What Is the Difference Between PCOD vs PCOS?

In India, nearly 1 in 5 women of childbearing age have hormonal issues with their ovaries. 70% of them are caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A study conducted in Southern India and Maharashtra revealed that nearly 22.5% of women who have their period have PCOD, and 9.13% have PCOS. 

Many women often confuse these conditions, using these terms interchangeably despite their distinct differences in severity, treatment approaches, and long-term health implications. So, keep reading to learn the basics of PCOD and PCOS, how they differ in symptoms, and what the treatment approaches are for each one of them. 

Understanding the Basics: PCOD vs PCOS

Let's begin with the fundamentals before we touch on the differences in the two conditions. Both of these conditions involve the ovaries, a part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries have the function to release eggs and secrete hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

What is PCOD?

PCOD, or Polycystic Ovary Disease, is a medical condition where the ovaries release partially mature or immature eggs, which later develop into cysts. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries will release mature, ready-to-be-fertilized eggs alternately each month. For a person with PCOD, the ovaries will release either immature or just partially mature eggs, which later develop into cysts (small fluid sacs). This causes enlarged ovaries and a hormonal imbalance, leading to the overproduction of androgens. PCOD is generally a milder condition and is generally treatable through lifestyle modification.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a severe medical condition that doesn't just affect your ovaries but also much of your body. In PCOS, the hormonal issues cause the ovaries to make too much androgen, which may result in eggs becoming cysts. The cysts do not release like they would in PCOD; they simply remain in the ovaries. It is termed a syndrome, meaning it is a collection of symptoms and not one illness. With PCOS, your body will have difficulty with insulin, have hormonal issues, and tend to display signs of long-term inflammation.

Key Differences Between PCOD and PCOS Symptoms

Though the two conditions seem identical and share the same symptoms, they act differently on your body and health. Here's how to differentiate them:

Why Do PCOD and PCOS Develop?

Both PCOD and PCOS are linked to hormonal imbalances, but the reasons behind them vary.

PCOD: What Causes It?

Lifestyle choices often influence PCOD. Unhealthy daily habits are a major trigger. Common causes include:

• Hormonal imbalances caused by abnormal or unhealthy lifestyles
• Inadequate diet with excessive consumption of processed, high-sugar, or high-fat foods.
• Not getting enough exercise regularly
• Stress in excess can influence hormone balance.
• Exposure to endocrine disruptors or environmental pollutants
• Genetic susceptibility (family history of PCOD)

Also Read: Tips to overcome premenstrual syndrome

PCOS: What Causes It?

PCOS is more complex and usually involves genetic and metabolic components. Its causes include:

• Strong genetic influences (it usually runs in families)
• Insulin resistance, where the body is unable to utilise insulin, resulting in raised insulin and androgen levels
• Low-grade chronic inflammation, possibly causing androgen production
• Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) may disrupt ovulation.
• Environmental exposure to toxic chemicals
• Obesity can exacerbate hormonal and metabolic issues, but PCOS can also happen in women of normal weight.

How PCOD vs PCOS Are Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive facial or body hair, weight gain, or acne, you must see the doctor. This is how they diagnose them:

For PCOD, your doctor will likely:

• Take your medical history
• Conduct a physical examination.
• Recommend an ultrasound to search for enlarged ovaries with numerous cysts.
• Order basic hormone tests.

PCOS diagnosis is more comprehensive and usually follows the Rotterdam criteria, which requires at least two of these three conditions:

1. Irregular or missing periods
2. Greater levels of androgens (either quantified by blood levels or expressed by symptoms such as excess hair and acne)
3. Polycystic ovaries are visible on ultrasound

Additional tests for PCOS often include:

• A glucose tolerance test to check for insulin resistance
• Lipid profile to assess heart disease risk
• Thyroid function tests to rule out thyroid disorders

How Are PCOD and PCOS Treated?

Although both conditions are manageable, their treatment is different due to how severe they are and why they occur. PCOD typically gets better with lifestyle modifications alone, whereas PCOS often requires a more comprehensive medical plan in addition to lifestyle modifications.

PCOD Treatment Approach

Lifestyle Changes

The first and best way to manage PCOD is to make healthier lifestyle choices. A diet with whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can bring hormones in check and enhance metabolism. Exercise regularly, like walking, swimming, or yoga, for at least 30 minutes a day, keeps hormones under control and manages weight.

Stress control is also very important. Meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or just sleeping well can decrease cortisol levels and improve hormonal balance.

Medical Support (if needed)

If lifestyle modifications do not work, you may require medical help. Doctors can provide birth control pills to help your menstrual cycles and reduce hormone fluctuations. Sometimes doctors may prescribe supplements like inositol, Vitamin D, or Omega-3 fatty acids to help with hormones and metabolism. Do this only under a doctor's supervision.

PCOS Treatment Approach

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle change is necessary but not always sufficient on its own for women with PCOS. A diet of low-glycemic foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy stabilises insulin resistance, a major problem in PCOS. Cardio and strength training can also increase insulin sensitivity and aid in weight management. Stress reduction is also needed because chronic stress can exacerbate hormonal issues.

Medications

PCOS creates hormone and metabolism problems. So, medication is typically needed in combination with lifestyle changes. Doctors might prescribe birth control pills that have hormones in order to regulate periods and decrease the effects of too much male hormone. Anti-androgen drugs can help treat acne and excess hair growth.

Surgical Options

In a few exceptional and more serious cases, especially when fertility is an issue and other treatments have failed, a small procedure in the form of ovarian drilling may be an option. This is where very small holes are drilled into the ovaries so that normal ovulation is stimulated again.

Regular Monitoring

Ongoing medical monitoring is important to manage PCOS due to its association with other health risks. Women with PCOS may require regular type 2 diabetes checks, high cholesterol, blood pressure, and uterine health to prevent long-term complications.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's time to visit the doctor:

• Periods that are irregular, heavy, or absent
• Struggling to get pregnant after one year of trying.
• Unusual body hair on your face, chest, or back.
• Severe acne that is treatment-resistant to standard treatments
• Unexplained weight gain, particularly in your midsection.
• Darkening of the skin in neck creases, groin, or under the breasts

Take Control Of Your Hormonal Well-Being Today!

PCOD is generally milder and more manageable, whereas PCOS requires more cautious management and monitoring for future health issues. Remember, though, that with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, most women with both conditions can lead healthy and happy lives. Early detection and treatment of the conditions must be done to prevent complications and preserve fertility.

If you are noticing these symptoms or feeling unsure, it is best to speak with a doctor. Book an appointment at Apollo Spectra today. Our team will treat the condition and guide you on lifestyle changes, so you get complete, thoughtful care that fits your needs.