Are PCOD and PCOS the Same? Let’s Learn the Differences

November 9, 2024 Arushi Chaturvedi

Being a woman is not easy, not because we suffer monthly periods but complicated periods. Complicated periods what’s that? I am talking about PCOD and PCOS. During normal periods, we suffer cramps, mood swings, and breakdowns and become normal. But PCOD and PCOS are complex terms. Although they both are related to ovaries and share the same symptoms, there are some major differences, too. Let’s check out about them in detail:

Table of Contents

What is PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is an ovarian disease in which ovaries begin releasing immature, partially mature eggs in large quantities. It occurs due to hormonal imbalances and can be treated. Moreover, ovaries are responsible for pregnancy, and they naturally produce hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. It means they controlled the ovulation process that causes pregnancy. Due to hormonal imbalances, the woman’s menstrual cycle is affected.

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is an ovarian syndrome that affects the endocrine system. Women with this syndrome can have irregular periods, which means they do not get periods for months, and once they do, it lasts for over a month. If you have PCOS, you can be affected by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and more. Furthermore, it can cause fertility issues. It is mainly noticeable in women who are in their 20s or 30s or during the time they are trying to conceive.

Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS

Here are the symptoms of PCOD and PCOS that are important to notice. They both share the same symptoms. If you develop these symptoms, consult with your gynecologist as soon as possible.

Irregular menstrual cycles or lasts for a longer duration
Cysts in ovaries
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Excessive hair growth (especially on the chest, back, belly, and stomach)
Weight gain (belly fat)
Infertility
Hair loss or thinning
Skin tags (additional skin or neck and back)
Dark skin patches on different areas of skin (armpit, neck, and more)
High testosterone levels

Causes of PCOD and PCOS

Here are some of the major causes of PCOD and PCOS. It is important to know what exactly affects your menstrual cycle:

1. One of the major causes of PCOD and PCOS is excessive production of androgen. The hormone plays an important role in male reproductive activities. Moreover, when a female overproduction of androgen occurs, it releases the hormones excessively, which disrupts the menstrual cycle. It can lead to acne and hirsutism (hair growth).

2. If your ancestors have had PCOD and PCOS, there are higher chances that you may develop the symptoms. Furthermore, it can be genetically correlated.

3. Excess insulin production can lead to higher androgen levels, which apparently can cause PCOD. The androgen level directly affects the ovaries, which causes PCOS. It also disrupts normal ovaries, which cause irregular menstruation.

Complications of PCOS and PCOD

Some of the major complications that occur in women during PCOD and PCOS are mentioned below; let’s check them out:

Infertility
Acne
Sleep apnea
Weight gain
Baldness
Heart Disease
Type 2 diabetes
Excess hair growth
Metabolic syndrome
Premature Birth
Depression
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Insulin resistance
Obesity
Hyperpigmentation
Skin tag
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Breast cancer
Hypercholesterolemia
High androgen levels
Miscarriage
Endometrial cancer

Diagnosis and Treatment

Now that we have learned everything about complex problems such as PCOD and PCOS, it’s time to check out the diagnosis and treatment:

Diagnosis

If you are developing symptoms of PCOD and PCOS, such as irregular menstruation, cysts in ovaries, hair growth on the chest or face, thinning hair, and more, consult with your gynecologist. By looking at the symptoms, the diagnosis process starts, which includes some pelvic examinations, blood tests, and imaging.

Pelvic Examination: In this examination, the gynecologist examines the pelvic area physically. It is to check for any other injury or abnormal bleeding. They also check if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen.

Blood Tests: Blood tests are important to identify your hormone levels and glucose levels. The tests for lipid profile check the levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose tolerance.

Imaging Tests: It is an important test that is done to check the health of the uterus, such as its overy’s size, uterus’s lining, and cysts present in the reproductive system.

Treatment

Treatment is necessary to improve your overall well-being from the effects of PCOD and PCOS. However, PCOS cannot be treated completely as of now. Let’s check them out:

Hormonal birth control
Insulin-sensitizing medicine
Medications to block androgens
Lifestyle changes
Infertility treatment
Lowering the excessive growth

Last Line

If you develop symptoms of PCOD and PCOS, it is important to consult with your doctor. Moreover, the symptoms that appear in such conditions mainly include high androgen levels, hair fall, hair thinning, hair on the chest, back, shoulders, irregular menstrual, ovarian cysts, and more. Furthermore, PCOD can be treated with lifestyle changes, but PCOS cannot be treated completely. With the help of tests such as blood and imaging, you may get diagnosed.

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