PCOS & PCOD - Know Symptoms, Causes, and Differences

PCOS and PCOD are hormonal disorders that affect many women. They can cause irregular periods, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and other symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) are two common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age. Although the two conditions are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and differences between PCOS and PCOD based on scientific references.

Symptoms of PCOS and PCOD

The symptoms of PCOS and PCOD are quite similar and may include:

Causes of PCOS and PCOD

The exact causes of PCOS and PCOD are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of these conditions. These factors include:

Insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, and the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. This excess insulin can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, leading to the symptoms of PCOS and PCOD.

Hormonal imbalances

Women with PCOS and PCOD have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) than normal, which can cause the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Genetics

PCOS and PCOD can run in families, indicating a genetic component to these conditions.

Related Read: Impact of Polycystic ovarian Disease (PCOD) on Women’s health

Differences between PCOS and PCOD

PCOS and PCOD share many common symptoms, but there are a few differences between the two conditions.

According to UNICEF,

“In PCOD the ovaries start releasing immature eggs that lead to hormonal imbalances and swollen ovaries, among other symptoms; while in PCOS, endocrine issues cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens, which makes eggs prone to becoming cysts.” ¹

Ovarian cysts

The most significant difference between PCOS and PCOD is the presence of ovarian cysts. Women with PCOD have multiple small cysts on their ovaries, while women with PCOS may or may not have ovarian cysts.

Hormonal imbalances

Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) than normal, while women with PCOD have higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) than normal.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is more commonly associated with PCOS than PCOD. Women with PCOS are more likely to have insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other metabolic disorders.

Treatment for PCOS and PCOD

Treatment for PCOS and PCOD depends on the severity of the symptoms and the woman's desire to conceive. Some common treatments for these conditions include:

Lifestyle changes

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve insulin resistance and reduce symptoms associated with PCOS and PCOD.

Medications

Medications such as birth control pills, metformin, and spironolactone may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms associated with PCOS and PCOD.

Fertility treatments

Women who are trying to conceive may require fertility treatments such as ovulation induction or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In conclusion, PCOS and PCOD are common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age. Although the two conditions share many common symptoms, they have some differences in their causes and treatment. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and differences between PCOS and PCOD can help women manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is also important to consult with your doctor if you suspect that you may have PCOS or PCOD.

Related article: 10 Super Nutrients that work Best For PCOS/PCOD