Know the difference between PCOD and PCOS
Compared to men, women have more hormonal fluctuations in their bodies, due to which they often have to face many problems, which include both physical and mental problems. Physical problems caused by hormones are often so severe that the effects are long-term and often lifelong, including, for example, unwanted hair growth, diabetes, and acne.
If we talk about problems caused due to hormonal imbalance, PCOD or PCOS can be kept in the most serious category. Because due to both of these, the ovaries of women are affected and due to this, women have to face other problems.
Both these problems are serious, but despite this there is not much awareness about it among women. In this article, detailed information has been given between these two. The most important difference between PCOD and PCOS has been explained in the article, because doubts often arise regarding these two.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance caused by the ovaries (the organ that produce and release eggs) overproducing and then making excess male hormones. If you’re struggling with PCOS, your ovaries produce abnormally high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your reproductive hormones to become unbalanced. As a result, people with PCOS often have erratic menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation. Small cysts may develop on your ovaries (fluid-filled sacs) due to lack of ovulation (anovulation).
However, despite the name “polycystic,” you do not need to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. It may also increase your risk for other health conditions. By timely diagnosis, this problem can be cured with medical treatment, provided that the patient gets proper treatment.
What is PCOD?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries produce large numbers of immature or partially mature eggs, which over time form cysts in the ovaries. Let’s go. This causes the ovaries to enlarge and secrete large amounts of male hormones (androgens), causing infertility, irregular menstruation, hair loss, and abnormal weight gain. PCOD can be controlled by changes in diet and lifestyle.
How serious is PCOS in India?
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 116 million women (3.4%) worldwide are affected by PCOS. At the same time, if we talk about it in India, no special studies have been done on it. There is very limited data available in India regarding this, according to which the prevalence of PCOS in India ranges between 3.7 percent to 22.5%. Due to very limited data and different regions, it is very difficult to define the prevalence of PCOS in India. The reason behind low statistics regarding PCOS in India is apart from less studies, less information about it and hesitation among women. Women’s health is still not given much attention in the country, hospitals are still out of reach of women, this problem is more in rural and remote areas. On the other hand, not talking openly about it is also a reason why there is not much data and health services available about PCOS.
What is the main cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
Currently, the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Yes, but there is some evidence (studies) that genetic factors play a role. Many other factors also play a role in causing PCOS which are described below:-
Higher levels of male hormones called androgens :- High androgen levels prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), which causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause small, fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, to develop in the ovaries. High androgens also cause acne and excess hair growth in women.
Insulin resistance:- Due to increased insulin levels the ovaries make and release male hormones (androgens). The increase in male hormones, in turn, suppresses ovulation and contributes to other symptoms of PCOS. Insulin controls the way your body processes glucose (sugar) and uses it for energy. Insulin resistance means that your body does not process insulin properly, leading to increased glucose levels in your blood. Not all individuals with insulin resistance develop high glucose or diabetes, but insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Being overweight or obese can also contribute to insulin resistance. An elevated insulin level, even if your blood glucose is normal, may indicate insulin resistance.
Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which indicate the level of inflammation in your body. Can do.
What are the common signs and symptoms of PCOD and PCOS?
If PCOS occurs, the following symptoms may appear in women: –
Irregular periods:- Irregular menstruation includes missing periods or no periods at all. This may also include heavy bleeding during periods.
Abnormal hair growth:- There may be excess hair on the face and heavy hair growth on the arms, chest and abdomen. It affects 70 percent of women with PCOS.
Acne: PCOS can cause acne, especially on the back, chest and face. This acne can continue beyond adolescence and can be difficult to treat.
Obesity: About 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and have trouble losing weight.
Darkening of the skin: Darkened skin patches, especially on your neck, armpits, groin (between the legs) and under the breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans.
Cysts: Many women suffering from PCOS have small pockets of fluid in their ovaries.
Skin Tags:- Skin tags are small flaps of excess skin. They are often found in the armpits or neck in women with PCOS.
Thinning hair: People with PCOS may lose patches of hair on their head or start going bald.
Infertility:- PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Decreased frequency or lack of ovulation may result in not being able to conceive.
Can I have PCOS but have no symptoms?
Yes, it is possible to have PCOS and not have any symptoms. Many people don’t even realize it until they have trouble getting pregnant or are gaining weight for unknown reasons. It’s also possible to have mild PCOS, where the symptoms aren’t severe enough for you to notice them.
What are the differences between PCOD and PCOS?
Some women may be confused whether PCOD and PCOS are the same or different from each other. Both medical conditions are associated with ovulation and hormonal imbalance in women during their reproductive age (between 12 and 51 years) and show similar symptoms. Here the table below shows the differences between PCOD and PCOS which every woman and girl should know:-
PCOS and PCOD How are these two conditions different?
