Often used interchangeably, PCOS and PCOD are both similar and different from each other in many ways. They are both ovarian conditions and cause hormonal imbalances and affect the body in more than one way. Here, we try to break down the PCOD and PCOS difference and give a clearer picture.Dr Ravjyot Kaur is one of the best gynaecologists in Gurgaon for PCOS treatment.
Table of contents
Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:
- PCOS and PCOD: What is the difference?
- Which one is more dangerous?
- How to know if you have pcos or pcod
- Impact of PCOD & PCOS on pregnancy
- Treatment Options
- Best Gynecologist in Delhi
1. PCOS and PCOD: What is the difference?
PCOD is not a disease per se, and can be managed with the right diet and exercise whereas PCOS is a definitive condition. Ovaries are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, fertility and hair growth. Both PCOS and PCOD affect all these functions but in different ways.
| Feature | PCOS | PCOD |
| Nature of the condition | The endocrine system is affected as a whole | Occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance |
| Incidence | Comparatively less common | More common affecting about one third of women worldwide |
| Ovarian size | Visualized on ultrasound, about 1-5- 3 times larger than normal. You can check with the best ultrasound clinic in Gurgaon. | Ovaries are full of follicles but not larger than normal |
| Influence on fertility | Very difficult to conceive and risk of miscarriage is very high | With the right diet and lifestyle modification, women can conceive relatively easily |
| System influenced | Metabolic disorder | Endocrine dysregulation |
| Presence of cysts | About 10-12 cysts may be found on each ovary | Not many ovarian cysts are visualized on a ultrasound |
| Possible complications | Type II Diabetes, disorders of the cardiovascular system,obesity and associated risks, cancer of the endometrium | No multi system complications are possible especially when managed well |
The causes of for PCOD include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Hereditary influences
- Imbalance of the hormonal system
- High levels of androgen or male hormones
PCOS problem symptoms are :
- Excessive hair growth
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Insulin resistance
- Fatigue
- Excessive weight gain
- Difficulty in losing weight
- Low sex drive
- Male pattern baldness
- Hair thinning
| Also Read: Everything you need to know about PCOS |
PCOD may be caused due to:
- Genetics
- Stress
- Obesity
- Poor dietary habits
- Unhealthy lifestyle
Symptoms of PCOD problem in females includes:
- Abdominal weight gain
- Irregular periods
- Infertility
- Hair loss
2. Which one is more dangerous?
PCOD is less dangerous and is a hormonal dysfunction that can be regulated by following a healthy diet and proper lifestyle. Food for PCOD problems should be properly planned as it is a full blown endocrine disorder. It causes multisystem aberrations and may cause irreversible infertility if left untreated.
PCOS may affect the heart and blood vessels, blood sugar metabolism, weight management and even contribute to endometrial cancer. PCOD on the other hand causes infertility, acne, hair loss etc many of which are reversible through lifestyle modification. The side effects of PCOS can affect the quality of life greatly.
Can one progress to another?
If not managed well, PCOD may progress to PCOS and become difficult to treat beyond a point. Dr Ravjyot Kaur, one of the best gynaecologists in Gurgaon for PCOS will provide you with the best care.
3. How to know if you have PCOS or PCOD?
PCOS is characterized by
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Excessive hair growth on face, chin or the body
- Elevated testosterone levels
- Normal or low follicle stimulating hormone – FSH
- Luteinizing hormone is elevated
- Normal or elevated estrogen
In patients with PCOD, the following symptoms may be present:
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty in losing weight
4. Impact of PCOS and PCOD on pregnancy
Women with PCOD are able to ovulate regularly and are able to conceive naturally. In most cases, PCOD does not contribute to infertility. If needed, with a little bit of medical assistance, conceive easily. Conversely, those having PCOS have a high androgenic (male hormone) influence and consequent problems with ovulation. This makes pregnancy very challenging.
5. Treatment options
Dr Ravjyot Kaur at Mulberry Women care is one of the best doctors for PCOS in Gurgaon
The treatment of PCOS and PCOD is carried out on different realms and an effective solution for PCOS comprises of :
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Stress management
- Symptom management
Medications:
- Combination pills– Tablets containing estrogen and progesterone are prescribed to decrease the male hormone influence as well as maintain the level of female hormones
- Birth control pills– Also known as oral contraceptives, birth control pills help to reduce excessive hair growth, male pattern hair thinning etc
- Ovulatory medications– In order to help you ovulate, drugs such as clomiphene are prescribed. Regular ovulatory cycles help to increase the chances of pregnancy
- Metformin- Insulin resistance
Lifestyle changes:
Changes in lifestyle are an integral part of treatment. In Polycystic ovaries, the extra weight complicates the disease and vice versa, it becomes a vicious cycle. In order to break this cycle, It is very imperative to maintain a healthy weight. A loss of 5% of existing body weight improves the efficiency of the medications and helps to improve the woman’s fertility .
Infertility can contribute to stress and the converse is also true. Therefore, the effective management of stress through yoga, regular walking, sticking to a fitness regimen, personal reflection and staying mindful show great results. Dr Ravjyot Kaur, one of the best doctors for PCOS in Gurgaon.
6. Best gynecologist in Gurgaon
Dr Ravjyot Kaur at Mulberry Women Care is one of best gynaecologists in gurgaon for PCOS. She has years of experience in gynecology, reproductive medicine. She is a very patient and active listener. Constantly adapting with the times, we offer the latest and the best in women’s care today. At Mulberry, we realise that each woman’s personal needs are very different. A holistic and comprehensive approach is our speciality. We devote time and space to personalize your care plan . You are in the best hands with her.
Takeaway
We are committed to patient excellence and care and house the best gynaecologist in Gurgaon for PCOS. We foster a culture of commitment and patient safety above all. Mulberry is the first of its kind clinics offering a boutique experience to the patient. From yoga to nutrition to counselling, we have it all to help you get back on your feet at the earliest. Our experts are well trained and adopt an individualized patient centric approach that improves our quality and standard of patient care. Feel free to call and visit us for your personal feminine needs and we look forward to meet you.