Decoding the Differences: PCOD vs. PCOS

Medical history evaluation, physical examination, and specific tests are used to diagnose PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). The diagnostic method seeks to identify the distinctive characteristics of PCOD and rule out alternative potential sources of the symptoms. The recommended word today is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and it’s vital to remember that PCOD is a less precise and older term. PCOD may however still be utilized in specific areas or in some medical settings.

Do you know at least a little bit that PCOD is a disease and PCOS is a disorder? Also, most of them expect that PCOD and PCOS are a similar problem, although it is not so.

It is important to properly understand the causes, side effects and risk factors related to a disease before undergoing treatment. Most of the people have no clue about the difference between PCOD and PCOS.

What is PCOD and PCOS?
PCOD is a disease with clear cause and treatment while PCOS is a condition without positive cause and treatment.

Women are intimidated, feel awkward, humiliated discussing female conceptual organs, unpredictable menstruation, maturation. Cultural judgments on women’s well-being cause these problems and set the starting point for diseases, where they can be treated and cured.

What is PCOD problem?
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder) is a disease caused by hormonal imbalance in women. Women with PCOD have ovaries that produce young or underdeveloped eggs during ovulation. These young eggs will eventually increase in number and form blisters in the ovaries.

Ovaries expand in size and a lot of male chemicals start to be produced, which leads to irregular menstruation, baldness, weight gain, excessive growth of hair like moustache.

The real causes of PCOD problem include wrong diet and lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, lack of physical work and stress.

What is PCOS problem?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Condition) is an endocrine problem where the ovaries produce excessively high levels of testosterone. The male chemical interferes with the ovulation cycle of the egg and induces the development of various cysts in the ovaries. Pimples mean sacs filled with fluid.

These forest chemicals develop in the ovaries along with the arrival and formation of eggs and get accumulated inside the ovaries. This is the reason for sparse periods in women with the condition of PCOS which eventually leads to money problems in childbearing women. Side effects like obesity, infertility, nervousness are seen in the complications of PCOS.

hereditary qualities

insulin blockage or glycogen depletion

irritated

Many people do not consider PCOD as an infection as it can be relieved with proper diet and lifestyle changes. However, PCOS is a difficult disease that cannot be cured, so prevention should be done in the early stages of occurrence.

Both PCOS and PCOD can cause maturation problems in women who become pregnant.

Cause
PCOS is an endocrine problem, whereas PCOD is a metabolic problem. Experts accept that the significant cause of both the problems is the hormonal disparity of the female regenerative organs. Hereditary component plays an important role in chemical variation. Glucose constriction and irritability possibly associated with increased androgen levels.

The advent of increased male chemicals such as testosterone would prevent the ovaries from ovulating, leading to increased wealth in women.

Side effects
The side effects of PCOD problems mainly include hirsutism (growth of hair on the face or body), baldness, excess dark skin near wrinkles, unpredictable menstruation, extended periods, unusual weight gain, swelling of the skin on the face or body.

Side effects of PCOS include sporadic menstruation, weakness in men, darkening near wrinkles, migraine, unwanted hair growth like mustache, skin breakdown, skin discoloration, pelvic pain, obesity, infertility.

confusion
Insulin blockage can lead to obesity, cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes in women with PCOS and PCOD problems.

Endometrial hyperplasia is characterized by sporadic and absence of menstruation leading to an increased risk of endometrial malignant growth or endometriosis.

Infertility problem can create risk factors like depression, stress and anxiety in women

1. Potential Causes of PCOD/PCOS

The exact cause of PCOD/PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Some potential causes and contributing factors include:

• Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to increased insulin production. This can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, contributing to PCOD/PCOS.
• Hormonal Imbalances: PCOD/PCOS is associated with abnormal levels of hormones, particularly androgens and insulin. High levels of androgens disrupt the normal development and release of eggs from the ovaries.
• Genetic Factors: There may be a genetic component to PCOD/PCOS, as it tends to run in families.
• Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation may play a role in the development of PCOD/PCOS.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle, including a sedentary routine and poor dietary habits, can exacerbate insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have PCOD/PCOS or experience irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, or other related symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

PCOD/ PCOS is diagnosed process

Diagnosing PCOD/PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests. The diagnosis aims to identify the characteristic features of PCOD/PCOS and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process

