PCOS and PCOD. Do you really know the difference?

PCOS (Polycystic ovary (or ovarian) syndrome) is a syndrome in which several cysts start growing on the ovaries. These cysts are mostly made up of immature eggs. Irregular periods are one of the most common symptoms of PCOS.

On the other hand, PCOD (Polycystic ovary (or ovarian) disease) impacts the ovaries in a similar way but is less critical in nature. Smaller and fewer sacs develop on the ovaries which can go back within a maximum of three months.

Did you know that PCOS and PCOD are indeed different? Most people will surely think that these two are the same because the symptoms are similar but they are very different. Even some of the articles and content from credible knowledge outlets have used these two terms interchangeably. Let’s see how they’re different.

PCOS and PCOD have similar symptoms with some minor differences. PCOS-affected women have symptoms like;

• Irregular periods, 
• No periods at all,
• Obesity,
• Excessive facial hair,
• Baldness,
• Fatigue,
• Mood swings,
• Headache, and anxiety

While PCOD-affected women have similar symptoms but in this case, there’s a higher chance that they don’t have periods altogether. Obesity is comparatively more severe in PCOD than in PCOS. The signs of PCOS are visible at the start of puberty itself while the signs of PCOD can rarely be detected at an early age.

PCOD reduces the frequency of ovulation in the body while PCOS-affected females might not be able to conceive at all. PCOS and PCOD can cause insulin resistance in the body as well which might lead to diabetes and both (PCOS & PCOD) can increase blood pressure leading to heart problems.

The only treatment for PCOS is aimed at reducing the symptoms and avoiding further complications. On the basis of symptoms, their severity, and also the patient’s desire to become pregnant, there are several other options to treat PCOS. This may include diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and weight management.

Healthy foods and regular exercise will help maintain lower blood pressure and cholesterol and can tackle sleep apnea problems. Oral contraceptives can also be prescribed by the treating doctor to normalize periods.

Many cases of PCOD have been completely treated but there are chances of it growing back. The most common treatment is adopting a healthy lifestyle. Hormonal medications to keep androgen levels in check and birth control pills to control periods can also be considered but only on the treating doctor’s recommendations.