Confused between PCOS and PCOD? Meri Sehat provides expert guidance to help you understand and differentiate between the two.

Help! Is It PCOS Or PCOD?

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

While the two terms <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos">polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) </a>and polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. This article explores the similarities and differences between the two conditions. 
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<h5>Syndrome VS Disease</h5>

Think of a &quot;disease&quot; as something that&#39;s not working quite right in your body. It&#39;s like when a part of your body, like your heart or your lungs, doesn&#39;t function properly and makes you feel sick. It is a definite pathological process with a known cause, identifiable symptoms, and accepted treatments. 
&nbsp;

Now, a &quot;syndrome&quot; is a bit different. It&#39;s like a group of problems that often happen together. Imagine you have a puzzle, and each puzzle piece represents a different issue. When these pieces come together, they create a picture of what&#39;s going on in your body.

Even though it&rsquo;s clinically recognized as a health issue, there&rsquo;s no scientific understanding of the process of a syndrome, i.e., why it&rsquo;s happening and what its course will be. Consequently, there&rsquo;s a lack of proper treatment and cure. 
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Your ovaries are like a little machine inside your body. Sometimes, this machine can have issues, and that&#39;s when we use terms like &quot;polycystic ovarian syndrome&quot; or &quot;polycystic ovarian disease.&quot;

It can be a problem with just the machine. Perhaps they are not functioning efficiently, causing problems with periods and making it harder for you to have a baby. Or perhaps it&rsquo;s not just the machine but a bunch of things in your body that are not working at the same time. Like, cysts on your ovaries coupled with hormonal changes and how your body is handling sugar levels, leading to issues with your periods, how your body uses energy, and even how you look. 
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PCOS is an endocrinological disorder that affects the ovaries. It causes excessive production of male hormones (androgens), making the eggs more prone to cysts.

PCOD is a metabolic condition that is caused by a combination of hormonal imbalance and genetics. Compared to PCOS, it is more common in women of reproductive age.

It&#39;s like PCOS includes PCOD as one of its pieces, but it also involves other factors that can affect your health in different ways. 
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causes

Again, the causes of both PCOS and PCOD are pretty much similar, including genetics, habits, and lifestyle. 
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Sign and Symptoms

<h5>Similarities</h5>

The symptoms of both PCOS and PCOD overlap significantly. These include:

<ul>
	<li>Absence of menstrual periods</li>
	<li>Irregular or infrequent periods</li>
	<li>Hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgens</li>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/acne">Acne</a>, oily skin, and other skin problems</li>
	<li>Abnormal hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism)</li>
	<li>Male-pattern baldness or thinning of hair</li>
	<li>Abdominal weight gain or difficulty losing weight</li>
	<li>Insulin resistance</li>
	<li>Fatigue and low energy levels 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person. If you suspect you may have PCOS or PCOD and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should discuss your concerns with a medical professional. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Differences</h5>

While immature eggs are released in PCOD, leading to hormonal differences and ovarian issues, they accumulate in the ovaries only in PCOS. This is the overarching difference between the two.

Normally, your ovaries take turns to release mature eggs every month. If you have PCOD, your ovaries will release immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs are not ready to be fertilized and may develop into cysts, in which case the ovaries will swell up<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Ovaries in PCOS may be 1.5-3 times larger than normal. There are usually 12 or more follicles in each ovary. These cysts are typically large and consist of immature eggs and other fluids. As a result, girls experience difficulties with their menstrual cycles. They may either have irregular or absent periods or encounter delays and unpredictability.

On the other hand, the ovaries in PCOD may not be large, but there will still be 5-6 follicles per ovary. Its impact on the ovaries is similar to that of PCOS but milder in nature. Since the cysts are smaller and fewer in number, they can regress within three months with lifestyle changes. In PCOD, menstrual cycles are generally normal, albeit occasionally delayed. 
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PCOS is usually identified during adolescence, often around the time of the first period. But PCOD is rarely detected at an early age. Women may present with heavy bleeding because of the buildup in the uterine wall. Detection occurs when the woman experiences difficulties conceiving<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
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Diagnosis

The Rotterdam criteria (2018) are commonly used for diagnosis, requiring the presence of at least two out of three criteria: irregular ovulation or anovulation, clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. 
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As such, screening and diagnosis typically involve:

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Medical History</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The healthcare provider will ask about your menstrual history, including the regularity of your periods and the presence of any menstrual irregularities. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Physical Examination</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The healthcare provider will perform a physical assessment of signs of PCOS, such as excess hair growth, acne, and signs of insulin resistance (e.g., skin tags, acanthosis nigricans, weight gain, etc.). 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Blood Tests</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Several blood tests may be conducted to assess hormone levels and rule out other conditions. This includes testing for levels of hormones (e.g., testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin), blood sugar and insulin levels, and lipid profile.

