PCOS VS PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

BlogPCOS VS PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
PCOS VS PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

PCOS VS PCOD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

PCOS and PCOD, while being painful conditions are quite common in the childbearing population of the world. About one-fourth of women between the ages of 15 to 45 suffer from either of the two conditions. While their acronyms are similar, and so are the affected areas, the diseases are very different from each other in their causality. The terms are often used interchangeably, but it is essential to understand the difference between PCOS and PCOD-

PCOS is a disorder that affects the endocrine system. When someone is suffering from PCOS, their body tends to produce more androgen than is needed. Androgen is the hormone responsible for the male traits in humans. This causes abnormalities in the body as it tends to interfere with the development and release of eggs, causing irregular and painful periods. 

Due to PCOS, these immature eggs are not released during ovulation. Instead, the eggs then turn into cysts. In layman terms, cysts are sacs filled with liquid. If numerous cysts accumulate in the body, the ovaries are enlarged, and it causes further complications.

PCOD also affects the ovaries in a similar manner. PCOD tends to cause mature eggs to accumulate in the ovaries. This also causes the formation of cysts. The creation of cysts in PCOD often has a snowballing effect, and hence the formation of one cyst tends to lead to the formation of more. PCOD can have various causes. High levels of stress, hormonal imbalance such as insulin are also known to cause these irregularities. 

Symptoms of PCOS and PCOD:

The symptoms of PCOS are- 

  • Irregular and painful periods
  • Excessive hair growth 
  • Inability to conceive 
  • Oily skin or acne 
  • Losing hair on your head

The symptoms of PCOD are as follows- 

  • Irregular and painful periods
  • Weight gain 
  • Headaches
  • Thinning of hair
  • Depression 
  • Darkening of skin

PCOD and PCOS diagnosis:

A medical professional may recommend one or more of these procedures to determine if you have either PCOD or PCOS- 

  • A pelvic examination by a professional helps determine if there is abnormal growth. 
  • Blood tests are essential to determine the hormone levels in your body and see if there are any irregularities.
  • An ultrasound helps determine if there is any cyst formation in the ovaries or uterus. 

PCOS natural treatments: 

While PCOS is a painful condition and may require medical attention, there are several ways to manage your symptoms- 

  • Women who suffer from PCOS tend to experience heavy bleeding during menstruation. This causes anemia or the deficiency of iron in their body. It is important to include iron-rich food in your diet. 
  • Studies show that the consumption of proteins and carbs can help the body process insulin. It is essential to consume enough legumes, pulses, and whole grains to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS.
  • PCOS is also defined as chronic inflammation. Hence anti-inflammatory food helps curb symptoms such as pain. An anti-inflammatory diet includes turmeric, olive oil, tomatoes, and leafy greens
  • Decrease the consumption of coffee has been linked to changes in the estrogen level. Hence cutting out coffee from your diet may help reduce the painful effects of PCOS.
  • Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng helps maintain the cortisol levels in your body, and hence adding it to your diet helps to fight your symptoms. 

Home Remedies for PCOD:

Being overweight, more stress, etc., aggravates the symptoms of PCOD. There are several home remedies for PCOD which can help alleviate the symptoms-

  • Consuming red meat frequently increases the risk of infertility. One of the best ways to help yourself tackle the painful symptoms of PCOD is to avoid eating any red meat, whether its a beefsteak or hot dog. 
  • PCOD also causes insulin resistance in many. This is why it is advisable to opt for a diabetic diet to help curb the symptoms you are facing. A diet that is rich in fibre and has lower carbs can help you tremendously. 
  • Due to insulin resistance, your body may not be able to keep up with processed food and sugary substances like biscuits and pastries. Avoiding food items that have a high amount of processed carbohydrates can help fight your condition.
  • Water retention is also one of the most common symptoms of PCOD. Making sure you eat small and frequent meals can help increase your metabolism and tackle your problem.

With these home remedies for PCOS and PCOD, you can regulate your menstrual cycle and make small changes to manage the symptoms of your condition along with the necessary medication. Following these tips will benefit you without causing any side effects, so go ahead and try them today!



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