Have you ever had an issue with irregular periods, sudden breakouts, unexpected growth of facial hair, difficulty maintaining your weight, or even conceiving? Well, there is no doubt that you must have stumbled upon PCOS and PCOD.
Which then brings about another question,
How different are PCOS & PCOD from each other?
This is a little more complicated than what social media posts will tell you.
PCOD is commonly used in India to refer to PCOS, whereas internationally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the accepted medical term that is mentioned in the clinical guidelines. This is one reason why the confusion remains.
Moreover, having polycystic ovaries diagnosed through an ultrasound is not the same thing as having PCOS. There is much more to be considered, including menstrual pattern, symptoms, hormones and other reasons.
Thus, if you have any doubts regarding the difference between PCOS and PCOD, this is what you must know.
Comparison between PCOS & PCOD: Are they the same?
While PCOD and PCOS are regarded as two different diseases on the internet, there is no standardized diagnosis protocol that considers PCOD as a less serious manifestation of PCOS.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal/metabolic disorder that impacts ovulation, levels of androgens, menstruation, fertility and the overall health of the individual.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD, is a term used predominantly in India. But there is no definite consensus about what exactly PCOD is in the medical literature. Some sources consider it interchangeable with PCOS; while others use it as a more liberal term to describe ovaries having a polycystic appearance or symptoms thereof.
That is why your diagnosis should not depend on what the report mentions: PCOD or PCOS.
What really matters is your symptoms, medical history and investigations.
PCOS Vs PCOD: A Quick Comparison
| PCOS | PCOD |
|---|---|
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Polycystic Ovarian Disease |
| Globally recognized clinical condition | Terminology often used in India |
| Can include problems like irregular ovulation, hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities | Meaning and use may differ |
| Affects menstruation, skin, hair, fertility and metabolism | Symptoms may be quite similar to PCOS |
| Clinical evaluation is needed for diagnosis | Never diagnose with an ultrasound alone. |
The key thing to remember is that having PCOS does not automatically mean that a woman will have ovarian cysts. Some women have PCOS along with irregular menstrual cycles and high androgen levels but without ovarian cysts.
What Are the Typical Symptoms of PCOS?
There are many signs of PCOS, and the symptoms can differ from person to person. Some may have many symptoms, while others may experience just one or two.
The most common PCOS symptoms are:
- Irregular periods
- Long menstrual periods
- Extra facial or body hair
- Persistent acne or greasy skin
- Thinning of hair, or excessive hair loss
- Weight loss problems
- Problems conceiving
- Insulin resistance-related symptoms like dark patches of thickened skin on specific areas of the body
- Mood and psychological issues
But not all women suffering from PCOS may experience all these symptoms. PCOS can also be seen in women who are not overweight. So, your weight cannot determine if you are suffering from PCOS or not. Why is that information crucial? Because some people put off visiting their doctor with the thought that: “My weight is within the normal range; hence, I cannot have PCOS.”
What Are the Most Frequent PCOD Symptoms?
Since PCOD is not a standardized term, its associated symptoms might overlap significantly with symptoms that are associated with PCOS.
These symptoms may involve:
- Irregular menstruation
- Missed menstruation
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth (face, body)
- Changes in body weight
- Thinning of hair
- Challenges with ovulation tracking
- Infertility issues
But symptoms alone will not help you to determine whether you have PCOS, PCOD or any other hormonal issue. For instance, irregular periods may have a variety of causes like hormonal issues, thyroid disorders, changes in body weight, stress, particular drugs and pregnancy.
Thus, self-diagnosing based on Instagram, an ultrasound test, and your symptoms is misleading.
If You Have Polycystic Ovaries, Does It Mean That You Have PCOS?
No. It’s one of the most crucial facts to consider when comparing PCOS vs PCOD.
Polycystic ovaries may be seen during an ultrasound. However, it does not mean that a woman suffers from PCOS. Polycystic ovarian morphology on an ultrasound may be present without a PCOS diagnosis.
At the same time, a person may suffer from PCOS but have no characteristic polycystic ovarian features seen on an ultrasound. As ACOG states, women do not need to have all the usual features or even have something like ovarian cysts on a scan.
So, if your ultrasound shows “polycystic ovaries,” don’t worry and don’t think that the test has diagnosed you.
Consult a gynaecologist for further clarifications
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
There is no one test that will diagnose PCOS in every individual.
A gynaecologist may take into account:
- Your history of menstrual cycles
- Changes in the pattern of the cycles
- Your symptoms like acne and hirsutism
- Physical exam
- Relevant hormone testing
- Sugar and metabolic testing where relevant
- Results from an ultrasound
- Other diseases which can produce these symptoms
The recent guidelines at an international level have fine-tuned the diagnosis of PCOS and have pointed out the importance of personalized diagnosis. In adult patients, AMH may be considered instead of an ultrasound for evaluating the morphology of polycystic ovaries in the right context but this is certainly not a “PCOS test.”
This is the reason why an online “PCOS test” or a test by ultrasound alone might not provide you with the whole picture.
PCOS Management: What Does Treatment Entail?
No specific PCOS management strategy is suitable for all women. It all depends on your symptoms, your health profile, and what you want to achieve. In some cases, the problem might be menstrual issues. In others, it could be the treatment of acne or hirsutism. If you are planning pregnancy, there would be an entirely different approach.
