PCOS And PCOD Aren't The Same, Expert Explains Difference

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common hormonal conditions menstruators suffer.  

 Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are extremely prevalent health issues that menstruators face today. Both these illnesses are connected to the ovaries and hormone functions.

As per UNICEF, Southern India and Maharashtra have about 9.13% of menstruating women in those regions suffering from PCOS, and 22.5% had PCOD.

Women with PCOD and PCOS face several health issues related to periods, weight gain, acne, etc. People often mistake these two disorders for one another. But are they really the same?

We spoke with an expert, to learn more about PCOD and PCOS and to understand the differences between the two.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS causes the ovaries to produce more androgens than usual, interfering with egg development and release. Some follicles develop into cysts, which are little liquid-filled sacs. Eggs inside these follicles instead of being released after ovulation, form cysts, which accumulate in the ovaries and might become larger.

PCOS causes increased male hormone levels in the body, which can lead women to have irregular ovulation, difficulty in pregnancy, and suffer abnormal hair growth on their bodies and faces.

Over time, diabetes and heart disease can also develop as a result of this. PCOS is a serious medical condition that must be addressed with adequate treatment.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)

Every woman has two ovaries, which release one egg alternately each month. The ovaries generate trace amounts of androgens or male hormones.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a disorder in which the ovaries produce a large number of immature or partially mature eggs, which develop into cysts.

Abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, and infertility are all prevalent symptoms of PCOD.

In this disorder, the ovaries often swell and release significant levels of androgens, which can disrupt a woman's fertility and health.

The best PCOD treatment frequently focuses on minimising the intensity of such symptoms.

Difference Between PCOS And PCOD

• According to UNICEF, in PCOD, the ovaries start releasing immature eggs, which cause hormonal imbalances and other symptoms including swollen ovaries. Whereas, in PCOS, endocrine problems cause the ovaries to produce too much androgen, which increases the risk of eggs turning into cysts, which build up in the ovaries,
• PCOS is considered to be more serious than PCOD because the latter can often be treated by making informed lifestyle changes, whereas PCOS has more serious consequences and almost always requires external hormone intake.
• PCOD is more common than PCOS in women.
• Both hormonal disorders have an impact on fertility, but for women with PCOD, conception is almost always possible with a few extra precautions and little medical help. But in the case of women with PCOS disorder, conception is more difficult due to too many hormonal irregularities.

 

Common Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS

While some women experience symptoms around the time they get their first period, others don't notice symptoms until they've gained a lot of weight or are having trouble becoming pregnant. The following are the most prevalent PCOD or PCOS symptoms in females:

• Menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea)
• Menstrual absence or missed periods (amenorrhea)
• Excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Abnormal hair growth (face, body – including on the back, belly, and chest)
• Acne (face, chest, and upper back)
• Weight Gain
• Loss of hair
• Skin pigmentation (neck and under the breast)

Treatment for PCOD and PCOS

Typically, changes in lifestyle, such as weight loss, diet, and exercise, occur first in PCOD and PCOS therapy. Even a little (5–10%) weight reduction might have an effect on a patient’s menstrual cycle. The therapy will be determined by the symptoms, which may include metabolic difficulties, acne, and hair growth. These include:

Using certain medications to address the hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.

Ovulation induction (to improve the quality and amount of ovulation) is carried out by giving oral medicines and injections.

Treatment of infertility with fertility drugs, control of unwanted hair growth, and treatment of acne and skin discolouration.

Ovarian drilling, a laparoscopic procedure, is done in PCOS patients who have not responded to hormone treatment to reduce the androgen-producing tissue from the ovaries.

Tips To Manage PCOS / PCOD

• A diet that helps in losing weight can help in the condition. Lowering weight helps in reducing insulin resistance, reducing cholesterol, and the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
• Women can lose weight by exercising at a moderate level for 20 minutes, five days a week. Weight loss caused by exercise decreases insulin resistance and improves ovulation.
• Early identification and administration of the most efficient treatment methods can aid in the management of PCOD and PCOS symptoms.
• A healthy lifestyle is essential for treating hormone imbalances and related diseases.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD and PCOS are two words we hear quite frequently. The problem of irregular periods is getting extremely common and to an extent, are lifestyle disorders.

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.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement