PCOD vs PCOS: Are You Sure You Know The Real Difference?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are common conditions affecting millions of women, especially in the reproductive years. While they sound comparable, it’s essential to understand the distinction between PCOD vs PCOS, as they aren’t equal. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal condition affecting women worldwide, with an estimated 5–15% of reproductive-aged females impacted, depending on diagnostic criteria. Many women often mix up these terms, but there are key distinctions that set them apart. Both conditions affect a woman’s ovaries and hormone levels, but how they do so varies. 

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what each condition entails, which is harmful PCOS or PCOD, as well as its symptoms, possible causes, and even some natural remedies that may help. So, let’s get in and clear up the confusion!

What Is PCOD?

To clarify, both affect ovarian function but have distinct causes and impacts. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) typically involves enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts caused by hormone imbalance. 

At the same time, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a more complex hormonal disorder affecting metabolism and insulin resistance, often leading to more severe symptoms. 

Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment and management.

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries function. It causes multiple small cysts to form on the ovaries, leading to irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility issues.

Many women in their reproductive years face health challenges that aren’t always easy to talk about. One of the most common among them is PCOD, a condition that often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood.

It’s a condition where the ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs that turn into cysts. These cysts lead to hormone imbalances, especially an increase in male hormones (androgens). Due to hormonal disruptions, the monthly ovulation cycle gets disturbed. 

A 2020 study by AIIMS Delhi found rising cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Indian urban and semi-urban women.

Common Symptoms

• Irregular periods: Periods may be delayed for weeks or even months, making cycles unpredictable. Some women also experience unusually heavy bleeding when menstruation occurs.
  
• Weight gain: Many women with PCOD notice weight gain, especially around the belly area. This stubborn fat is often resistant to diet and exercise due to hormonal issues.
  
• Acne and oily skin: Increased androgen levels cause the skin to produce more oil. This often results in breakouts, particularly on the face and back.
  
• Hair thinning or hair loss: Hair may thin noticeably on the scalp, giving a patchy appearance. At the same time, excess facial or body hair can grow in unwanted areas.

Causes 

• Genetic predisposition: If your mother or sister has PCOD or diabetes, your chances of developing it are higher. Genetics often plays a key role in hormonal conditions.
  
• Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle: Eating too much junk food and not staying active can disturb your metabolism. This leads to weight gain and worsens PCOD symptoms.
  
• Insulin resistance: When your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, it produces more of it. This triggers excess male hormones, disrupting ovulation.
  
• Hormonal imbalances during puberty: Irregular periods and early hormonal shifts in teenage years are early warning signs. These can later develop into PCOD if ignored.

How Common Is It In India?

1 in 5 Indian women suffer from PCOD. Lifestyle changes and awareness gaps contribute to this increase.  Even teenagers as young as 13 are being diagnosed. 

Early detection and education are crucial to managing long-term effects. Moreover, try Fitelo’s PCOD calculator to understand and manage your symptoms.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is more than just a hormonal imbalance, it’s a complex condition affecting many aspects of a woman’s health. In India, it’s becoming increasingly common, particularly among women in their reproductive years.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries function, leading to various metabolic, physical, and reproductive challenges.

It refers to the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries and an imbalance in reproductive hormones. These cysts disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular periods and potential fertility issues.

According to WHO, PCOS affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed worldwide.

Common Symptoms

• Irregular Periods or No Periods:
  This is often the first sign of PCOS. Hormonal imbalances prevent the regular release of eggs, causing missed or prolonged cycles.
  
• Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism):
  Due to elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), women may notice unwanted hair on the face, chest, or back.
  
• Acne and Oily Skin:
  Increased androgen levels stimulate oil glands, leading to persistent acne, especially around the jawline and chin.

Causes 

• Insulin Resistance:
  Nearly 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This causes the body to produce more insulin, which may increase androgen production and worsen symptoms.
  
• Genetic Predisposition:
  PCOS often runs in families, indicating a hereditary link. If your mother or sister has it, your chances of developing it are higher.

How Common Is It In India?

According to recent studies, PCOS affects approximately 1 in 5 women in India, especially in urban areas. Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits are key contributors.

What Is The Difference Between PCOD Vs PCOS?

Now we understand about PCOD and PCOS. Let’s move further by knowing the differences in the causes, symptoms, and other aspects of these two conditions.