1. Diagnostic Process for PCOD/PCOS

   • Medical History: The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient’s menstrual history, any irregularities, and the presence of other symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and weight changes.
   • Physical Examination: A physical examination is conducted to assess signs such as excess hair growth, acne, and signs of insulin resistance (e.g., skin tags, acanthosis nigricans).
   • Hormone Testing: Blood tests are performed to measure hormone levels, including androgens (male hormones such as testosterone), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens and LH, and a higher LH-to-FSH ratio.
   • Pelvic Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound is used to visualize the ovaries and check for the presence of multiple small cysts, which are one of the criteria for diagnosing PCOS/PCOD. However, the presence of ovarian cysts alone is not sufficient for a PCOS/PCOD diagnosis.
   • Menstrual Irregularities: Irregular menstrual cycles, such as infrequent or absent periods, are common in PCOS/PCOD.
   • Rotterdam Criteria: The diagnosis of PCOS is often based on the Rotterdam criteria, which require the presence of at least two out of three key features: 1) Irregular or absent menstrual cycles, 2) Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (e.g., excess hair growth, acne), and 3) Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have PCOS or experience irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, or other related symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms, improve fertility, and reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Symptoms of PCOD/PCOS

1. Symptoms:PCOD:
   • PCOD is an outdated term and is often used interchangeably with PCOS.
   • The symptoms of PCOD are generally similar to those of PCOS, as both conditions involve hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts.
   • Common symptoms may include irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and weight changes.

   PCOS:

   • PCOS is the more accurate and commonly used term.
   • Symptoms of PCOS may vary in severity among individuals but generally revolve around three key features: irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism (elevated androgens leading to symptoms like excess hair growth and acne), and polycystic ovaries.
   • In addition to the key features, women with PCOS may also experie
   • nce other symptoms such as weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and thinning hair on the scalp.

2. Hormonal Imbalances:PCOD:
   • Like PCOS, PCOD is also associated with hormonal imbalances.
   • Women with PCOD may have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and may experience disruptions in insulin levels.

   PCOS:

   • PCOS is characterized by elevated levels of androgens (testosterone) and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as an altered LH-to-FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) ratio.
   • Insulin resistance is a hallmark of PCOS, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to increased insulin production.

3. Ovarian Cysts:PCOD:
   • The term PCOD originally referred to a condition where multiple small cysts were present on the ovaries.
   • However, the presence of ovarian cysts alone is not sufficient for a PCOS diagnosis, as many women without PCOS can have small ovarian cysts.

   PCOS:

   • Similarly, PCOS is characterized by multiple small cysts on the ovaries, as seen in ultrasound imaging.
   • However, the diagnosis of PCOS is based on a combination of criteria, including hormonal imbalances and symptoms, in addition to the presence of ovarian cysts.

In summary, PCOD is often used interchangeably with PCOS, but PCOS is the preferred and more accurate term in modern medical practice. Both conditions involve hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and multiple small ovarian cysts. The main distinction lies in the comprehensive criteria used to diagnose PCOS, which requires the presence of at least two out of three key features: irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, along with the exclusion of other possible causes of the symptoms. It’s essential for women experiencing related symptoms to seek medical evaluation to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate management.

Lifestyle management plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Here are practical tips to incorporate into daily life:

1. Balanced Diet:

   • Aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
   • Choose complex carbohydrates over refined sugars and processed foods to help manage insulin levels.
   • Limit the consumption of sugary beverages and foods high in added sugars.

2. Regular Exercise:

   • Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week.
   • Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, aids in weight management, and reduces stress levels.

3. Stress Reduction:

   • Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness techniques.
   • Chronic stress can worsen hormonal imbalances, so finding ways to manage stress is essential.

4. Adequate Sleep:

   • Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
   • Sufficient sleep helps regulate hormones and promotes overall well-being.

5. Weight Management:

   • If overweight, aim for gradual and sustainable weight loss through a combination of healthy eating and exercise.
   • Losing even a small percentage of body weight can significantly improve PCOD/PCOS symptoms.

6. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol:

   • Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, as excessive consumption may impact hormone levels and disrupt sleep patterns.

7. Hydration:

   • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

8. Regular Check-ups:

   • Regularly visit a healthcare provider to monitor symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health.
   • Follow recommended screenings for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can be associated with PCOS.

9. Limit Processed Foods:

   • Minimize the consumption of processed and fried foods, as they can contribute to inflammation and weight gain.

10. Support Network:

    • Seek support from friends, family, or support groups to cope with emotional challenges and maintain motivation for lifestyle changes.

It’s essential to remember that every individual’s needs and responses to lifestyle changes can vary. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a gynecologist or endocrinologist, can help create a personalized lifestyle management plan tailored to specific symptoms and health goals. Lifestyle changes, along with medical treatment when necessary, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with PCOD/PCOS and help manage its symptoms effectively.