An Overview
Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are health conditions affecting women of reproductive age. It's important to note that both conditions are a part of the same spectrum of disorder with some differences.
Read through the article to understand the differences between the two medical conditions, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and more.
What is PCOD?
PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disorder is a medical condition in which a woman’s ovaries produce partially mature or immature eggs in large numbers during the reproductive age. This leads to the development of unruptured follicles or eggs which give cystic appearance on ultrasound. The follicles lead to enlargement of the ovaries and secretion of male hormones (androgen), which further causes irregular periods, unexpected weight gain, infertility problems and other health issues.
What is PCOS?
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a metabolic disorder that affects a female’s ovaries and the rest of the body. In women with Polycystic Ovarian Disease, metabolic symptoms also start to appear such as deranged sugars, lipid metabolism, hypertension, sleep apnoea and depression.
Causes of PCOD and PCOS
While it is believed that genetics, lifestyle and hormonal imbalances play a role in both the conditions, the exact causes of PCOD and PCOS are unknown.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS
The most common signs and symptoms of PCOD and PCOS in females can be as follows:
Irregular menstruation
Skipped periods or absence of menstruation
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Excessive hair growth (face and body)
Acne
Unexplained weight gain
Skin tags
Hair loss (hair thinning and fall out)
Skin darkening in the neck, groin and under the breasts
Infertility
Sleep disorders
Depression
The symptoms associated with PCOD or PCOS can often have a lasting impact on a woman’s physical and mental well-being. Several women may also experience:
Key Differences Between PCOD and PCOS
PCOD | PCOS |
Approximately, one-third of all menstruating women around the world have PCOD. | PCOS affects fewer women as compared to PCOD. |
PCOD does have an impact on fertility in women, (but 80% of the women will conceive with expert guidance or medication). | PCOS in women has a significant negative impact on overall quality of life in various domains, including fertility. |
PCOD is generally not associated with serious complications. | Women with PCOS present a comparatively adverse reproductive profile, including complications like hypertension, heart disease, endometrial cancer, and diabetes. |
Symptoms of PCOD can be managed effectively through lifestyle modifications, medications and surgical options. | PCOS usually requires a multidisciplinary approach and treatment with lifestyle modifications (medications are generally required lifelong). |
PCOD does not release an equivalent amount of male hormones as compared to PCOS. Due to this, the symptoms of androgen excess in PCOD are less frequent and barely noticeable. | The most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne and trouble getting pregnant. (active treatment protocols required to manage other associated health issues) |
Diagnosis of PCOD and PCOS
When it comes to the diagnosis of PCOD and PCOS, a doctor is likely to start with a discussion about medical history, menstrual periods, symptoms such as any weight changes. A physical examination checks for signs of excess hair growth, acne and insulin resistance. A doctor may then recommend:
During a pelvic examination, your doctor may check your reproductive organs for growths, masses or other changes.
A blood test helps measure hormone levels such as AMH, TSH, Prolactin, insulin, FSH, and LH. The recommended blood testing may include fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, a glucose tolerance test assesses the body’s response to glucose (sugar).
Imaging tests such as an ultrasound analyses the appearance of the ovaries and thickness of the uterus lining. A transducer (wand-like device) is placed in the vagina and emits soundwaves that are translated into images on a computer screen.
In addition to this, a gynaecologist may also recommend additional tests like screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Treatment and Tests for PCOD and PCOS
PCOD and PCOS treatment focuses on managing symptoms that are concerning you including infertility, acne, hirsutism or obesity. Specific treatment may also involve lifestyle modifications such as:
1. Lifestyle changes
A doctor may recommend weight loss by incorporating a low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise. Weight loss supports the effectiveness of the recommended medication and also helps with infertility.
2. Medications
In order to regulate your menstrual cycle, a doctor may recommend:
Combination birth control pills
Pills that contain both progestin and oestrogen decrease the production of androgen and regulate oestrogen. Regulating hormones can lower the risk of endometrial cancer and regulate irregular bleeding, excess acne and hair growth.
Taking progestin for a time span of 10 to 14 days every 1 to 2 months can help regulate periods and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Progestin therapy in the form of progestin-only mini pill or progestin-containing intrauterine device is a better choice if you wish to avoid pregnancy.
If you wish to conceive now or in the future, treatment for PCOD and PCOS may include:
Drugs to induce ovulation (releasing an egg)
A successful pregnancy starts with ovulation. Certain drugs have been proven to induce healthy ovulation in women with PCOD and PCOS. These include Insulin sensitisers like metformin, myo inositol etc.
3. In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
This is an option for individuals with PCOS if medication does not help with ovulation. IVF is a type of fertility treatment that involves removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory. After the fertilisation, the resulting embryo is placed in a woman’s uterus.
FAQs
1. PCOD or PCOS which is more dangerous?
PCOS is generally considered a more serious condition than PCOD. This is because PCOD can often be managed by making informed lifestyle choices, and may not require medical treatment in some cases.
2. What are the first signs of PCOS?
Some of the first signs of PCOS can be:
Missed, irregular or light periods
Enlarged ovaries with cysts
Excessive body hair
Weight gain (especially around the stomach)
Oily skin and acne
Thinning hair and male-pattern baldness
3. How to cure PCOS permanently?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome cannot be cured permanently but its symptoms are manageable. Treatment options may also vary because an individual with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms or just one.
4. What is the PCOD problem in females?
PCOD is a condition in which a female’s ovaries produce partially mature or immature eggs. This may happen due to a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged stress, obesity, hormonal imbalance and genetic factors.
Article By Dr. Renu Raina Sehgal
Chairperson - Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Artemis Hospitals
