Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD) are different kinds of hormonal disorders. PCOS was first described in 1928 by Lesnoy and then by Stein and Leventhal in 1935. PCOD is limited to hormonal imbalances as it is a condition in which ovaries produce immature eggs. Whereas PCOS is a disorder in which ovaries might stop releasing eggs. In this blog, you will learn more about PCOS and PCOD through PCOS vs. PCOD.
Approximately 10% of the women in this world are suffering from the problem of PCOD.
What are the causes of PCOS or PCOD?
The exact cause of PCOS has not been found, but some common causes of PCOS or PCOD are excessive androgen production, excessive insulin production, heredity, low inflammation, etc.
What are the Symptoms of PCOS and PCOD?
Many of you might be suffering from PCOS or PCOD, but you aren’t aware of that. Here are a few symptoms which will help you to track your condition. The common PCOS and PCOD problem symptoms are as follows-
Absence of menstruation: Several women face the issue of not having periods; this can be a major symptom of PCOS or PCOD. You should consult your doctor for the same because it might be risky.
Irregular menstruation: This is the most common symptom of PCOS and PCOD. According to a study, some women get less than 8 periods in a year; you might also face a similar problem with the irregularity in your menstruation cycle.
Heavy bleeding at the time of menstruation: Yes, heavy bleeding is another symptom of PCOS and PCOD. You might not get periods for a longer time, or you may get irregular periods which might lead to heavy bleeding when you get periods after a long time.
Light menstruation: PCOS and PCOD can lead to short and menstruation. This means that you will get periods for a shorter period as compared to your usual menstruation cycle. E.g., If earlier you used to have heavy bleeding, that too for 6 days, then in the condition of PCOS or PCOD, you might get lighter bleeding for maybe 3-4 days only.
Gaining weight: A study says that up to 80% of women suffering from PCOS and PCOD usually gain weight and suffer from the problem of obesity and overweight.
High blood pressure and sugar: This is a major PCOS and PCOD problem symptom that women go through. High blood pressure and sugar levels are caused due to women gaining a lot of weight due to PCOS and PCOD. The overweight results in high blood pressure and sugar problems.
Increase in heart disease and strokes: Women suffering from PCOS and PCOD usually gain weight because their blood pressure and sugar levels rise, resulting in a higher risk of heart disease and strokes.
Infertility: In some cases, women suffering from PCOS and PCOD face the problem of infertility. As in PCOS and PCOD, some women get cysts over their ovaries, and more male hormones are released, which affects that woman’s fertility.
Acne: During PCOS and PCOD, acne is common; most women face acne and other skin problems. The cause is that a lot of androgens are released in the woman’s body during hormonal imbalances.
Dark skin: Dark skin or patches on the skin is another symptom of PCOS and PCOD, so if you are facing such a problem, you must see a doctor.
Headache: The Imbalance of hormones during PCOS and PCOD causes headache issues in some women.
Baldness: Many people face the problem of baldness and hair loss because of hormonal imbalances.
Improper hair growth: This is another PCOD problem symptom. Due to the excess release of male hormones, women face the issue of improper or unwanted hair growth.
Mood swing: Hormones play an important role in one’s mood. The imbalance of hormones during periods or maybe during PCOS results in mood swings.
Depression: Due to an increase in weight, improper hair growth, acne, and other skin problems, women suffer from depression.
Cancer: The worst that could ever happen is endometrial cancer. Women who have cancer are more likely to suffer from PCOS.
What are the differences between PCOS and PCOD?
Here are some of the differences between PCOS and PCOD are:
•PCOS is a serious medical condition.
Whereas PCOD isn’t too serious.
•Approximately 0.2% to 2.5% of women worldwide suffer from PCOS.
Whereas 10% of women in the world suffer from PCOD.
•PCOS is a metabolic disorder in which ovaries might stop releasing eggs.
Whereas in the PCOD, the ovaries might produce immature eggs.
•A woman’s fertility is severely affected by PCOS, and she might become infertile.
But PCOD doesn’t affect a woman’s fertility.
•PCOS can lead to serious complications such as diabetes, cancer, etc.
And in the case of PCOD, there are no serious complications.
PCOD or PCOS, which is more dangerous?
PCOS has turned out to be more dangerous as compared to the condition of PCOD in women. The reasons for PCOS being dangerous are-
•PCOS can cause diabetes.
•In the condition of PCOS, a woman’s fertility is affected.
•A woman suffering from PCOS has a higher risk of endometrial cancer.
Conclusion
In the battle of PCOS vs. PCOD, PCOS is found to be more dangerous. The hormonal balances, excessive androgen, and low inflammation are the different reasons that can cause PCOS and PCOD. If you face any symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, or improper hair growth, then you should consult your doctor about it. It would help if you also take a proper and healthy diet, focus on being fit, exercise, practice meditation, etc., to recover soon from PCOS and PCOD.