There is a misconception that polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are the same condition, leading to many people using the words interchangeably. Visiting a gynecologist in Bhubaneswar can be helpful for a proper diagnosis of your symptoms.
PCOD and PCOS, if they are not identified or treated on time, can lead to problems such as:
- Diabetes
- Acne
- Problems with menstruation
- Skin darkening
- Hirsutism (excess hair growth)
- Infertility
What makes them different from one another? Let’s look at them in more detail.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)
PCOD is a disease in which the ovaries hold a lot of immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs eventually form cysts in the ovaries. This condition can swell the ovaries and release an excess of androgens, which can disrupt the reproductive system and overall health.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a metabolic disease that is greater in severity in comparison to PCOD. When this happens, the ovaries create more androgen than normal, which stops the eggs from developing and releasing normally. These eggs then turn into cysts. The cysts build up and eventually grow in size.
How Are The Two Conditions Different?
1. Factors Causing It
While polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine system issue, polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD) is caused due to hormonal imbalance. Both disorders are thought to be heavily influenced by heredity and hormone abnormalities. According to the theory, ovaries are unable to release hormones and produce eggs when there are excessive amounts of male hormones.
2. Severity
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a severe metabolic condition. PCOS-affected women are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart-related problems, obesity, and possibly endometrial cancer. PCOD, on the other hand, is not a medical condition because it improves with the right nutrition and active lifestyle choices.
3. Issues With Fertility
Most women with PCOD can conceive normally with the support of medical professionals. On the other side, infertility is a huge problem for women with PCOS. They are more likely to experience miscarriages as well. For an accurate diagnosis of your condition, consult the best lady gynecologist in Bhubaneswar.
4. Ovulation
Ovulation can still occur routinely in people with PCOD. Although PCOD symptoms are similar to those of PCOS, women suffering from this condition can still ovulate regularly and conceive normally. However, ovulation is disrupted in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because of a severe hormonal imbalance.
The Diagnosis Of PCOD / PCOS
PCOD and PCOS can be identified through imaging and blood tests. PCOD and PCOS can be determined through imaging and blood tests. Gynecologist Bhubaneswar will ask about your diet, daily activities, and the use of any dietary supplements, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription drugs in response to the condition’s symptoms.
When a gynecologist suspects PCOD or PCOS, possible options for treatment include:
- Examining the pelvis: Physically inspecting the reproductive organs for lumps, anomalies, or growth.
- Blood tests: Hormone levels can be better understood using blood tests, such as glucose tolerance tests and fasting lipid profiles (which include information on total cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels).
- Imaging test: Sonographic examination of the uterine lining, ovarian cysts, and ovarian size.
Aside from these, the gynecologist may suggest other tests to look for problems, such as:
- Regular checking for blood pressure, glucose tolerance, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
- Assessing potential mental health issues
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening
How Are PCOD And PCOS Treated?
Although there is no known permanent cure for either PCOD or PCOS, the symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle modifications. For a correct diagnosis and care, see a medical expert such as an endocrinologist, dietician, or gynecologist in Bhubaneswar. Some methods for managing PCOS and PCOD symptoms involve:
- Changes To Lifestyle And Diet
Making healthy lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight for effective bodily functions and adopting nutritious eating habits, can reduce the symptoms of PCOS and PCOD. Eating healthily can assist in maintaining hormonal balance and regulating menstrual cycle. Reduce your intake of preserved and carbohydrate-heavy foods to increase insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Medical Treatments
Medications that can help manage PCOS and PCOD symptoms include:
- Anti-Androgens: These can prevent your body from producing androgens, which means they’ll have less of an impact on your health.
- Birth Control Methods: The hormones found in oral contraceptives work by controlling both the amount of male hormone your body produces and the timing of your periods.
- Metformin: This medicine is useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for the management of insulin resistance.
- Surgery
If you have tried everything else without success in removing painful or infertile ovarian cysts, surgery may be your last option.
Conclusion
Even though both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are hormonal illnesses affecting women, their severity and clinical consequences are quite different. PCOS is a syndrome that includes hormonal abnormalities, menstrual irregularities, and metabolic disorders, whereas PCOD is the appearance of polycystic ovaries. For an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment choices, seeking medical advice and supervision from a gynecologist in Bhubaneswar is vital.
Dr. Ushashree Das has been helping people with PCOS/PCOD and its related symptoms for many years now. To arrange a consultation, please visit our website.