
Even though they have similar causative factors, PCOD and PCOS are
different.While PCOS is an endocrinal problem (aka metabolic syndrome), which is more serious in nature, PCOD, often considered 'temporary' largely happens through hormonal imbalance and can be corrected through a balance of the right diet and exercise.
Treatment
There is no cure for PCOD or PCOS. However, both diseases can be managed easily.
While PCOD is often corrected with the help of the right kind of diet and
exercise, PCOS involves the treatment of several different factors causing the
syndrome rather than just one.Specific medications, lifestyle changes are advised to combat with symptoms of the problem, such as obesity, infertility, hirsutism.
Women
are often prescribed birth control pills
Women are also prescribed birth control (hormonal pills) to irregular
periods and associated risk factors, such as weight gain.That being said, making lifestyle modification play a major role in relieving symptoms of both problems. Adopting a good diet, managing weight, fighting stress and engaging in good exercise on a regular basis can help deal with the symptoms on the long run.
Do
they carry any impact on pregnancy?
Infertility and problems conceiving are some of the biggest shortcomings of
both hormonal disorders. Nonetheless, women with PCOD or PCOS are able to get
pregnant with the right kind of medical intervention, lifestyle changes which
help deal with the side-effects of the problem at large. Some fertility drugs
and low-tech fertility surgeries may also help in lessening the problems.
However, it is a problem which needs to be managed in the long-run.Maintaining a healthy weight, boosting fertility and ovulation naturally can be some of the measures women can adopt to increase their odds of getting pregnant without undergoing problems.
Do
home remedies work in treating PCOD and PCOS?
Even though there exists no perfect cure that treats PCOD, PCOS or prevents
it, making certain tweaks, or using certain home remedies can actually deal
with some of the symptoms. Some of the measures which can be used include
eating anti-inflammatory foods, low-carb and lesser of processed food and dairy
products.Studies also claim that ' seed-cycling', i.e., consuming certain nuts and seeds during particular phases of the menstrual cycle can help combat PCOD and PCOS.
Follow
these tips to cut down the risk of PCOD or PCOS
Apart from this, women of every age should make sure that they follow a good
lifestyle to keep problems at bay. Certain measures involve-Regular exercise (Brisk walk, jogging, or other moderate-intensity exercises)
-Having a rich and colourful diet which is rich in anti-inflammatory and nourishing vitamins and minerals.
-Managing a good and disciplined lifestyle
-Cut down or minimize tobacco and alcohol intake.
-Manage stress in a better way.