Aspects	PCOD	PCOS
Causes	PCOD is caused by a hormonal imbalance, especially high levels of androgens (male hormones).	PCOS is a genetic disorder influenced by environmental factors, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Symptoms	Symptoms are Irregular periods, Weight Gain, Acne, hair growth on the face and body, hair loss, mood fluctuations, and infertility.	PCOS affects metabolism, and the symptoms might start showing during the teenage years. Some common symptoms of PCOS include loss of hair, male pattern baldness, irritability/mood swings, headache, weight gain, and infertility.
Occurrence	PCOD is a commonly observed condition affecting 1/3rd women worldwide.	It is relatively low compared to PCOD.
Diagnosis	PCOD is diagnosed by ultrasound alone, where the ovaries are filled with follicles and do not appear much larger.	PCOS diagnosis includes a combination of clinical, biochemical, and ultrasound criteria, where images show larger ovaries, which are around 1.5 – 3 times larger than the normal-appearing ovaries.
Health Risks	PCOD is not associated with a higher risk of long-term health problems.	PCOS affects the whole body and can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, endometrial cancer, and infertility.
Treatment	PCOD can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction.	PCOS can be treated with medication, surgery, or natural remedies, such as herbs, supplements, and acupuncture.

Medical Differences 

• In PCOD, the ovaries produce many immature eggs that do not develop perfectly. These remaining eggs turn into stomach cysts over time, mostly caused by changes in stress, diet, and hormones.

• PCOS affects how the ovaries work at a deep level. It can completely prevent egg release and is often associated with insulin problems, unwanted hair growth, and weight gain.

Which One Is More Severe?

• PCOS is usually more serious because it doesn’t just affect the ovaries; it can also mess with your metabolism, cause skin problems, and raise your risk of diabetes and infertility.

• PCOD is more common and easier to control with healthy habits. It rarely causes major health problems unless ignored for a long time.

Can PCOD or PCOS Affect Fertility?

Yes, both PCOD and PCOS can impact fertility, but they don’t make motherhood impossible. Here’s what Indian women should be aware of when it comes to conception:

• Irregular Ovulation is the Core Issue:
  PCOD/PCOS often disrupts ovulation, making it harder to predict fertile days. This irregularity can delay conception, but doesn’t completely rule it out.
  
• PCOS Has a Higher Impact on Fertility:
  PCOS is more severe and linked to hormonal imbalances that can interfere with egg quality and implantation. It may take longer to conceive and often needs medical support.
  
• Lifestyle Plays a Key Role:
  A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management improve ovulation. Indian women adopting these changes have shown better fertility outcomes.
  
• Medical Help is Effective:
  Treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF have helped many women with PCOD/PCOS become mothers. Early diagnosis and expert guidance are essential.

Is Motherhood Possible With PCOD/PCOS?

Absolutely, many Indian women with these conditions go on to have healthy pregnancies with timely care, persistence, and the right medical support.

Diagnosis: How To Know What You Have?

Knowing whether you have PCOD or PCOS involves more than just observing symptoms requires proper testing and expert evaluation.

• Pelvic Ultrasound is an imaging test that checks for cysts in the ovaries and assesses their size and appearance.
  
• Blood Tests of Hormone levels, such as LH, FSH, testosterone, and insulin, are measured to detect imbalances.
  
• Thyroid and Prolactin Tests help rule out other causes of irregular periods or hormonal issues.

Tests And Screenings

1. Pelvic Ultrasound Scan: Used to check for the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries and assess ovary size, often helping distinguish between PCOD and PCOS.
   
2. Serum Androgen Test: Measures testosterone and DHEA-S levels. Elevated results typically point toward PCOS due to excess androgen production.
   
3. Fasting Insulin and Glucose Test: Helps detect insulin resistance, which is more commonly associated with PCOS than PCOD, and plays a role in treatment planning.
   
4. Lipid Profile and Hormone Panel: Identifies hormonal imbalances, including LH/FSH ratio, and checks cholesterol levels, as PCOS is linked with higher cardiovascular risk.

When To See A Doctor?

See a specialist if you notice irregular periods for 3+ months, sudden weight gain, excessive hair growth, or trouble conceiving. Timely diagnosis helps manage symptoms and prevent long-term health complications like diabetes.

Treatment Options For PCOD and PCOS

The treatment plan usually depends on the person’s symptoms, whether it’s irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, or difficulty conceiving. 

While both conditions stem from hormonal issues, treatment varies based on how severe the symptoms are and what the woman hopes to achieve, be it better skin, regular cycles, or a healthy pregnancy.

