PCOS and PCOD, probably the most heard and confused terms in women’s health right now. Both the terms stand for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Disease, respectively. These two conditions share a lot in common. Both sound almost the same and both conditions are related to menstrual issues. But they are different in their own way.
PCOS and PCOD conditions are on the rise more than ever before. It is good to have a fair amount of awareness of these two conditions for all women. And, if you are a man, you should know it better for the good health of the woman in your life. Now, give this blog a read to clear your confusions.
PCOS - A Brief Look
PCOS is known as a metabolic condition in which a woman produces higher quantities of male hormones. This further triggers increased formation of follicular cysts in the ovaries. This may happen every month affecting the menstrual cycles, causing infertility, obesity, and hair loss.
This is a serious condition. Upon diagnosis at the fertility clinic, your gynecologist may suggest the further course of action.
PCOD - A Brief Look
PCOD is more like a common disease in which the woman produces more immature eggs that eventually turn into cysts in the ovaries. The enlarged ovaries with the cysts release excessive androgen hormones, creating hormonal imbalances.
Being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and stress can be the reasons for this condition.
How are these two conditions different?
PCOS is a metabolic condition and rare whereas PCOD is more like a common condition and could be absorbed in many women across the globe.
- The symptoms of PCOS could be observed in the early stages of adolescence. Gaining extra weight and excessive hair loss as a result of metabolic disturbances that occur for no apparent reason.
- PCOD can occur in any age after menstruation. Women might gain weight but it would be because of junk foods, stress, anxiety, and other sedentary lifestyle choices.
- PCOS influences the chances of pregnancy at a greater level. In fact, it is a serious fertility issue and only the best fertility clinic can provide you with appropriate solutions.
- PCOD can be eased with certain medications. A woman can become pregnant despite of this condition and there are many instances that prove it. Balanced diet, exercise, and support from the gynic doctor should help
Some similarities between PCOS and PCOD symptoms
PCOS and PCOD share similar conditions and this is one of the reasons why people get confused between these two. You have learnt the difference between them. Now, read about the similar symptoms.
- Weight gain becomes a ‘cakewalk’ in the presence of these two conditions but losing weight, nah, doesn’t happen neither quick nor easy.
- Increased volume of hair in the unwanted places on the body such as upper lip, abdomen, chest, back and on thighs. On the other hand, the hair on the scalp becomes less and less, everyday.
- Irregular periods are a common issue in both conditions. And a few women might experience heavy bleeding whenever the period occurs.
What could be done for PCOS and PCOD?
Thyroid hormone test, blood sugar estimation, and an ultrasound screening of abdomen and pelvis are done to determine the issue. After finding the root cause of the issue (whether it’s PCOS or PCOD), your gynaecologist suggests the further treatment plan.
For PCOD, the gynaec doctor might suggest medication that normalizes menstrual cycles, combined with lifestyle changes. Losing extra weight and a healthy diet can be the real champions to address this.
PCOS can be a complex issue to tackle in a few women. It requires the doctor to address various hormonal and other bodily conditions.
Considering the severity of the issue, the doctor might employ combinations of birth control pills, and progestin therapy. Other medications such as clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, and gonadotropins.
Early diagnosis of PCOS can simplify the complications further. If you are a woman with hair loss and irregular period issues, consult your nearest fertility clinic today.
The medications and therapies mentioned in the blog are only for awareness purposes. They should be used only upon your doctor’s advice.