Depending on the individual&#39;s specific symptoms and health concerns, additional tests may be ordered, such as a glucose tolerance test and thyroid function tests. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Ultrasound</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

An ultrasound examination of the ovaries (abdominal, pelvic, and/or transvaginal) may be performed to check for the presence of polycystic ovaries. However, it&#39;s important to note that not all individuals with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, and not all ovarian cysts necessarily indicate PCOS. 
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Treatment

While there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments, which can help improve fertility and reduce the risk of complications. Most doctors recommend birth control as the first line of treatment.

Treatment for PCOD focuses more on lifestyle changes than any other alternative to manage symptoms, improve hormonal imbalances, and prevent long-term health complications. In extreme instances, it may necessitate surgical intervention like laparoscopic surgery and ovarian drilling. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Lifestyle Changes</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

These include:

<ol>
	<li>Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help improve hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Even a 5% reduction in your weight can significantly help treatment<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.</li>
	<li>Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help with weight management and overall well-being.</li>
	<li>Healthy Diet: Adopting a balanced diet with a focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can be beneficial. Cut back on sugar and carbs.</li>
	<li>Avoid Tobacco: Not smoking or avoiding other tobacco products can help lower androgen levels. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Medications</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

These include:

<ol>
	<li>Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills may be prescribed to regulate periods and hormone levels, besides improving acne and excess hair growth.</li>
	<li>Anti-Androgens: Medications that block the effects of androgens or reduce androgen production may be prescribed to manage hirsutism and acne.</li>
	<li>Insulin-Sensitizing Medications: Drugs like metformin can help improve insulin resistance and may be beneficial for those with PCOS who have insulin-related issues.</li>
	<li>Fertility Treatments: If you&rsquo;re trying to conceive, then fertility medications such as clomiphene or letrozole may be used to induce ovulation. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Management Of Symptoms</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Specific treatments may be prescribed to address individual symptoms, such as acne medications (e.g., retinoic acids) or hair removal methods (e.g., waxing, shaving, and laser treatment) for excess hair growth. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Emotional Support</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

PCOS or PCOD can impact mental health, so emotional support and counseling may be beneficial to cope with the challenges. 
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It&#39;s essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating PCOS or PCOD. Each person&#39;s treatment plan should be tailored to their unique needs and health goals. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatments if necessary, and address any new concerns. 
&nbsp;

If left untreated, PCOS and PCOD can lead to:

<ul>
	<li>Cyst rupture</li>
	<li>Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant</li>
	<li>Miscarriage</li>
	<li>Type 2 diabetes</li>
	<li>Heart disease and stroke</li>
	<li>Endometrial cancer</li>
	<li>Sleep apnea</li>
	<li>Depression and anxiety</li>
</ul>

PCOS is usually considered a more serious condition than PCOD because it leads to life-threatening emergencies and is almost always treated through external hormone intake. 
&nbsp;

And even though conception is difficult in both conditions due to hormonal irregularity, it is comparatively easier to get pregnant with PCOD than PCOS<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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While the exact causes are not fully understood, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions. Some of the common risk factors include:

<ul>
	<li>Family history of PCOS or PCOD</li>
	<li>Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome</li>
	<li>Obesity or overweight</li>
	<li>Sedentary lifestyle</li>
	<li>Age, with symptoms often appearing during adolescence or early adulthood</li>
	<li>Ethnicity, such as South Asian and Middle Eastern women</li>
	<li>Metabolic Disorders, like type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

While you cannot completely prevent PCOS or PCOD, you can take steps to reduce their impact:

<ul>
	<li>Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise.</li>
	<li>Manage stress to alleviate symptoms.</li>
	<li>Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to catch and manage symptoms early. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: Remember, even though PCOS and PCOD share many similarities, they are both complex conditions that can vary greatly from person to person. If you suspect you have either of these conditions, it&#39;s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different concepts.</li>
	<li>A disease occurs when one part of your body isn&rsquo;t working properly. In contrast, a syndrome is when there are a bunch of different problems happening together.</li>
	<li>PCOS is a broader term that emphasizes the syndrome&#39;s complex nature, including hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive aspects.</li>
	<li>PCOD primarily focuses on the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries.</li>
	<li>Symptoms may overlap, including irregular or absent menstrual periods, elevated levels of male hormones, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries.</li>
	<li>Many individuals with PCOS also present with symptoms like acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, and insulin resistance.</li>
	<li>The diagnosis is based on specific criteria (such as the Rotterdam criteria), which may include irregular periods, clinical or biochemical signs of androgen excess, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.</li>
	<li>Management includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), hormonal therapy, insulin-sensitizing medications, and fertility treatments if needed.</li>
	<li>While PCOS is associated with a higher risk of long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and endometrial (uterine lining) abnormalities, the health implications of PCOD are generally more related to reproductive difficulties and irregular periods.</li>
</ul>