PCOD vs PCOS - What is the Difference Between Them?

Every woman has two ovaries that release an egg alternatively every month. These ovaries produce female hormones responsible for periods, fertility, facial hair, etc. They also produce male hormones (androgens) but in very little quantity. In PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), the ovaries release several immature or partially mature eggs that turn into cysts over time. This results in giving the ovary a pearl-necklace appearance.

The release of immature eggs causes the ovaries to become large and secrete large amounts of male hormones, resulting in symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal weight gain, and hair loss. PCOD can be managed with lifestyle and diet modifications.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder of the endocrine system. It causes hormonal imbalance in women between 12 and 51 years old (reproductive years). In PCOS, the ovaries produce high quantities of male hormones, interfering with the development and release of eggs. Some eggs develop into cysts (little sacs filled with fluid) that build up in the ovaries and sometimes get enlarged. 

The increase in male hormones can cause irregular ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Females with this condition may also skip menstrual periods and get abnormal hair growth on the body and face. In the long term, PCOS can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It is a serious condition that requires appropriate medical attention or surgical intervention. 

Read More: PCOS in Hindi - पीसीओएस के लक्षण, कारण, इलाज और निदान क्या हैं?

While people may consider PCOD and PCOS the same, they are different. PCOS is usually considered a more severe condition than PCOD. The following table compares PCOD vs PCOS differences to help you understand how these two conditions differ from one another. 

Parameter	PCOD	PCOS
PCOD vs PCOS Full Form	Polycystic Ovarian Disease	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Meaning	It is a condition where the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs that transform into cysts.	It is a more severe condition in which the ovaries produce a high quantity of male hormones, resulting in multiple cyst formations.
Occurrence	Almost one-third of women around the world suffer from PCOD.	The number of women affected is fewer than in PCOD.
The number of follicles in ovaries	5 to 6 follicles	12 or more follicles
Impact on pregnancy	It does not affect fertility in all women. In about 80% of cases, women can get pregnant with little aid and medications.	It adversely affects female fertility, making it difficult for women to conceive.
Complications	No serious complications	Can cause complications like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and advanced endometrial cancer.
Team of doctors for treatment	Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, dietitian, dermatologist, infertility expert	Gynaecologist, endocrinologist, fertility healthcare provider, dietitian, mental health expert

Today, several women have PCOD or PCOS but are unaware of it. Looking out for their symptoms can help in early diagnosis and management. Moreover, it is important to know their causes to develop an effective treatment plan. 

For PCOD vs PCOS symptoms, there are usually several overlaps. The key differentiator between PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms is that in PCOS, symptoms like hair growth, acne and weight gain are accompanied with PCOD. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms varies between these two conditions. The reasons for their occurrence are also more or less similar. The following table compares the symptoms and causes of PCOD and PCOS. 

Parameter	PCOD	PCOS
Symptoms	Oligomenorrhea (less than nine menstrual periods in a year) Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods for three months or more) Heavy bleeding during periods	Iregular periods Heavy bleeding during periods Male pattern baldness Hirsutism Headaches Acne Darkness of skin in areas such as armpits, neck, and groin Weight gain
Causes	It is believed to be associated with the following: Sedentary lifestyle Unhealthy diet Hormone altering medication Several over-the-counter medications and supplements Pollution Excessive insulin production Inflammation High androgen levels	Certain factors that contribute to this condition include: Insulin resistance Excessive androgen levels Low-grade inflammation Heredity

A gynaecologist uses a combination of tests to diagnose PCOD and PCOS. They may look at your signs and symptoms, evaluate your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and perform other lab tests. Additional tests may be performed to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions that cause symptoms similar to PCOD and PCOS. 

While PCOS and PCOD vary in several parameters, the two are similar in terms of the benefit derived from a healthy lifestyle and diet. Several other treatment options can help manage PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms. The following table compares the diagnosis and treatment for PCOD and PCOS. 

Parameters	PCOD	PCOS
Diagnosis	Blood tests: Used to check blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol and hormonal levels Pelvic ultrasound: Used to look for cysts in ovaries and measure the uterus lining	Pelvic exam: Used to look for problems with ovaries and other parts of the reproductive tract  Blood tests: Used to measure the levels of male hormones Ultrasound: Used to check the appearance of ovaries and the thickness of the uterus lining. If you have PCOS, your ovary expands and becomes 1.5 to 3 times bigger than normal.
Treatment	There is no known treatment for PCOD. However, you can manage the symptoms associated with the condition by: Ovulation induction medication (to help regulate the menstrual cycle) Infertility treatment (to help with conception) Skin treatment (can reduce acne and skin darkening) Regular monitoring (to prevent PCOD problems in future) Some medications and surgical options can also help manage PCOD symptoms: Progestin (medicine to correct amenorrhea) Clomiphene and letrozole (helps induce ovulation) Metformin (reduces insulin resistance and helps in weight loss) Birth control pills (oestrogen and progestin in these pills reduce the androgen levels in the body, combating anovulation) Immature follicle aspiration (reduces the number of immature follicles) Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (helps reduce testosterone levels produced by the ovaries)	Medicines to regulate periods: Birth control pills Progestin therapy Medicines to help you ovulate: Clomiphene Letrozole Metformin Gonadotropins Medicines and creams to reduce excessive hair growth or treat acne: Birth control pills (reduces the production of androgen that causes excessive hair growth and acne) Spironolactone (reduces the effect of androgen on the skin; not recommended if a woman is pregnant or trying to get pregnant) Eflornithine (slows facial hair growth) Acne treatments (pills, topical creams, or gels to improve acne) Surgical and laser treatments: Electrolysis and laser hair removal (to remove unwanted hair on the face and body) Ovarian drilling (to restore normal ovulation) In-Vitro Fertilisation (a fertility treatment that involves fertilisation of eggs outside a woman’s body)

Despite PCOD vs PCOS differences, the best way to manage and control PCOD and PCOS is by making lifestyle modifications. 

1. Regular exercise can help in weight loss which, in turn, lowers androgen and insulin levels. 
2. You can engage in aerobic exercises, strength training, and HIIT workouts to prevent complications resulting from these conditions. 
3. Exercises such as yoga and Pilates can help combat stress, which is common in women with PCOS.

Diet is a crucial component of managing PCOD and PCOS. It helps lower insulin levels, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of diabetes. The following is the list of what you should eat and avoid if you are diagnosed with either PCOD or PCOS. 

Foods to eat:

1. Unprocessed foods
2. Fibre-rich foods
3. Dark red fruits (blackberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.)
4. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, etc.)
5. Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, etc.)
6. Dried beans and lentils
7. Broccoli and cauliflower
8. Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc.)

Foods to avoid:

1. Refined carbohydrates
2. Fried food
3. Processed meats
4. Sugary beverages
5. Excess red meat, such as hamburgers, porks, and steaks

While there may be similar symptoms and treatments for both conditions, there are several differences, such as PCOD vs PCOS full form, meaning, complications, impact on pregnancy, etc. The primary PCOD vs PCOS difference is that PCOS is a more severe condition than PCOD. Following a healthy diet and making certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and control hormonal imbalances caused by these conditions. 

PCOS symptoms vs PCOD symptoms can be similar to the ones experienced in other reproductive disorders. Therefore, you should not self-medicate to control and manage the symptoms. Consult a specialist who will diagnose your condition by checking androgen levels and looking for cysts. HexaHealth can help you find the right gynaecologist or endocrinologist to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively. Contact an HexaHealth expert TODAY to avail extensive assistance throughout your treatment.