PCOD vs PCOS: Know the Key Differences from an Expert Perspective

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) or PCOD (Polycystic ovarian disease) is a health disorder that occurs in a woman's ovaries, which is the reproductive gland that is tasked with producing hormones that control the menstrual cycle. In contrast, women who have PCOS secrete an abnormal quantity of the male hormone testosterone. The imbalance results in missed periods and reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. PCOD results in the formation of immature or incompletely mature eggs in excess numbers, resulting in the development of cysts in ovaries.

Signs and Symptoms Of PCOS and PCOD:

Signs and symptoms typically start to develop during puberty, though, in some women, the signs and symptoms do not develop until late adolescence or even in early adulthood.

Because the signs and symptoms can be different. Diagnosis is to be given only when you have more than 2-3 of these signs-

1. Irregular menstruation - One of the primary symptoms in women is irregular menstruation pattern, such as irregular, prolonged, or absent periods. The disturbance in the normal menstrual cycle produced due to hormonal imbalance fails to let an individual anticipate the ovulatory period or the menstruation.

2. Hirsutism and Acne - PCOD tends to induce hirsutism (excessive hair) as well as acne on specific sites such as the face, chest, abdomen, and back owing to excess androgens that are hard to control with casual means.

3. Obesity - Women with PCOS are unable to control their weight because of abnormal hormonal equilibrium and lower body sensitivity to insulin. High insulin levels stimulate higher production of the testosterone inducing weight gain.

4. Polycystic ovaries - Women with PCOS develop multiple cysts (Small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries.

PCOS and PCOD signs and symptoms worsen if you're obese.

Types of PCOS and PCOD:

PCOS

1. Insulin-Resistance PCOS - It is the most prevalent form and occurs in approximately 70% of those who have the condition. This occurs when the cells of the body do not respond to the hormone insulin, which controls the leveler of blood sugar glucose. It is caused by numerous lifestyle factors like smoking, consuming too much sugar, physical inactivity, eating processed food.

2. Post pill PCOS - This is created because of the use of birth control pills that inhibit ovulation. As the effects are reversible and the ovulation continues once the effect of the pill is over. But for a few women, the ovulation does not continue for months and years even when the effect of pills is over.

3. Inflammatory PCOS - Here, ovulations are blocked because of hormonal imbalance and the production of androgens. Inflammation is created due to stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory food items such as gluten.

4. Adrenal PCOS - This is the easiest form of PCOS, after the cause is identified, it takes approximately 3-4 months to treat the condition. The causes may be Thyroid disease, iodine deficiency, zinc-deficient diet, and artificial sweeteners.

PCOD

1. Mild PCOD - It usually results in mild hormonal disturbances and ovary cysts. This is diagnosed by minimal menstrual irregularities, minimal hirsutism (excess body hair), and mild acne.

2. Moderate to Severe PCOD - It results in clear-cut hormonal disturbances and multiple cysts. This is heralded by significant menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and infertility.

3. Metabolic PCOD - It is linked with metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance and obesity. Very commonly causes issues such as weight gain, weight loss difficulty, elevated cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes risk.

Triggers of PCOS And PCOD:

PCOD/PCOS arises because of a combination of elements and lifestyle. In order to treat this condition effectively, Understanding the causes.

1. High Androgen Level - Increased androgen levels inhibit the discharge of eggs by ovaries, leading to irregular menstruation, hirsutism, and acne.

2. Overproduction Of Insulin - Insulins a hormone that the body naturally secretes, which controls the body's metabolism and blood sugar level. Too much insulin may stimulate the production of androgens (male hormones), suppressing ovulation.

3. Low-Grade Inflammation - Women without tend to experience chronic low-grade inflammation. Through blood testing that contains CRP levels, HS-CRP and white blood cells, indicate the rate of inflammation in your body.

4. Genetics - Genes may be linked to PCOS/PCOD.

5. Caffeine Consumption - Acids present in coffee have been known to increase insulin levels and What is blood weight?

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