PCOD and PCOS are NOT the same. Know the difference between the two

Indians have shied away from talking about topics concerning vaginal health and menstrual health. Here are some things you should know about PCOD and PCOS

By: Shweta Ganjoo |
August 30, 2017 3:52 pm

There are some topics that remain a taboo in our country and are talked about in hushed tones. Vaginal health remains one of the most neglected and hence most misunderstood parts of our health and hygiene. The stigma associated with words like vagina, menstruation, and sex has further exacerbated this problem. Women often ignore the symptoms they experience, which in the long run causes larger health problems.

Here are the details of the two diseases that affect women:

vagina

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a health condition that affects nearly 10 million women worldwide. It’s a condition in which the levels of a women’s sex hormones are out of balance, which leads to the growth of cysts in the ovaries. While its exact cause is unknown, doctors believe that it is caused due to genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms:
– Weight gain which is difficult to manage
– Fatigue and low energy levels
– Excess hair growth on areas including the face, arms, back, chest, and abdomen.
– Hair loss on head
– Infertility
– Acne and skin darkening
– Pelvic pain with periods, which is accompanied by heavy bleeding
– Headaches and sleep disorders

Vagina (Photo: Dreamstime)

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The biggest concerns for women suffering from PCOS are diabetes and heart disease. Apart from this, women also stand at a high risk of suffering from hypertension, high cholesterol, and depression.

On the other hand, patients who suffer from Polycystic ovarian disease or PCOD have enlarged ovaries along with multiple small cysts in their ovaries. Although the reasons vary from a person to person, diet, stress and hormonal disturbance are some of the common reasons which lead to PCOD.

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Symptoms:
– Weight gain
– Thinning of hair on the scalp
– Fertility problems
– Acne
– Depression

Difference:
It is important to note that while symptoms like irregular periods and acne are common in both the condition and both are caused by hormonal imbalance, PCOS is more severe that PCOD. Also, while women suffering from PCOD have enlarged ovaries, ovaries remain the same size for the women who suffer from PCOS.

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