What is the Difference Between PCOS and PCOD

The main difference between PCOS and PCOD is that PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a metabolic disorder and a more severe form of PCOD that can lead to anovulation where ovaries stop releasing eggs, whereas PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease is a condition in which ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs due to poor lifestyle, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalance.

PCOS and PCOD are two conditions that affect women’s ovaries. Ovaries are the reproductive organs that produce progesterone and estrogen hormones. Almost 10% of women in the world suffer from PCOD. Women with PCOS produce higher or normal amounts of male hormones.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is PCOS
   • Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is PCOD
   • Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between PCOS and PCOD
   • Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between PCOS and PCOD
   • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ovary, PCOD, PCOS

What is PCOS

PCOS or polycystic syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. In PCOS, ovaries produce higher levels of androgen than usual. This interferes with the development and release of the eggs. The main characteristic feature of PCOS is the presence of cysts on the ovary. Normally, cysts are little sacs filled with liquid. Some of the eggs develop into cysts. These cysts build up in the ovaries and at times even get enlarged.

Figure 1: PCOS

Furthermore, due to the production of male hormones at normal levels, in PCOS, females might skip menstrual periods. Therefore, the three main characteristic features of PCOS include ovarian cysts, increased levels of male hormones, and skipped or irregular periods. In addition, irregular periods make it difficult to get pregnant. Women with PCOS also undergo abnormal hair growth on the body and face. In the long term, PCOS can develop into heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, PCOS is a serious disease that needs medical attention.

What is PCOD

PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease is a medical condition in which ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs in large numbers. Over time, these become cysts in the ovaries. Generally, all women have two ovaries that release an egg alternately every month. These ovaries produce androgens or male hormones in minute quantities. In PCOD, ovaries release a lot of immature or partially-mature eggs, which eventually turn into cysts.

Figure 2: Polycystic Ovaries

Moreover, some of the common symptoms of PCOD include abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss, and infertility. Other than that, in PCOD, the ovaries usually become enlarged and secrete large amounts of androgens. The best treatment for PCOD often looks at reducing the severity of such symptoms.

Similarities Between PCOS and PCOD

• PCOS and PCOD are two medical conditions affecting the ovaries of women.
• Both conditions give rise to the cysts in ovaries.
• They also result in increased levels of male hormones and irregular periods.
• Moreover, both conditions develop similar symptoms such as abnormal hair growth, overweight, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Difference Between PCOS and PCOD

Definition

PCOS refers to a metabolic disorder and a more severe form of PCOD that can lead to anovulation where ovaries stop releasing eggs, while PCOD refers to a condition in which ovaries produce many immature or partially mature eggs due to poor lifestyle, obesity, stress, and hormonal imbalance.

Significance

Usually, PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system, while PCOD is a condition developed by the imbalance of hormones.

Occurrence

PCOS has a lower number of patients while PCOD has a higher number of patients.

Impact on pregnancy

It is difficult to get pregnant in PCOS while in PCOD, fertility is not affected.

Conclusion

In brief, PCOS and PCOD are two diseases of the ovaries of women. Usually, both lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries, increased levels of male hormones, and irregular periods. However, PCOS is more severe than PCOD and can affect fertility as well. Therefore, the main difference between PCOS and PCOD is their characteristics.

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, August 17). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 18, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Polycystic Ovaries” By Scientificanimations – Own Work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Polycystic ovary” By Schomynv – Own Work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia