What is the Difference between PCOS and PCOD?

If you have ever googled PCOS vs PCOD, chances are you ended up more confused than before. You are not alone. These two terms are often used interchangeably, making it difficult to understand what they really mean.

On a broader level, PCOD is a hormonal imbalance that affects the ovaries, while PCOS is a more severe metabolic disorder with long-term health implications. Both can lead to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues, but they are not the same.

According to WHO, 6 to 13% of women in their reproductive age are affected by this hormonal condition. Yet 70% of them are undiagnosed worldwide. With PCOS and PCOD becoming increasingly common, it is important to know the difference between PCOS and PCOD so you can manage your health better. Let's break it down in the simplest way possible.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce excessively immature or partially mature eggs. Over time, these eggs turn into cysts, causing the ovaries to enlarge and secrete extra androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance disrupts the menstrual cycle but is generally less severe than PCOS.

PCOD typically begins in the teenage years or early 20s. Unlike PCOS, PCOD does not always lead to severe metabolic issues or worsen with age and can be managed with simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

What are the Symptoms of PCOD?

• Irregular periods: Delayed or unpredictable menstrual cycles
• Mild weight gain or weight fluctuations
• Acne and oily skin: Increased androgen levels can lead to breakouts
• Hair thinning: Gradual hair loss or reduced hair volume. Some may even experience excessive facial hair growth.
• Mild fertility issues: Ovulation may be irregular but is not entirely absent

What are the Causes of PCOD?

PCOD can be triggered by a combination of factors, like a family history of hormonal disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of processed or sugary foods, or chronic stress and lifestyle changes.

What are the Long-Term Health Implications of PCOD?

• Higher risk of Type 2 diabetes: The body may struggle to use insulin (glucose) effectively, which leads to insulin resistance. In this situation, cells do not respond well to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
• Uterine complications: Irregular periods prevent the uterine lining (endometrium) from shedding as it should. Over time, this can cause it to thicken, increasing the risk of health issues.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a more complex and severe hormonal disorder than PCOD. It affects the ovaries and the body's metabolism, leading to widespread symptoms beyond just irregular periods. Women with PCOS produce higher levels of androgens (male hormones), which disrupt ovulation, cause visible changes in the body, and increase long-term health risks.

Similar to PCOD, PCOS can appear in the early teenage years. It is a full-body condition linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased risk of diabetes and cholesterol.

What are the Symptoms of PCOS?

• Irregular or absent periods: Some women go months without a cycle
• Significant weight gain, especially around the belly: Women find it harder to lose weight due to insulin resistance.
• Excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism): This sign is due to high androgen levels
• Stubborn acne and oily skin.
• Thinning scalp hair: Extreme hair loss similar to male-pattern baldness
• Difficulty conceiving: Ovulation is often unpredictable or does not occur at all

What are the Causes of PCOS?

Like PCOD, PCOS has several factors contributing to this condition, such as increased androgen production that leads to hormonal imbalance, genetics, poor lifestyle, chronic low-grade inflammation, and when the body is not using insulin properly, causing insulin resistance.

What are the Long-Term Health Risks of PCOS?

• Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance makes it harder for the body to process sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels over time. This increases the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Heart disease: Women with PCOS often have higher cholesterol levels and chronic inflammation, which can contribute to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and a greater risk of heart-related conditions.
• Endometrial cancer: Irregular periods mean the uterine lining (endometrium) builds up over time instead of shedding regularly. This can lead to abnormal cell growth, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

Can PCOS and PCOD be Reversed?

Neither PCOD nor PCOS can be completely cured, but they can be managed effectively with the right approach. While PCOD symptoms often improve with lifestyle changes, PCOS requires a more structured and long-term approach due to its hormonal and metabolic impact. Here's what you can do:

• Dietary Adjustments: Follow a low-glycemic or anti-inflammatory diet. Avoid processed food and sugar and add more protein, fibre, and healthy fats to every meal. This will help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain weight.
• Consistent Exercise: Strength training and low-impact workouts help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and regulate menstrual cycles.
• Hormone Balancing Brew: Instead of allopathic medications, seek natural and effective solutions through herbal teas. The hormone-balancing brew comprises 11 Ayurvedic herbs such as Spearmint, Ashwagandha, Ginger, Lodhra, Shatavari, Peppermint, Stinging Nettle and more. It helps with PCOS / PCOD and its symptoms (cramps, irregular cycles, mood swings, fatigue).
• Stress Management: High stress can worsen hormonal imbalances, so practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help.

FAQs

 

Which is more serious, PCOD or PCOS?

PCOS is considered more severe as it involves systemic hormonal imbalances and long-term health risks. PCOD is more common and can often be managed with lifestyle and dietary changes.

Does weight loss help PCOS and PCOD?

Yes. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can improve symptoms, regulate periods, and improve skin health in both conditions.

Can women with PCOD or PCOS get pregnant?

Yes. Women with PCOD often conceive naturally with the right lifestyle changes. Women with PCOS may require medical treatment, IVF or lower the impact with the natural hormone-balancing brew.