Many women ask, “Why are my periods irregular?” or “Why am I gaining weight despite dieting?” “Why am I not getting pregnant, despite having an at-home, safe lifestyle?” These concerns often lead to women further asking the difference between PCOD and PCOS? Is there any sure shot PCOD vs PCOS treatment? And more, so we are here to help you resolve all your queries today.
How to Identify PCOD vs PCOS from Their Symptoms
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) are hormonal disorders that impact women of reproductive age. PCOS is more severe, involving metabolic issues. On the other hand, PCOD is often milder and better manageable.
Obesity or weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Reduced metabolism.
Elevated male hormones leading to physical signs such as hirsutism (excess facial and body hair). Women will then often face severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small fluid-filled sacs (follicles).
Darkening of the skin, especially along neck creases, in the groin and often even underneath breasts (acanthosis nigricans).
Hair thinning or scalp-specific hair loss.
Depression and anxiety if the disorder is left untreated.
Breathing interruptions during sleep.
Infertility due to irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate. PCOS and fertility issues are very pronounced.
PCOD, while similar, typically presents with milder symptoms that are exactly the same as above. There are less pronounced hormonal imbalances.
Causes of PCOD and PCOS
Genetic predisposition which means that there is a family history of these two, which can put you at risk too.
Obesity can exacerbate insulin resistance and hormone imbalances, worsening PCOS symptoms.
Insulin resistance found in many women thereby leading to increased insulin levels. This further spikes the androgen production.
Excess androgen production (male hormones) can impact regular ovulation. This will lead to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms like hirsutism and male-patterned balding. PCOS and fertility issues arise due to this later in life.
Prenatal factors like exposure to excess androgens in the womb. This may increase the risk of developing PCOS later in life.
Exposure to any endocrine-disrupting chemicals at work or by accident.
Low-grade inflammation is often known to/found to stimulate polycystic ovaries to further produce androgens.
Diagnosis of PCOD and PCOS
Diagnosing PCOD vs PCOS involves a thorough evaluation which is often done in the following manner:
Clinicians assess menstrual irregularities, such as infrequent or absent periods.
They look for signs of high androgen levels which will either appear in blood tests or by symptoms like excess facial or body hair and acne.
These days clinics also deploy the Rotterdam criteria guide diagnosis. This marks the presence of any two of these namely—irregular ovulation, hyperandrogenism or polycystic ovaries—after excluding other conditions.
A pelvic ultrasound may reveal polycystic ovaries in case of PCOS. In simple words, this means multiple small follicles that have cysts.
Blood tests check hormone levels – testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). High insulin levels and irregular lipid profiles are also associated with these two issues and related metabolic risks.
PCOS and fertility issues go hand in hand’ So if you are facing a tough time having a baby, then it could be indicative of PCOD or PCOS.
PCOD vs PCOS Treatment and Management Strategies
Despite the stark difference between PCOD and PCOS, lifestyle modifications are foundational to treat both of them. Regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet help regulate menstrual cycles. A diet for PCOD vs PCOS treatment:
– whole, minimally processed foods
– high-fiber carbohydrates
– lean proteins with healthy fats
– low-glycemic index options to resist insulin sensitivity
Medications may be prescribed based on specific symptoms like to regulate periods and reduce androgen levels, addressing acne and hirsutism. Meds can also be given to improve insulin resistance and may aid in restoring regular ovulation.
When the first-line treatments are ineffective, women facing infertility can go for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Symptoms and causes of PCOD and PCOS will definitely impact emotional well-being. You must get into guided therapy or specific support groups to seek timely assistance.
Dermatological treatments and hair removal therapies are excellent when you face sadness due to excess hair growth or acne.
The above are just suggestions, as per the WHO guidelines, for individual treatment you must go and consult a trusted and best gynaecologist near you. Everybody reacts to medical management in a different manner. So it is best to get a tailored medical approach to manage the symptoms effectively.
Laparoscopy for PCOS: When and Why is it done?
Laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure which is done only sometimes for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
It is done when other treatments like lifestyle changes or medicines haven’t worked. Or when even Ovarian medication also doesn’t give relief to a lady.
It’s done to remove tiny portions of the ovary (called ovarian drilling)
This helps restore regular periods and improve fertility.
While it’s generally safe, like any surgery, it does carry small alerts. So it is advised that as soon as you spot symptoms of PCOS, meet a gynec and ensure that he’she helps you with timely treatment that suits your body.
Getting Pregnant with PCOD/PCOS
This would involve doing all the above treatment and management under medical supervision. We would not be listing any medications, because you need to undergo medical treatment under an expert. But the following treatments are usually opted for to get you the joy of motherhood!
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Considered when other treatments fail or in cases of severe PCOS and fertility issues. Doctors take eggs and sperm from you and your partner/ sperm donor if need be. They mate the two samples in a lab, implant the embryo in your womb and help you get pregnant.
Ovarian Drilling is a small surgery to help your ovaries release eggs if medicine doesn’t work.
Complementary Therapies – Some women try acupuncture or special vitamins to get pregnant. But it’s not a proven treatment for everyone.
PCOS and Infertility: What’s the Connection?
How PCOS Affects Ovulation
PCOS causes hormone problems that create hurdles in the ovaries and prevents them from releasing an egg each month. Without regular ovulation, it’s difficult for women to get pregnant naturally.
Impact on Egg Quality
The eggs in women with PCOS may not get fully matured. In simple words, egg quality is affected due to hormonal issues. PCOS and fertility issues means sperms looking for a healthy egg won’t fertilise it or the pregnancy may not complete, due to an unhealthy embryo.
Challenges with Natural Conception
Irregular periods make it tough to predict ovulation.
PCOS is often linked to weight gain and high insulin levels, which affect fertility.
Many women need help through medicines and treatments like IVF.
PCOS and IVF: What You Need to Know
When is IVF needed?
Usually recommended for women with PCOS when other treatments like controlled weight loss, medications or even the IUI don’t work.
What happens during IVF?
Doctors get some medical tests done
Certain hormone injections are given to help the ovaries make several eggs.
These eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm (of partner or donor) in a lab,
Healthy embryos are placed into the uterus to get the lady pregnant.
Success rates are around 30–50% per cycle, especially in younger women.
However, with age your chances get lower. Thus, we advise that you consult your medical expert at the right time when you face PCOD vs PCOS symptoms.
Long-term Health Risks (PCOS Specific)
Despite the clear difference between PCOD and PCOS, there is one common thing – both can lead to complications like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression if left untreated. Women have also faced endometrial cancer due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
CTA: PCOD vs PCOS treatment is easy, provided you reach the doctor at the right time- which means as soon as you spot symptoms of infertility issues. Don’t wait, contact us or write to us today—your health matters to us the most!
Dr. Atishay Jain is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, fertility specialist and advanced Gynae Laparoscopic Surgeon with an experience of performing more than 1000 advanced laparoscopic surgeries. He is the co-director of Asian Institute of infertility management and Asian women’s center.
