Women often don’t differentiate between PCOD vs PCOS conditions, although they have a number of essential differences. Ovarian polycystosis is a health condition in which the reproductive algorithm is radically disrupted. Normally, follicles mature in the female body every month. Inside each follicle, there is an immature egg. It moves along the fallopian tubes towards the uterus (womb). If it does not meet a sperm that fertilizes this cell, then menstruation begins. During menstruation, the egg is released along with the blood. Meanwhile, the corpus luteum, formed in place of the empty follicle in the ovary, regresses.
However, ovarian polycystosis introduces undesirable adjustments to this scheme. Due to excess androgens, follicular cysts form in the ovaries. Neoplasms consist of immature follicles that appear in the organ cavity at different stages of the period. But there are no structures ready for the reproductive process.
Such an endocrine disorder does not allow the follicle capsule to rupture and release the egg during ovulation. Therefore, fertilization cannot occur. At the same time, the volume of the ovaries increases several times, depending on how many cysts develop in it. The surrounding tissue inevitably undergoes pathological changes, sclerotization, and hypertrophy.
There are primary and secondary polycystic ovary manifestations. This article describes their main differences and effective treatment management options.
What is PCOD
When polycystic ovaries develop primarily, the condition is called PCOD – polycystic ovarian disease. It usually develops during puberty against the background of chronic tonsillitis, infections, etc. PCOD is characterized by an increased production of luliberin in the hypothalamus, which regulates the production of gonadotropic hormones in the pituitary gland, responsible for the correct ovary function.
What is PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome develops secondarily in the case of pubertal and postpubertal forms of andrenogenital syndrome (due to enhanced synthesis of androgens in the adrenal glands). The follicles undergo cystic atresia, ovulation stops, and estrogen synthesis decreases. The male sex hormones are predominantly produced.
Which is more serious PCOS or PCOD?
Practice shows that PCOS is more serious and dangerous than PCOD. It requires mandatory treatment, while PCOD often does not require any medications. You can successfully cope with the condition by changing your lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, breaking bad habits, and adjusting your diet.
Key Differences Between PCOD and PCOS
The more severe course of PCOS is not the only difference between PCOS and PCOD. In fact, there are several important differences that you need to be aware of.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal level imbalances – the main PCOS vs PCOD difference. The primary ovarian polycystosis (PCOD) pathology is usually accompanied by primary changes in the gonads in relation to hormonal imbalance. That is, the structure of the ovaries is initially disrupted, and then – the functions of the ovaries.
In the case of secondary ovarian polycystosis (PCOS), disturbances in the hormonal regulation of the genitals and glands come to the fore. The hormonal status of women is characterized by an increase in the serum concentration of prolactin, LH, estradiol, and testosterone. These changes contribute to endocrine and lipid metabolism disorders, the development of proliferative processes (for example, endometrial hyperplasia).
Ovulation issues
A woman with a PCOD diagnosis may ovulate and become pregnant without special medical care. PCOS causes more severe fertility problems. Due to the lack of regular ovulation, conception is difficult.
Cyst formation
Women with PCOS have many small cysts on their ovaries. This increases the risk of developing cancer. PCOD usually does not have such manifestations.
Metabolic aspects
Metabolic disorders and rapid weight gain are typical for both PCOS and PCOD. But still, women with PCOS have more problematic metabolic aspects.
Common Causes
The paragraphs below describe the common PCOS and PCOD causes.
PCOD
According to research, the key causes of PCOD include stress, poor lifestyle choices, hormonal imbalance, and obesity. These factors often cause the ovaries to produce many immature or partially mature eggs.
PCOS
The exact causes of PCOS condition are still unknown. Nevertheless, it has been established that genetic predisposition, imbalance of sex hormones, impaired glucose metabolism, increased secretion of insulin, stressful situations, and external factors can lead to the development of this condition.
PCOD vs PCOS symptoms
There are several typical symptoms for each condition that allow the doctor to make the correct diagnosis.
PCOD
The PCOD problem can be accompanied by functional uterine bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia. The ovaries enlarge 2-6 times compared to normal. Excessive hair growth is observed in the area of the legs, thighs, lower abdomen, and forearms. A woman faces grade 2-3 obesity. But the prognosis is favorable. Complete restoration of reproductive function is possible by changing lifestyle and following the doctor’s recommendations.
PCOS
There is a late onset of the menstrual cycle (over 14 years), the subsequent cycle becomes irregular, with scanty discharge. Primary infertility occurs (less often, spontaneous abortions in the early stages). Excessive hair growth is observed in the area of the upper lip, cheeks, chin, forearms, legs, thighs, perineum, and areola of the mammary glands. A woman has oily skin and acne. About 40% of patients suffer from excess weight. Weight loss is not typical for this condition.
PCOD vs PCOS Treatment
PCOD PCOS treatment is usually aimed at eliminating symptoms that interfere with a woman’s quality of life. These include excessive hair growth, obesity, seborrhea, metabolic disorders, and irregular periods. It is also important to restore ovulation and fertility.
Correction of these disruptions in the body is carried out using hormone therapy and other good methods of conservative medicine.
PCOD
As stated above, the causes of PCOD lie in poor lifestyle choices. Therefore, the first step to recovery should be their change. Start eating right, doing regular exercise, meditating to get rid of stress, and you will certainly see positive results.
PCOS
Reproductologists and gynecologists-endocrinologists resort to methods of conservative therapy for PCOS. The anti-estrogenic drug Clomid is often used because it is effective in treating many pathologies of the female reproductive system.
Surgery treatment is used in exceptional cases if other types of therapy do not provide the desired result. Laparoscopic drilling is the most common method. This is coagulation of the membrane of the affected ovary, which not only restores but also stimulates ovulation. The maximum effect from using this method lasts for a year. Therefore, those women who are planning a pregnancy after surgery should lead an active sex life.
The decision about the appropriate PCOD vs PCOS treatment should be made by the dr based on the patient’s condition and examination results.
Summary
A hormonal gynecological disease accompanied by the formation of multiple cysts inside or outside the ovary is called ovarian polycystosis. Poor ovarian function, when there is no ovulation, is its most important sign.
The development of polycystic disease occurs due to dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system: adrenal glands, pituitary gland, ovaries, hypothalamus, and thyroid gland. When these organs malfunction, hormonal imbalances occur. This triggers the formation of male hormones in the woman’s body and may lead to infertility in the future. But the risk developing ovarian polycystosis decreases when a person maintains an active lifestyle, avoids excess weight, and regulates diet.
FAQ
How do u get PCOS?
Genetic predisposition, imbalance of sex hormones, impaired glucose tolerance, increased secretion of insulin, stressful situations, and external factors can trigger the development of PCOS.
Is PCOD a serious problem?
PCOD is a less serious problem compared to PCOS. People can correct the condition by making adjustments to their lifestyle.
Is PCOD patient get pregnant?
A woman with PCOD continues to ovulate. This means she can get pregnant without special medical help.
Does PCOD mean infertility?
PCOD means that a woman’s ovaries produce an excess number of immature or partially developed eggs, but she still has a good chance of becoming pregnant.