PCOD vs. PCOS: What Is the Difference? Symptoms, Risks & Treatment Explained

You missed a period, saw "cysts" on an ultrasound report, and now you are spiralling. Was it PCOD? Or PCOS? What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?  

Well, first it's important to know that: They are the same!

PCOD and PCOS are two terms for the same condition. PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease, and PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. While you will see the terms used differently online, medically, PCOS is the accurate term to describe the condition that affects up to 6-13% of women of reproductive age.

Let’s clear up the confusion regarding PCOD vs PCOS, the causes, and how to manage it.

What is the Difference Between PCOD and PCOS?

A common myth is that PCOD is "mild" and PCOS is "severe." This is incorrect.

There is no difference between PCOS and PCOD regarding severity. Doctors often use the terms interchangeably. The severity of your condition is not determined by the name. It is determined by:

• Your blood reports (hormone levels).

• Whether you have polycystic ovaries on Sonography (and how many follicles are present).

• The intensity of symptoms like increased BMI, central obesity, acne, and hair fall.

What are the Causes of PCOS?

The medical community is still studying the exact "why" behind PCOS. But what we know about the causes of PCOS is that it's a complex interaction between your environment, your lifestyle, and your DNA. It is rarely caused by just one thing.

Common Factors That Influence PCOS:

• Genetics: It often runs in the family. If your mother or sister has struggled with irregular cycles or hormonal issues, your body might be predisposed to the same patterns.

• Insulin & Weight: Weight gain can trigger hormonal shifts, but PCOS itself makes it much harder for your body to manage insulin, often leading to weight gain that feels impossible to shed. 

• Lifestyle Factors: Our modern environment plays a huge role. Chronic stress, irregular sleep, and a diet high in processed sugars can "flip the switch" on symptoms that might have otherwise stayed dormant.

What are the Symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS doesn't look the same for everyone. Some women struggle with every symptom on the list, while others only deal with one or two "hidden" signs. Here is what to watch for:

• The "Late" Period: In a clinical sense, we look for cycles that are 35 days apart or longer. If you’re having fewer than nine periods a year, your ovaries are likely struggling to ovulate.

• Signs of Androgen Excess: When male-pattern hormones are too high, your skin and hair are usually the first to tell you. This shows up as stubborn acne (especially along the jawline), hair growth on the face or chin, or thinning hair on the scalp.

• The Midsection Shift: You might notice weight gain that settles specifically around the abdomen. This isn't just about calories; it’s a direct result of how your hormones are processing energy.

• The Silent Symptoms: Don't ignore the small things. Even if your periods are regular, persistent adult acne, unexplained fatigue, or thinning hair can be signs that your hormones are slightly out of balance.

If any of these feel familiar, don’t feel overwhelmed. These symptoms are your body’s way of communicating that it needs a little extra support to find its rhythm again. Consult a gynaecologist to understand your signs and take the necessary steps for your well-being. 

Future Risks of PCOS: Why Management Matters?

Whether you call it PCOD or PCOS, leaving it untreated can lead to long-term health issues.

1. PCOS Problems After Marriage & Pregnancy

PCOS affects pregnancy if not treated properly. Many women only discover they have PCOS while they’re planning pregnancy and then face difficulties. Untreated, it can lead to complications like miscarriage, premature birth, or preeclampsia. It can also predispose the unborn child to diabetes or PCOS.

The Bottom Line: Does PCOS cause infertility? It can make conceiving a challenge, but it is not a permanent barrier. With professional guidance and the right therapy, most women with PCOS have healthy, successful pregnancies.

Don't wait until you're struggling to conceive. Talk to a gynaecologist early to balance your hormones and prepare your body for a healthy journey.

2. Long-Term Health

PCOS isn't just about your periods or skin; because it’s a metabolic condition, it affects how your entire body functions over time. If left unchecked, those hormonal imbalances can quietly lead to more serious concerns.

What we watch out for in the long run:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Since PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance, your body can struggle to manage blood sugar, increasing your risk of diabetes.

• Heart Health: You may face higher risks of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, which impact your heart health.

• Endometrial Cancer: If you aren't having regular periods, the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) can thicken excessively, which may increase the risk of cancer over many years.

• Mental Wellness: The hormonal "rollercoaster" isn't just in your head. It’s very common to experience persistent anxiety or depression when your hormones are out of sync.

How to Manage PCOD/PCOS Naturally?

The good news? PCOD/PCOS is an easily manageable condition. While there is no permanent "cure" to eliminate it forever, you can treat PCOS at home and live a symptom-free life.

If you are looking for how to reduce PCOD naturally, here are the proven methods:

1. Dietary Changes

Food is medicine. Consuming processed, highly preserved, and high-carbohydrate foods increases insulin resistance. Switch to a whole-food diet to help regulate your menstrual cycle.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are not just for gut health; they can impact PCOS management by controlling inflammation and sex hormones (estrogen and androgen). Consider adding probiotic foods like kombucha and kimchi to your diet.

3. Weight Management

If you are overweight, studies suggest that losing even a small percentage of body weight using a low-calorie diet can be a promising first-line treatment. This helps minimise insulin resistance.

4. Exercise

Movement is essential, but balance is key.

• Good options: Walking, Yoga, Pilates, Swimming, Aerobic.

• Intensity: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and long-distance running can be helpful, but consult your doctor to ensure you aren't over-stressing your body.

5. Stress Reduction

Stress spikes cortisol, which worsens hormonal imbalance. Simple habits like getting adequate sleep, cutting back on caffeine, and walking outside can help.

Conclusion

So, what is different between PCOS and PCOD? Absolutely nothing. They are the same battle, and you are not alone in fighting it.

Don’t lose heart. There are a lot of women going through the same condition. With the right lifestyle changes, dietary shifts, and medical guidance, you can manage your health effectively.

Still confused about your symptoms or how to treat PCOS?

Connect with a gynaecologist in a safe space. Get your hormonal assessment with Pinky Promise today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I get pregnant naturally if I have PCOS?

Absolutely. While PCOS can make ovulation unpredictable, many women conceive naturally by managing their lifestyle or using mild medications to regulate their cycles. It’s about timing and hormonal balance, not a lack of fertility.

Q: Will I have to stay on birth control pills forever to manage PCOS?

Not necessarily. While the pill is great for regulating periods and protecting the uterine lining, it’s not the only way. Many women manage symptoms successfully through diet, exercise, and specific supplements or medications like Metformin.

Q: Does PCOS ever go away completely?

Think of PCOS as something you "manage" rather than "cure." While the genetic predisposition stays with you, you can reach a point where you are completely symptom-free and your hormones are balanced through consistent care.

Q: Why am I gaining weight even though I’m eating healthy in PCOS?

This is one of the most frustrating parts of PCOS. It’s usually due to Insulin Resistance. Your body struggles to convert food into energy and stores it as fat instead. It’s not a lack of willpower; it’s a metabolic hurdle that requires a specific approach to nutrition.

Q: Is PCOS the same as having ovarian cysts?

Actually, no. The "cysts" in PCOS aren't true cysts; they are just tiny, underdeveloped follicles (eggs) that didn't get released. True ovarian cysts are usually larger and can sometimes require different medical attention.

Q: Can PCOS cause hair loss even if I have extra facial hair?

It sounds like a contradiction, but yes. High levels of androgens can cause hair to grow where you don’t want it (like the chin) and thin out where you do want it (the scalp). This is often called "female pattern thinning."

Q: Does PCOS increase the risk of other health issues after menopause?

Since PCOS is tied to metabolism, the risk for Type 2 diabetes and heart health issues can persist after your periods stop. Staying active and monitoring your blood sugar remains important even as you get older.