What is PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is major ailment affecting a large number of young females in India. According to a recent study, around 1 in 5 women are affected with PCOD in India. Though PCOS is not that common, it is not rare either. The average age group of women suffering from these disorders varies between 18 and 45 years, their prime reproductive years.

To understand PCOD or PCOS we need to know that every woman has 2 ovaries which release an egg alternatively every month

During this time, ovaries also produce many female sex hormones responsible for periods, fertility etc. In addition, male sex hormone androgen is also produced but in small quantity.

PCOD
In PCOD condition,

• Ovaries release either immature or only partially-mature eggs, which develop into cysts (little sacs filled with liquid).
  
  
• Then ovaries get enlarged and start producing androgen (male hormone) in excess.
  
  
• Excess of androgen causes symptoms such as male pattern hair loss, abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, and in some extreme cases, even infertility.
  
  

Complications: No serious complications. But Uncontrolled PCOD can lead to numerous problems such as difficulty in conceiving, increased risk for early onset of type 2 diabetes.

Pregnancy problems: Not much problems if PCOD is under control. However poor control will require fertility treatment. It is also to be noted that people with PCOD have a limited ovarian capacity in order to produce healthy eggs. Thus, they are advised to opt for an early pregnancy if they want children as advancing age affects the quality of the eggs adversely.

Causative factors: The cause of PCOD is still unknown. PCOD is associated with low-grade inflammation, excess insulin, production of male hormones (Hyperandrogenism) in high quantity and genetics to some extent. Also, early age of menarche (start of menstruation), unhealthy lifestyle and pollution are some of the contributing factors of PCOD.

Management: Modification in Lifestyle and Diet. The best way to control and manage PCOD is by ensuring proper weight management. Exercising and maintaining a healthy diet (low on sugars and carbohydrates, high on protein and fiber) are the most effective ways to get your PCOD under control. Treatment is to be done based on specific symptoms i.e., PCOD induced acne and hair loss can usually be solved by skin treatments. Fertility drugs are administered to infertile patients etc.

PCOS
In PCOS condition,

• Hormonal imbalance resulting in ovaries producing excess androgen (male hormones) which interferes with the development and release of eggs and as a consequence some of the eggs develop into cysts, in the form of the little sacs filled with liquid. These cysts build up in the ovaries and thus ovaries become large. 
  
  
• No ovulation (Anovulation). No release of eggs
  
  

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant. Symptoms are similar to PCOD i.e, weight gain, infertility, acne, irregular periods.

Complications: Risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea (breathing difficulty during sleep) and depression. As no ovulation is taking place, the uterine lining (lining of the uterus) builds up every month, which may also increase the chances of endometrial cancer.

Pregnancy problems: To get pregnant, ovulation is required. Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilized. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. PCOS may cause long-term complications for the mother and baby. Women with PCOS are potentially at an increased risk of miscarriage. During pregnancy there is increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Children whose mothers had PCOS may also struggle with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain.

Causative factors: Insulin resistance, Excessive androgen levels, Low-grade inflammation, Heredity.

Management: Good diet and exercise. Weight loss and other treatments can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Serious condition requires appropriate medical attention or surgical intervention.

Conclusion: While you may have some of the symptoms of PCOD vs PCOS, don’t self-diagnose or self-medicate. The best way forward is to approach a specialist doctor who will diagnose you after checking for cysts, high androgen levels and a pelvic exam.