There is a difference between both PCOS and PCOD due to the nature of the condition. On one hand, PCOS is a serious condition. PCOD is not actually considered a disease as it can be controlled with the right diet and exercise. PCOS, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder. You can understand this with some statements given below:-
Causative Factors
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine system, while Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a condition that develops from an imbalance of hormones. Hormonal imbalance and genetics are believed to play an important role in both conditions. The theory is that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and producing eggs normally. Insulin resistance and inflammation have also been linked to excess androgen production.
Occurrence
PCOD is more common than. About one third of women worldwide suffer from polycystic ovarian disease. The number of patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is less.
Impact of PCOD & PCOS on Pregnancy
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) does not cause infertility in all women and should not be considered a barrier to pregnancy. In about 80 percent of cases, women can possibly conceive with a little help and experience a spontaneous pregnancy. For women with PCOS, pregnancy can be a challenge due to hormonal irregularities. To conceive, one must have a balanced hormonal cycle that can create an environment for the egg to be released and communicate with sperm after intercourse. Since androgen levels are very high in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), conceiving can be a bit challenging if one falls under the syndrome.
Maintaining good health is essential to prevent hormonal disturbances and conditions as well as treat them. The best treatment for PCOD and PCOS would include timely diagnosis and appropriate steps that can help overcome the syndrome and make the pregnancy journey successful.
How is PCOD or PCOS diagnosed?
PCOD or PCOS has physical findings that affect body systems and can be diagnosed through blood tests and imaging. During diagnosis, the gynecologist will examine the female patient for symptoms such as irregular periods, growth of unwanted male-pattern hair on the woman’s chest, face and back, acne or thinning hair on the head. Apart from this, the gynecologist will also talk about the woman’s medical history, eating and drinking habits, taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and supplements, etc., so that the diagnosis can be made properly.
To diagnose PCOD or PCOS, a gynecologist may recommend the following tests:
Pelvic examination:- Physically examining the reproductive organs for abnormalities, or any growths.
Blood tests:- Blood tests will help in understanding the hormone levels, these include checking the fasting lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels). To do), include glucose tolerance test.
Imaging test:- Ultrasound imaging test to check the size of the ovaries, the lining of the uterus, and cysts in the ovaries.
In addition to the above, the gynecologist may recommend additional tests to check for complications. These may include:
How can PCOD or PCOS be treated?
PCOD or PCOS treatment focuses on managing your individual problems, such as irregular periods, obesity, infertility, acne, or hirsutism. Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
Treatment will depend on symptoms such as hair growth, acne and metabolic disorders. This also includes:
A laparoscopic procedure called ovarian drilling to destroy androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries in case PCOS patients do not respond to hormonal treatment.
Any diet that helps you lose weight can help your condition. However, some diets may have benefits over others. Weight loss can improve cholesterol levels, lower insulin and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days a week can help women lose weight. Losing weight through exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels.
The best treatment for PCOD and PCOS would include timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment modalities can help relieve the symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important for treating hormonal imbalance and related conditions.
Please consult if you have skipped periods, or have other PCOD/PCOS symptoms such as increased hair growth on your face or body/if you have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or more without success.
If you are not planning to become pregnant, treatment includes:
Hormonal birth control: Options include birth control pills, patches, shots, a vaginal ring, or an intrauterine device (IUD). Hormonal birth control helps regulate your menstrual cycle, improve acne, and excess hair growth.
Insulin-sensitizing medicine:- Metformin is a medicine used to treat diabetes. It works by helping your body process insulin. Once insulin is controlled, some people with PCOS see improvements in their menstrual cycles.
Medications to block androgens:- Some medications can block the effects of androgens. It helps control acne or hair growth caused by PCOS. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether they are right for you.
Lifestyle changes:- Losing weight and eating a healthy diet can have a positive effect on insulin levels.
If you want to get pregnant now or in the future, treatment for PCOS includes:
Drugs to induce ovulation (releasing an egg) :- A successful pregnancy starts with ovulation. Some medications have been proven to induce ovulation in women with PCOS. Clomiphene and letrozole are taken orally, while gonadotropin is given by injection.
Surgery:- A surgical procedure called ovarian drilling can trigger ovulation by removing tissues in the ovaries that are producing androgen hormones. Because of new medications becoming available, surgeons now rarely perform this procedure.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Your egg is fertilized with your partner’s sperm in a laboratory and then transferred to your uterus. It is an option for women with PCOS when medication does not help with ovulation.
Can I prevent the effects of PCOD or PCOS?
There is no proven way to prevent PCOD or PCOS, but you can take small steps to reduce your symptoms. For example, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and managing your weight can help you avoid the effects of PCOS.