Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) & Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are common endocrine disorders affecting most women of reproductive age around the globe. Even though these terms seem similar, both conditions are different by having various influencing factors, risks, and treatment options.
Unresolved long-term issues like irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, and Alopecia may lead to PCOS or PCOD in women.
To understand the distinction between PCOD & PCOS, we must first understand the basics of the reproductive process.
What are ovaries?
Ovaries are part of female reproductive organs, making and letting out the ovum (or) egg every month. Ovaries release hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, they also produce a minimal level of the male hormone called androgen. Ovaries are responsible for fertility, regular period, and hair growth in women.
What is PCOD?
PCOD is a polycystic-ovarian disorder where the ovaries have undeveloped eggs that make cysts. PCOD is also known as ovarian cysts. These happen naturally and dissolve naturally without needing medication; it does not require medical attention.
Symptoms of PCOD
- Irregular periods
- Acne
- Weight loss
- Pelvic and lower back discomfort.
- Hair loss in the face, body, neck, back & chest.
Causes of PCOD
It is usually inherited. Modern lifestyles play a crucial part, such as eating junk food, being overweight and stressed, and hormonal imbalance.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a complicated metabolic disorder resulting from the imbalance of the sex hormones, particularly testosterone. Excessive androgens and ovarian function characterize PCOS. PCOS may be related to insulin resistance and obesity, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, depression, and a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
What are signs that are indicative of PCOS?
- Infrequently occurring or infrequent prolonged periods
- Hair loss or excessive hair growth
- Weight gain
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
- Repeated miscarriages
- Depression
- Insulin resistance.
Treatment goals
- Reduce the anovulation, androgen effect, and insulin resistance.
- Weight loss for overweight patients is beneficial in numerous ways.
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What is the significance of weight loss in PCOS treatment?
Numerous studies suggest obesity is linked to miscarriage, anovulation, and post-pregnancy complications. Weight loss can help reduce androgen LH (LH) and insulin levels. Achieving healthy insulin and weight levels can help to combat insulin resistance.
PCOD Vs.PCOS
PCOD | PCOS |
Not a disease | It is a metabolic disorder |
It can be corrected by diet & Lifestyle changes | Needs medical intervention |
There are no long-term complications | There is a link with long-term complications such as Endometrial cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular risks etc |
A little change in diet and medical help leads to pregnancy | Conception is really challenging because of hormonal irregularities |
Diet for PCOS
PCOS is often aggravated through diet and the absence of physical activity. Research suggests that a healthy diet can affect PCOS. A balanced diet will help your body’s hormones, and your body works optimally.
Find foods with a low glycemic index like whole cereals, fruits, millets, starchy vegetables, and seeds.
Get enough healthy fats such as sesame, almonds, walnuts, olive oil, sesame oil, and walnuts.
Green tea Berries contain antioxidants that aid in reducing insulin resistance.
Read our post on – 08 Healthy Foods to include in the PCOS diet
Foods to Avoid
- Mayonnaise, butter, full-fat cheese.
- Coke and other sugary drinks, such as energy drinks
- Pork and red meat.
- Chips, fries, and fried foods.
Read our post on – PCOS Hair loss: Supplements, Shampoos & Effective treatment options
1.Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: an update
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4947298/
2.Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome per the New International Evidence-Based Guideline
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893689/
3.Delayed Diagnosis and a Lack of Information Associated With Dissatisfaction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
