PCOS or PCOD, which is more dangerous?

PCOS and PCOD, what is what?

So confusing right? Don’t worry, you are in the right space. Keep reading to know more about the differences and similarities between PCOS and PCOD.

The terms, PCOS and PCOD are mostly confused by women who try to understand the two of them. If you are wondering what’s the difference between Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovary Disease (PCOS) and which one is more dangerous, here is all you need to know.

First things firsts, PCOS and PCOD both are NOT dangerous. These conditions, even though they are not dangerous themselves, if untreated can lead to high-risk health complications like heart disease, diabetes, infertility, and ovarian cancer.

But studies have found that Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is more severe than Polycystic ovary Disease (PCOS). Both the conditions are manageable to a certain extent by following a strict diet and workout regime.

Firstly, let us see the major difference between PCOS and PCOD.

Difference between PCOS and PCOD

Both PCOS and PCOD are conditions that involve ovaries and hormonal imbalance, but they have certain differences.

In normal women, the ovaries take turns releasing an egg each month and the egg reaches the fallopian tube to get fertilized. When the egg doesn’t get fertilized, that’s when menstruation happens. In women with PCOD and PCOS, this process doesn’t happen the way it has to happen. Hormonal imbalance in PCOS and PCOD disrupts the regular menstrual cycle leading to various medical illnesses.

PCOD is a medical condition developed due to a hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOD, male hormones/androgen hormones are secreted at high levels. The major reasons for PCOD could be a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, junk/unhealthy eating habits.

Whereas, PCOS is an endocrine disorder that causes an imbalance in the hormones produced by the ovaries. However, the exact cause of both conditions is unknown. Let’s see in detail about each of them.

In a nutshell, PCOS is a severe metabolic disorder, whereas PCOD is a manifestation of hormonal imbalance.

What is PCOD?

According to a report, almost 10% of the world’s women suffer from PCOD.

In PCOD, the ovaries, due to hormonal imbalance, the ovaries release eggs prematurely, which in overtime turn into cysts. This disrupts the regular menstrual cycle leading to irregular periods, obesity, and other symptoms of PCOS. Due to the high levels of androgens released by the ovaries, they become bigger, causing severe abdominal pain.

Studies suggest that unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits as the reason for PCOD, but the exact causes of the imbalance in hormones are still unknown.

PCOD is not as severe as PCOS and if treated properly in the early stages, it is mostly incurable. A fitness regime and a healthy diet routine will help a lot in managing PCOD and leading a healthy life.

What is PCOS?

Statistics say that around 0.2% to 2.5% of women from all around the world are affected by PCOS. PCOS is an endocrine disorder where the ovaries produce a large amount of androgen hormones than the required or the normal level. These high levels of Androgen hormones, prevent the follicles, which are air sacs containing immature eggs, from maturing and releasing the egg for fertilization.

Over some time, these follicles get retained in the ovaries and turn into cysts. These cysts may cause severe abdominal pain and other high-risk health complications like heart disease, infertility, ovarian cancer, etc. However, not every woman develops cysts in the ovaries, some women may not develop cysts but still show symptoms of PCOS.

A recent study (ESHRE) says that mothers of daughters with PCOS have an increased risk of death, particularly if they have diabetes.

Even though various studies are being conducted worldwide, a cure for PCOS is not yet known. However, PCOS can be managed by following regular workouts, weight training combined with a healthy diet.

Some common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS

Below are some symptoms common to both PCOS and PCOD,

Irregular or absence of periods
Male-pattern baldness
Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, and stomach region
Thick skin formed at the back of the neck
Abdominal pain (mild to severe)
Anxiety, stress and depression
Sudden weight gain/weight loss
Acne on the face or oily skin
Infertility
Skin tags or small pieces of excess skin on the neck.

Risks involved in PCOS and PCOD

Even though PCOD and PCOS might seem to be similar, PCOD is mild and involves fewer risks. PCOD is easily manageable with a proper diet and workouts. However, if left untreated, PCOD may lead to heart disease and diabetes.

On the other hand, PCOS is severe among two. Women with PCOS need proper diagnosis and medications to manage PCOS and it is less likely to cure PCOS. If not given proper care PCOS may be serious health complications like,

Endocrine cancer
Ovarian cancer
Heart disease
Diabetes
Acne scars
Infertility
Sleep Apnea

Don’t panic after seeing the list of serious health issues. You can still make a choice and lead a healthy life by following the right guidance and tips.

How do you diagnose PCOS and PCOD?

The bitter truth here is that diagnosis is hard in the case of PCOS and PCOD.

An accurate diagnosis for PCOS and PCOD is not yet known. However, physicians use various methods like Pelvic examination and Ultrasonic.

Symptoms of PCOS and PCOD can also act as a marker, but some women with PCOS and PCOD do not show any symptoms. It makes diagnosis a tough nut to crack in the case of PCOS and PCOD.

Some tips to manage PCOS and PCOD

Managing and keeping a check on both PCOD and PCOS is possible with the right measures.

Losing weight is one of the key factors to manage PCOD and PCOS effectively. Even shedding some kgs will help to a large extent.
Planning your everyday meal, including greens, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, cutting carbohydrates, refined flour, white sugar and junk food are some diet-related tips.
Practise yoga for PCOS at home
Make sure you have 7-8 hours of sleep every day
Practise seed cycling which had lots are benefits that will improve symptoms of PCOS and PCOD.

If you are still worried about how to handle your PCOS/PCOD effectively, don’t lose heart, we are here to guide you and provide you with the right support you need.

Check out our PCOD/PCOS plan for your customized diet plan, one-one support, PCOS/PCOD workout plans and much more.

Also, check out our customers’ feedback and how they have benefitted from our PCOS/PCOD plans.