Difference Between PCOD vs PCOS?
Difference Between PCOD vs PCOS

Updated at : 28-10-25 16:17:59

Difference Between PCOD vs PCOS? Signs, Causes & Best Treatment Options

Difference Between PCOD vs PCOS? Signs, Causes & Best Treatment Options

Different physical conditions and complexities like hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and fertility issues adversely impact women’s reproductive health today. Their growth may be associated with today's lifestyle.

Two such closely related issues are PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Previously, there was little awareness about them. However, it has increased manifold thanks to the power of the internet. Most of you may not have an idea of the difference between PCOD and PCOS.

Are you aware of the signs of PCOD and PCOS? Do you have any awareness of the causes of PCOD and PCOS? The blog discusses them all.

What is PCOD?

It's true, around 1 in 10 women or say 10% the world in the world suffer from PCOD. So the threat is quite pronounced. 

PCOD full form is Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It is a medical condition where women produce immature eggs in large numbers. Over time, these eggs turn into cysts in the ovaries.

Now that the ovary becomes full of these dissolved eggs, it secretes a large amount of male hormones called androgens.

Consequently, you will have irregular or no menstrual cycles for a few months, hair loss, and abnormal weight gain. Though there is no cure for this disease, with a PCOD diet plan, you can manage the tendencies.

What is PCOS?

Let's try to put it simply. On suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), the ovaries of a woman will produce excess androgens. 

The condition hinders the release of eggs. As a result, the eggs develop into cysts. The ovary becomes enlarged and invites further danger.

A study says around 5% to 18% of women in the world face such issues.
Even in India, the PCOS cases or prevalence range is between 3.7% to 22.5% in women.

Signs and Symptoms: PCOD vs PCOS

Some common signs and symptoms indicate that you have to immediately rush towards PCOD treatment. They usually include:

Though closely related, the signs and symptoms of PCOS are different compared to those of PCOD. So let's see what the early symptoms of PCOS are.

Difference Between PCOD and PCOS: What Causes Both Of Them?

The role of different factors and conditions becomes pronounced in the development of PCOD and PCOS symptoms. We start discussing them. Let's start with PCOD.

If you are on a consistently poor diet and have poor lifestyle habits, then you may end up developing PCOD. Also, high levels of stress result in such a development. Even genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance are attributed to the cause of PCOD.

On the other hand, there are some inherent causes of PCOS. First, you have the genetic and hormonal factors. Even resistance to insulin and metabolic syndrome may impact your body condition, resulting in the development of PCOS.

Hence, you can understand the difference between PCOD and PCOS when discussing the causes of both of them. To procure deeper insights you can consult a good gynecologist and gain awareness.  

Treatment Of PCOD and PCOS
Studies say there is no cure for PCOD. However, there are different treatment approaches through which one can manage these issues.

Diet:

Diet becomes one of the most important factors that play a crucial role in the management of PCOD.

A professional will advise you to focus on your food choices, which include the avoidance of sugar, junk food, processed foods, and excessive fat. It helps control levels of insulin.

Exercises:

Along with diet, you must devote more focus to regular physical activities. There is a host of cardio and strength training exercises. Try them as they promote overall health and well-being.

Management of Stress Levels:

Stress plays an important role in management and recovery from women's health issues. This is the reason you will find many professionals recommend meditation and deep breathing techniques. It reduces levels of cortisol.

Apart from these three common treatment options, there are other approaches through which you could manage these complexities.

Hormonal Birth Control:

You could regulate and manage irregular menstrual cycles caused by PCOD AND PCOS with this approach. Moreover, you could also alleviate acne and hirsutism (excessive growth of hair).

Insulin-Sensitising Medication:

Metformin can help improve insulin resistance. In addition, it aids in your weight loss and the regulation of hormones.

Topical Treatments:

Experts recommend Eflornithine cream, which could be used to slow down rapid hair growth.

With PCOS, apart from diet, exercise, and stress levels, you could follow a few of the following:

Acne Treatment:

Retinoids or antibiotics could be a suitable treatment to manage increasing acne problems.

Excess Hair Removal:

One word of this condition is hirsutism, which involves excessive hair growth. Now you have shaving and waxing as temporary hair solutions. You could also go for electrolysis or laser hair removal.

Fertility Treatment:

Infertility is one of the real concerns. In such a case, you can try Clomiphene as it could be of great help. Professionals recommend it. 

However, managing PCOS and PCOD naturally would be your more preferable option. Though it is not scientifically ratified, the increasing tendency of obesity has a direct relation to PCOS and PCOD. Hence, the best foot forward would be to return to a healthy lifestyle.