Medication And Medical Treatments

● Birth Control Pills
Often, the first step for PCOD, the contraceptive pill, helps bring hormones under control. They work by balancing estrogen and progesterone, which regulates periods, lowers testosterone levels, clears up acne, and reduces unwanted hair growth.

● Ovulation Induction
For women who want to conceive, ovulation-inducing medicines like Clomiphene or Letrozole can help trigger the release of eggs. These medications are tailored based on ovulation patterns.

● Metformin (Used Mostly in PCOS)
Metformin is commonly used for PCOS because it targets insulin resistance, a key factor in this condition. By improving how the body handles insulin, it also supports more regular ovulation and brings down androgen levels naturally.

● Anti-Androgens
In cases where acne or facial hair is a bigger concern, medications like spironolactone are added. These help anti-androgens manage lower androgen activity in the body, improving skin and hair-related symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes (Indian Diet Tips + Exercise)

• Focus on Low-Glycemic Foods: Incorporate staples like millets, lentils, and leafy greens that release sugar slowly, helping to manage insulin levels and reduce hormonal imbalances.
  
• Limit Refined Carbs and Sugars: Cutting back on white rice, sugary sweets, and fried snacks can prevent sudden blood sugar spikes, which often worsen PCOS/PCOD symptoms.
  
• Smaller, Frequent Meals: Eating in smaller portions throughout the day helps maintain steady energy and avoids insulin surges, promoting better hormonal stability.
  
• Consistent Physical Activity: Regular exercise such as brisk walking, yoga, or light strength training boosts insulin sensitivity, aids weight control, and supports hormonal harmony.

A consistent lifestyle can reduce symptoms, regulate periods, and improve mood and energy over time.

Ayurveda and Home Remedies: Do They Work?

• Ashwagandha for Stress and Hormone Balance
  Ashwagandha helps calm the adrenal glands, which can reduce stress-related hormone spikes that worsen PCOD/PCOS symptoms.
  
• Shatavari’s Role in Reproductive Health
  Shatavari may help gently regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovarian function, though evidence is mostly anecdotal.
  
• Cinnamon’s Impact on Insulin Sensitivity
  Regular use of cinnamon is believed to improve insulin action, potentially helping with blood sugar control and menstrual irregularities linked to PCOS.
  
• Fenugreek for Blood Sugar and Hormonal Support
  Fenugreek seeds are thought to stabilize blood sugar levels and may contribute to better hormonal balance, but more clinical research is needed to confirm these effects.

Natural Remedies To Manage PCOD And PCOS

Managing PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) naturally is possible with simple lifestyle changes. While there’s no quick fix, small steps can make a big difference.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. PCOS vs PCOD diet plans include iron-rich foods like spinach and broccoli, and magnesium-rich foods like almonds and bananas. Avoid sugary snacks, refined carbs, and cut down on caffeine.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing even a little weight can balance hormones, improve fertility, and control insulin levels. Choose natural weight loss methods like mindful eating and regular movement. Moreover, there are many natural remedies for PCOS weight loss that you can try

3. Exercise Regularly: Activities like walking, yoga, swimming, or cycling can help regulate hormones, improve mood, and boost ovulation.

4. Sleep Well: Aim for at least 8–9 hours of sleep daily. Avoid caffeine after 2 PM, limit screen time at night, and develop a relaxing bedtime routine like a warm bath.

5. Say No to Alcohol and Cigarettes: Smoking and drinking disturb hormonal balance and worsen symptoms, so it’s best to avoid them completely.

6. Manage Stress: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or spend time on hobbies to lower stress and balance hormones naturally.

7. Try Seed Cycling: Seed cycling is a method wherein different seeds, such as sesame, flax, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, are eaten in sync with the menstrual cycle. Eating seeds according to your menstrual cycle can help regulate hormones.

Always consult a healthcare expert before starting natural remedies to find the best plan for your body.

Bottomline

What Is PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)?

PCOD is a hormonal disorder where a woman’s ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs, which then become cysts. These cysts disturb the hormonal balance and the ovulation cycle.

Key Symptoms Of PCOD:

• Irregular periods: Delayed or unpredictable cycles with heavy bleeding.
• Weight gain: Especially around the belly, resistant to diet and exercise.
• Acne and oily skin: Caused by increased male hormones (androgens).

Common Causes:

• Genetics: If your mother/sister has PCOD or diabetes, your risk increases.
• Poor lifestyle: Junk food and inactivity worsen hormonal health.
• Insulin resistance leads to higher androgen levels and ovulation issues.

