22.5% of women suffer from PCOD while 9.13% from PCOS. Are they different?

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that 15 to 20 million couples in India alone contribute to infertility. Other studies reveal that the total fertility rate is below 2.1 children per woman and a sharp drop of 20% in the general fertility rate over the past decade. Among all the reasons, PCOS and PCOD stand at the front. 

A study by UNICEF claims that 22.5% of Indian women suffer from PCOD, while 9.13% suffer from PCOS. 

While PCOD and PCOS may sound similar, they are distinct in their symptoms, causes, and side effects. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

It's important to note that around 70% of women with PCOS experience infertility, a significantly higher percentage than in women with PCOD, underscoring the potential challenges these conditions pose.

PCOD or PCOS: Which Condition Affects You?

PCOD and PCOS are two common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age, but they have key differences in their causes, symptoms, and long-term impacts on health.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) 

PCOD occurs when one ovary starts overproducing immature or partially mature eggs. It can affect your menstrual cycle and overall health condition. PCOD is more common than PCOS, affecting up to 10%–15% of women of reproductive age globally, with a significant number in India 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS affects women between the ages of 12 and 51. It can increase levels of male hormones in females and also make it difficult for them to conceive. PCOS affects about 5%–10% of women worldwide. In India, around 10% of women of childbearing age are estimated to suffer from PCOS. 

Read the below-listed symptoms to know if you are diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS. 

• Irregular periods 
• Skipped or absence of periods 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding 
• Excessive hair growth, especially on the back, belly, or chest
• Acne on the face, chest, or upper back
• Hair loss 
• Weight gain 
• Skin darkening (neck or under the breast) 
• Cysts 
• Skin tags
• Thin hair
• Infertility 

PCOD has no serious health issues, while PCOS can cause heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. PCOS is more serious than PCOD. According to Ayurveda, PCOS is present in the body due to toxins and impurities present in the blood and lymph elements of a female body. 

AIIMS conducted research among women with PCOS. The research came with several theories. 

• 20 to 25% of childbearing women in India are suffering from PCOS
• 60% of PCOS women are obese. 
• 35-50% of women have a fatty liver. 
• 70% of women have insulin resistance. 
• 60 to 70% have high androgen. 
• 40 to 60% have glucose intolerance. 

In a study conducted by UNICEF, they found that 9.13% of women suffer from PCOS while 22.5% from PCOD, specifically in South India and Maharashtra. The Hindu estimates that 1 in every 10 women has PCOS. 

What May Lead To PCOD and PCOS?

Here are the factors contributing to PCOD and PCOS. 

• Excessive production of androgen (male hormones) 
• Excessive production of insulin 
• Low-grade Inflammation 
• Heredity 
• Improper lifestyle 
• Dehydration 
• Irregular sleeping pattern
• Excessive consumption of junk food
• Pollution 
• No physical activity
• Consumption of certain hormonal medicines 
• High-stress levels 
• Lack of awareness 
• Diabetes 
• Ignorance 
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Socio-physiological stress 
• Excessive consumption of alcohol 

PCOD vs. PCOS: How to Identify and Differentiate Symptoms

The names might confuse you, but both are different. PCOS and PCOD are both health conditions that are diagnosed because of the hormonal imbalance and overproduction of ovaries. Here is a detailed description of differentiating symptoms and causes of PCOS and PCOD. 

Effective Treatments for PCOS and PCOD To Manage Diagnosis

PCOD can be treated with lifestyle modifications; however, PCOS has no specific solution. Your healthcare provider may diagnose you based on the symptoms and medical conditions. You may opt for particular treatments for curing PCOS and PCOD. 

• Lifestyle changes—Change the way you live your life. Opt for a low-calorie diet with regular exercise or walking. Managing weight can increase the chances of treatment of PCOD and PCOS. Consult a dietician to determine your diet. 
• Certain medications- Medicines are necessary, especially to treat PCOS. Your doctor may prescribe certain medicines to regulate your periods, to ovulate for pregnancy, and to reduce hair growth. Each medication helps you deal with the symptoms of PCOS and PCOD. 
• Limit Carbohydrate Intake—If you have PCOS, choose food with low carbohydrates. Choose complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and cooked dry peas and beans. 
• Manage a healthy weight—Always check your BMI. It may help you maintain a stagnant weight, limiting insulin and androgen levels. 

PCOS and PCOD is an urgent health condition that may occur in adolescents. Even 5 to 10% of weight loss may improve the symptoms and provide hormonal balance for regularizing the menstrual cycle. Also, through principal approaches, lifestyle changes and being aware can prevent PCOS and PCOD. 

Early treatment and diagnosis may help in preventing severe diseases. Your doctor might also recommend taking regular tests for careful assessment and treatment. They might suggest: 

1. Androgen Index Test
2. Plasma Renin Direct Test
3. Glucose fasting test
4. Cholesterol Profile Test 
5. LSH and LH Test 

The Crucial Role of Diagnostic Tests in Preventing Severe Complications!

Diagnostic tests help in early detection, monitoring, and treatment of an underlying disease or illness. Early detection of PCOS and PCOD can prevent the risks of infertility, heart disease, and type-2 diabetes. 

Redcliffe Labs is a purpose-driven diagnostic lab across India offering 3600+ tests. They provide tests and packages for PCOS and PCOD. The PCOS comprehensive package helps understand hormonal functioning and diagnose PCOS and PCOD. With every test worth INR 999, you can grab the value benefit of a personalized diet plan, health consultation, and health progress report. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS or PCOD can only be possible if you are aware of the differences, symptoms, and causes. So, know the difference between the two and get yourself tested by Redcliffe Labs to prevent yourself from severe life-threatening diseases.