The real difference between PCOD and PCOS

PCOD and PCOS are two words we hear quite frequently. The problem of irregular periods is getting extremely common and to an extent, are lifestyle disorders.

Statistics suggest that both these lifestyle disorders are on the rise.

01/ PCOD and PCOS are on the rise

Even though both of these diseases are related to menstrual problems and are quite alike, PCOD and PCOD are not the same. There are very minute differences between the two. The right kind of diagnosis made at the right time can help attend to the problem.

If you too are confused, we explain to you the difference:

02/ What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) is a disorder caused by an imbalance of hormones in the reproductive system. The hormonal imbalance leads to an excess secretion of male hormone which leads to irregular periods and delayed egg release, which may also turn into cysts. Missed periods, or skipping cycles altogether is a common consequence of the same and if not treated in time, it can induce other side effects such as weight gain, acne, hair fall or excess hair growth.

03/ What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is very similar to that of a PCOD diagnosis but is an endocrinal problem. Women who suffer from PCOS produce higher than usual levels of androgen, the male hormone in the body which impact the monthly ovulation cycle. The period cycles get disrupted and the eggs which form as cysts build up in the ovaries and get enlarged in size. It also leads to a change in metabolism, carries an increased risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.

PCOS can also manifest in women in different ways, depending on the age and other pre-existing health problems. Inflammatory and Hidden-cause PCOS are the two most common ones.

04/ How are they two different from each other?

Even though they have similar causative factors, PCOD and PCOS are different.

While PCOS is an endocrinal problem (aka metabolic syndrome), which is more serious in nature, PCOD, often considered 'temporary' largely happens through hormonal imbalance and can be corrected through a balance of the right diet and exercise.

05/ Treatment

There is no cure for PCOD or PCOS. However, both diseases can be managed easily. While PCOD is often corrected with the help of the right kind of diet and exercise, PCOS involves the treatment of several different factors causing the syndrome rather than just one.

Specific medications, lifestyle changes are advised to combat with symptoms of the problem, such as obesity, infertility, hirsutism.

06/ Women are often prescribed birth control pills

Women are also prescribed birth control (hormonal pills) to irregular periods and associated risk factors, such as weight gain.

That being said, making lifestyle modification play a major role in relieving symptoms of both problems. Adopting a good diet, managing weight, fighting stress and engaging in good exercise on a regular basis can help deal with the symptoms on the long run.

07/ Do they carry any impact on pregnancy?

Infertility and problems conceiving are some of the biggest shortcomings of both hormonal disorders. Nonetheless, women with PCOD or PCOS are able to get pregnant with the right kind of medical intervention, lifestyle changes which help deal with the side-effects of the problem at large. Some fertility drugs and low-tech fertility surgeries may also help in lessening the problems. However, it is a problem which needs to be managed in the long-run.

Maintaining a healthy weight, boosting fertility and ovulation naturally can be some of the measures women can adopt to increase their odds of getting pregnant without undergoing problems.

08/ Do home remedies work in treating PCOD and PCOS?

Even though there exists no perfect cure that treats PCOD, PCOS or prevents it, making certain tweaks, or using certain home remedies can actually deal with some of the symptoms. Some of the measures which can be used include eating anti-inflammatory foods, low-carb and lesser of processed food and dairy products.

Studies also claim that 'seed-cycling', i.e., consuming certain nuts and seeds during particular phases of the menstrual cycle can help combat PCOD and PCOS.

09/ Follow these tips to cut down the risk of PCOD or PCOS

Apart from this, women of every age should make sure that they follow a good lifestyle to keep problems at bay. Certain measures involve

-Regular exercise (Brisk walk, jogging, or other moderate-intensity exercises)

-Having a rich and colourful diet which is rich in anti-inflammatory and nourishing vitamins and minerals.

-Managing a good and disciplined lifestyle

-Cut down or minimize tobacco and alcohol intake.

-Manage stress in a better way.

from LifeStyle