Some of the ways through which PCOS can be managed include:
1. Lifestyle and Nutrition Management
Physical exercise, healthy eating habits, adequate sleep, and good lifestyle choices form part of the PCOS management regimen. It does not involve extreme weight loss and crazy “PCOS diets.”
It involves living a healthy life so that your metabolism and reproductive system function optimally.
2. Irregular Periods
In cases where a woman has PCOS and irregular periods, a gynaecologist might advice on some hormonal therapy. Irregular periods that last for long periods might not be ideal.
3. Managing Acne and Unwanted Hair
If you have problems due to androgen effects like acne, hair growth on the face, or scalp hair loss, management can be done depending on the case. It depends on the level of symptoms that you experience, your general health status, and whether you plan for pregnancy.
4. Managing Fertility Problems
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects normal ovulation in women, making it difficult for you to conceive. However, having PCOS doesn’t mean that you can’t conceive.
If you plan to conceive but your menstrual cycle is irregular, seeking medical advice from a gynecologist will ensure that you determine your fertility problems.
Treatment of PCOD: Is it Special?
Since the definition of PCOD varies from state to state in India, there is no specific treatment procedure defined as “PCOD treatment.” If you have been diagnosed with PCOD, it is time to know exactly what was detected.
Was it:
- Abnormal ovulation?
- Hormonal imbalances?
- PCOD morphological features visible on ultrasound scan?
- Manifestations of high levels of male hormones?
- Some other hormonal problem?
When you find out what problem you have, then treatment becomes easier to arrange. Instead of asking “What is the best PCOD treatment?”, a better question would be: “Why do I have these symptoms, and how should I be treated?”
When Should You Consult a Gynaecologist?
There is no need for you to wait for your symptoms to reach a level where they start bothering you.
You can think of consulting a gynaecologist in Hyderabad if you see any of these symptoms:
- Regularly occurring irregular menstruation
- Long intervals between menstruations
- Occasional skipped menstruation
- Sudden appearance of acne
- Unexpected development of facial or body hair
- Severe loss of scalp hair
- Unusual changes in weight
- Problem with getting pregnant
- Symptoms that are impacting your self-confidence and quality of life
- Ultrasound report saying “Polycystic ovaries”
You must consult a gynaecologist if you experience irregular menstruation along with symptoms like unusual weight loss or gain, excess hair or inability to conceive.
Don’t Wait Till Fertility Issues Come Up: The biggest myth about PCOS is the fact that it becomes important when you try to conceive. This isn’t true. PCOS is a condition that affects your reproductive system, your metabolism, your skin and even your mind.
When you have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles for several months now, you don’t have to wait until you become pregnant to be checked.
Is There Any Management for PCOS?
Yes. PCOS is usually regarded as a chronic disorder, but symptoms and complications can be controlled with proper management.
The idea isn’t to eliminate PCOS.
It’s about getting the understanding your own body and managing the things that matter to you; it could be anything from menstruation to skin and hair problems, metabolism, emotions or fertility.
What’s more important, it’s not all about losing weight. The current recommendations focus on lifestyle, quality of life and patient-centered care.
PCOS Vs. PCOD: The Bottom Line
While the internet usually presents PCOS vs PCOD as a “one is mild, one is severe” situation, real healthcare is not so cut and dry. In India, PCOD and PCOS terms are mostly used interchangeably, and PCOD is not a modern medical term with any consistent diagnosis. The key is to understand the symptoms and their causes, like hormonal and metabolic issues, ovulation and any other possible reasons behind them.
If you have irregular periods, if you have experienced any hormonal symptoms, or if you were told that your ovaries are polycystic on ultrasound scans, do not just settle for the label. Get proper evaluation, learn what is going on. And base your treatment on yourself, not anyone else’s experience online.
Are You Looking For a PCOS Doctor in Hyderabad? If you are having problems with irregular periods, hormonal symptoms, acne, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning or fertility issues, you should consult a gynecologist to figure out the cause and the need for further investigation.
Consult a Gynecologist at Jade Clinics.
Book Your Consultation With Jade Clinics Today.
FAQs
1. Are PCOS and PCOD the same thing?
The terms are often used interchangeably in India, but there is no modern diagnostic criterion for PCOD. PCOS is the accepted clinical term across the world. Your symptoms and your clinical evaluation matter.
2. Which is worse, PCOS or PCOD? It does not serve any clinical purpose to just categorize PCOD as “mild” and PCOS as “severe.” PCOS has its implications for reproduction, metabolism, and psychology, but it differs from woman to woman.
3. Can you have PCOS even if you have normal cycles?
Some women with PCOS can have almost regular periods; hence, your cycles cannot be the only way to determine the condition. It needs other clinical criteria too.
4. Does PCOS mean I can never conceive?
No, PCOS can influence your ovulation cycle, but that doesn’t mean conception is impossible. Many women have conceived successfully either without medical help or through medical intervention.
5. Can PCOS be diagnosed only through ultrasound scan?
No, it is necessary that the polycystic appearance of your ovaries on an ultrasound test should be combined with other clinical parameters.
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General educational information only; consult a qualified healthcare professional for an individual diagnosis and treatment plan.