What Is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

PCOS is a complex metabolic and hormonal disorder that affects the entire body, not just the ovaries. It leads to multiple small ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and fertility issues.

Key Symptoms Of PCOS:

• Irregular or no periods: Due to failed or delayed egg release.
• Excessive facial/body hair (Hirsutism): Due to high androgens.
• Hair loss & weight gain: Often paired with emotional stress or mood swings.

Common Causes:

• Insulin resistance: Found in 70% of PCOS cases.
• Genetic links: PCOS tends to run in families.
• Inflammation & obesity: Worsen hormone imbalance.

PCOD is more common and manageable. PCOS is more serious and needs structured treatment.

Can PCOD or PCOS Affect Fertility?

Yes, both can interfere with fertility, but they don’t make pregnancy impossible.

Here’s what Indian women should know:

• Irregular Ovulation: Makes predicting fertile days harder, delaying conception.
• PCOS has a Greater Impact: It can affect egg quality, implantation, and require medical support.
• Lifestyle is Key: Diet, yoga, and weight control improve fertility chances.
• Medical Support Works: Many women conceive with treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF.

Treatment Options: Both PCOD and PCOS need personal help, but PCOS often needs more strong treatment, like medicine, lifestyle changes, and emotional support. Studies show that just a 5–10% loss in weight with PCOS can boost fertility and hormone levels, testifying to the strength of whole health healing

How To Diagnose PCOD or PCOS?

Accurate diagnosis is essential for long-term health and fertility planning.

Key Tests and Screenings:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Detects ovarian cysts and measures ovary size.
• Hormonal Blood Tests: LH, FSH, testosterone, insulin levels.
• Thyroid and Prolactin Tests: To rule out other hormonal disorders.
• Lipid Profile: Monitors heart disease risk, especially in PCOS.

When to See a Doctor: If you’ve missed periods for over 3 months, gained unexplained weight, or noticed unusual hair growth, consult a gynecologist.

Natural Remedies to Support Management

Simple changes in your daily routine can bring balance:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
• Choose whole grains like millet, oats, and brown rice.
• Avoid sugary foods, packaged snacks, and white bread.
• Do 30 minutes of daily movement: brisk walks, yoga, or dancing.
• Try herbal teas like spearmint or cinnamon.
• Manage stress through deep breathing and mindfulness.

PCOS Weight Loss Of Shevi – Shed 8 Kg In 30 Days!

Shevi, a young girl from Himachal Pradesh, approached Fitelo regarding her weight gain concern and PCOS. Our dieticians devised the perfect diet plan to help her lose weight and manage her PCOS symptoms. 

As a result, Shevi could lose 8 kgs in just 30 days while overcoming her PCOS issue! Read her full transformation story below:

PCOS Weight Loss: An Inspiring Success Journey of A Young Girl | Fitelo

4 Reasons Why You Are Not Losing Weight With PCOS – Fitelo

Are you struggling to lose weight with PCOS? So, these four factors can be the reason for not losing weight with this syndrome. Watch this video by Dietician Mac Singh and learn weight loss tips for struggling with PCOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PCOD More Serious Than PCOS?

PCOS is generally considered more serious than PCOD because it often involves metabolic issues, hormonal imbalance, and long-term complications like diabetes, infertility, and cardiovascular risks, unlike PCOD’s milder symptoms.

What Are PCOD Girl Symptoms?

Girls with PCOD may experience irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair thinning, mood swings, and ovarian cysts. Hormonal imbalance leads to these visible and internal symptoms, especially during puberty.

Can PCOS Get Pregnant?

Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant with lifestyle changes, medication, or fertility treatments. Although it may be challenging, many manage to conceive successfully with proper medical guidance.

Why Is PCOD Now Called PCOS?

PCOD and PCOS are often used interchangeably, but PCOS is the correct medical term. It’s called a “syndrome” because it involves a group of symptoms affecting hormonal and reproductive health.

What Is More Dangerous PCOD or PCOS?

PCOS is generally considered more serious than PCOD due to its stronger link with infertility, metabolic issues, and long-term health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Can PCOD Turn Into PCOS?

PCOD does not turn into PCOS, but both share symptoms. PCOS is more severe, involving hormonal imbalance and metabolic issues, while PCOD is often milder and lifestyle-related.

Contact Us Today

Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and help you cultivate sustainable and healthy eating habits. So, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!

Disclaimer

This blog was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.