What Is The Difference Between PCOD And PCOS?

What Is The Difference Between PCOD And PCOS?

26 Apr 2022 | 5 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

There is a lot of confusion between PCOD and PCOS. Women often get confused between the two since both conditions are related to ovaries and cause hormonal disturbances, but in reality there is a significant difference in the two.

According to research, almost 10% of the women in the world are suffering from PCOD and almost a third of the women around the world suffer from PCOS. 

But what is PCOD and PCOS? How are they different? Read on to know more about the difference between PCOD and PCOS.

Are PCOD and PCOS the same? A lot of women get confused between the two, often using the two terms interchangeably, especially when trying to understand the relation between PCOS, PCOD and pregnancy. In reality, both the conditions are different, in spite of the similarities like being related to the ovaries and causing hormonal disturbances. Let’s take a closer look at these two conditions and what makes them different from each other. Understanding the difference between PCOD & PCOS What is PCOD? All women have two ovaries that release an egg alternately every month. The ovaries produce androgens or male hormones in minute quantities. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a condition where the ovaries release a lot of immature or partially-mature eggs which eventually turn into cysts. Some of the common symptoms are abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss and infertility. In this condition, the ovaries usually become enlarged and secrete large amounts of androgens that can cause havoc with a woman’s fertility and her body. The best treatment for PCOD often looks at reducing the severity of such symptoms.

What Is PCOD?

Women have two ovaries that release an egg alternately each month. Apart from the female hormones, the ovaries also produce male hormones also called androgens in very small amounts.

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease and is a medical condition where the ovaries release the eggs prematurely that turn into cysts over time, causing irregular periods, weight gain, hair loss and abdominal pain.

Some pregnant women suffer from PCOD when the ovaries become enlarged, and secrete androgens in large amounts. This affects a woman’s body and fertility.

PCOD is mostly caused because of unhealthy lifestyle habits like consuming junk food, stress, hormonal imbalances and being overweight.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and is a metabolic disorder of the endocrine system. In this condition, higher amounts of male hormones are produced that leads to irregularity in ovulation.

A lot of cysts form in the ovary as a result of this condition. It is a serious medical condition and requires proper medical attention or surgical treatment.

Few researchers conducted studies and showed that the range of PCOS in India is from 3.7% to 22.5%.

It is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience excessive lower abdomen pain along with irregular periods. | freepik

How Are The Two Conditions Different?

While PCOD is a lesser serious condition and can be easily controlled with exercise and a healthy diet, PCOS is a serious condition since it’s is a metabolic disorder.

The other differences between the two are:

  1. Causative Factors: PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system, while PCOD is a condition that is developed by the imbalance of hormones.

Hormonal imbalances and genetics play a vital role in both the conditions. Higher levels of male hormones prevent ovaries from producing hormones and eggs normally.

Besides, insulin resistance and inflammation have also been linked to the excess androgen production.

Women with PCOS face a big challenge in conceiving. | Image Source: freepik

  1. Impact on pregnancy: PCOD does not affect fertility in women. Women with PCOD usually remain fertile and do not face problems in conceiving. On the other hand, women with PCOS face a big challenge in conceiving. This is so because of hormonal irregularities.

As the ovaries are unable to produce eggs regularly, such women are also susceptible to complications in their pregnancies, including miscarriages.

Women suffering from PCOS lose their ability to ovulate regularly due to the excessive release of male hormones. On the other hand, women who have PCOD can still ovulate and conceive.

  1. Health complications: PCOS can not only cause infertility and complications with pregnancy but also lead to other health problems. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Although PCOD can be caused due to obesity and unhealthy habits, it does not lead to health complications like that in PCOS.

Women suffering from PCOS generally start to develop the symptoms in their adolescence like abdominal weight gain, excessive hair growth on the body, facial hair growth and acne that are noticeable.

Unlike PCOS, PCOD does not release as high amounts of male hormones. Hence, the symptoms are less noticeable.

While PCOS is more severe than PCOD, both the conditions can be treated if they are detected well on time. Following a healthy diet and a strict fitness regime can control the symptoms, and improve the hormonal imbalances. It is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and lower abdomen pain.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.

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