Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are the hormonal issues in women. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and vary slightly in terms of symptoms and treatment options. In this article, we’ll discuss PCOD & PCOS treatment in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, the differences between them, diagnosis, and symptoms. Before that, let’s quickly understand each condition.
What is PCOD?
In a regular menstrual cycle, your ovaries release an egg each month for fertilization. However, in women with PCOD, the ovaries release either immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs turn into cysts. As a result, your ovaries become larger and start producing androgens (male hormones) in excess amounts.
Symptoms of PCOD
Due to the increased production of androgen, women with PCOD are likely to notice these symptoms:
- Excess facial and body hair
- Male pattern baldness
- Acne
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Infertility
Treatment of PCOD
There’s no permanent cure for PCOD, but with lifestyle modifications and medical treatment, you can manage your symptoms and lead a normal life. Here’s what may help:
i) Controlling Weight:
Even if you shed a few extra pounds, you will notice a difference in your PCOD symptoms. Losing weight makes treatment much easier.
ii) Healthy Diet:
Your diet should contain enough fiber and protein to manage insulin production.
iii) Medication:
If you aren’t planning pregnancy, your doctor may recommend birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycles.
iv) Fertility Treatment:
Most women with managed PCOD become pregnant, but in a few cases, an additional line of treatment, such as fertility medication, IVF, or IUI might be needed for successful conception.
What is PCOS?
In PCOS, endocrine issues can cause excess production of androgens, which in turn convert the eggs into fluid-filled cysts. Unlike in PCOD, the cysts do not release from the ovaries, but build within them.
Symptoms of PCOS
Many symptoms of PCOS are similar to those of PCOD, but the former is a more severe condition, which increases your risk of developing heart diseases and diabetes. It may also disrupt your sleep cycle and increase your risk of endometrial cancer.
Treatment of PCOS
Oral contraceptives, such as estrogen and progestin, are prescribed for regulating your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may prescribe additional medication to help you with acne, facial hair growth, sleep apnea, and manage the increased risk of diabetes and endometrial cancer. Leading an active lifestyle with a nutritious and balanced diet will help keep your weight in check, which in turn, helps you with the PCOS symptoms.
Difference Between PCOD and PCOS
Here’s the look at the most prominent differences between the two:
a) Severity of the Condition:
PCOD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. PCOS is a more serious issue, as it indicates an endocrine disorder. If not managed well, it can cause diabetes, heart-related issues, and even endometrial cancer.
b) Prevalence:
PCOD is more common in women than PCOS.
c) Infertility:
Although both conditions are linked to infertility, getting pregnant is easier in PCOD and can happen without medical intervention. Since PCOS involves a lot of hormonal irregularities, you may need to consider fertility medication to conceive. To learn more about these two hormonal issues, see a PCOD & PCOS specialist in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, and discuss your symptoms and the best treatment options.