PCOD or PCOS

What is PCOD?

PCOD is a condition that affects 1 in 8 women in India, and is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the reproductive system. An excessive secretion of the male hormone impacts the ovaries, resulting in a build-up of immature (or partially mature) eggs that aren’t released. Over a period of time, these turn into cysts, and the cysts multiply into more cysts, further worsening the problem. This condition usually arises owing to genetics as well as lifestyle and environmental factors, such as exposure to substances like bisphenol A.

What is PCOS?

PCOS, on the other hand, is a disorder concerning the endocrine system that can be traced back to the early 1700s. In those affected by PCOS—20% of all Indian women—the body produces a higher level of androgen (male hormone). This hampers egg development in the ovaries as well as their release, and can result in the formation of cysts. Along with genetics, insulin-resistance and inflammation in the body are considered to be causes for PCOS.

In the event that a woman’s body can’t utilise insulin optimally, there is excess insulin in the body. This prompts a greater production of the male hormone. Similarly, when your body faces inflammation, it may urge ovaries to up the production of androgen. 

Difference between PCOS and PCOD

When it comes to PCOD vs PCOS, the latter is considered to be far more serious and long-lasting by medical experts as it is a metabolic disorder. PCOD, on the other hand, is deemed temporary and treatable with a combination of diet and exercise. Both, however, can contribute to fertility problems. 

PCOD vs PCOS symptoms

When it comes to PCOD vs PCOS symptoms, there are a many overlaps. However, the key differentiator is that PCOD symptoms rarely show up at an early age. They are typically visible only later in life. On the other hand, PCOS symptoms show up early, usually during teenage years. This is especially true for symptoms such as acne, hirsutism and an increase in weight.

PCOD symptoms 

• Hirsutism, i.e., excessive hair growth on the face and body 
• Acne 
• Darkness of skin where the skin creases, such as the neck, armpits and groin 
• Hair thinning 
• Menstrual irregularity: oligomenorrhea (less than 9 menstrual periods in a year) and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods for 3 or more months, successively) 
• Heavy bleeding when periods do occur 
• Severe obesity 

PCOS symptoms 

• Irregular periods, which triggers heavy bleeding when periods do occur 
• Male pattern baldness 
• Acne 
• Headaches 
• Hirsutism 
• Darkness of skin where the skin creases, such as the neck, armpits and groin 
• Weight gain 

As you can see, PCOD vs PCOS symptoms are more or less the same. However, their intensity, or the way in which they present themselves varies. For instance, weight gain is common to both, but is more severe in PCOD than it is in PCOS.