PCOD vs PCOS: Differences, Causes & Treatment Options

In recent years, awareness around women’s reproductive health has grown significantly, particularly when it comes to hormonal disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). These two conditions are often used interchangeably, yet they differ in important ways, including their underlying causes, severity, long-term health implications, and treatment strategies.

Both PCOD and PCOS affect the ovaries and often result in similar symptoms, such as irregular periods, weight changes, and hormonal imbalances. However, PCOS is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that impacts multiple body systems, while PCOD is typically a gynecological condition that arises from hormonal imbalances leading to cyst formation in the ovaries.

Understanding the differences between these two conditions is important, not only for accurate diagnosis but also for choosing the right treatment path. 

• Understanding the Basics of PCOD and PCOS

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a condition where a woman’s ovaries release many immature or partially mature eggs, which eventually become cysts. This results in enlarged ovaries, often visible on ultrasound. The hormonal imbalance particularly excess androgens (male hormones like testosterone), can cause irregular periods and other symptoms.

• Prevalence: More common than PCOS. Affects ~10% of women.
• Hormonal Impact: Mild imbalance. Estrogen and progesterone are usually within range.
• Ovulation: May still occur; hence, many women with PCOD can conceive naturally with minor assistance.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex condition involving multiple organ systems. It affects the ovaries’ ability to produce eggs regularly, but also influences insulin metabolism, inflammation, and the balance of reproductive hormones.

Women with PCOS often have chronic anovulation (lack of ovulation), insulin resistance, and a higher risk for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

• Prevalence: Affects 4-8% of women globally. May be underdiagnosed due to variability in symptoms.
• Hormonal Impact: Significant endocrine imbalance, including elevated LH:FSH ratio and increased androgens.
• Ovulation: Often absent, making conception challenging.

• Symptoms of PCOD vs PCOS

PCOD and PCOS can look very similar because they share a lot of the same symptoms, such as irregular periods, acne, or weight gain. But the intensity, combination, and underlying causes of these symptoms can be quite different.

Symptoms	PCOD	PCOS
Menstrual cycle	Irregular, but periods usually occur	Often complete absence of menstruation (amenorrhea)
Ovulation	Often present	Frequently absent (chronic anovulation)
Fertility	Mild to moderate impact; many conceive with lifestyle change	High infertility rate without medical intervention
Weight gain	May occur, less common and less drastic	Common, often rapid and hard to lose
Acne and oily skin	Moderate	Severe, persistent, and treatment-resistant
Hair loss (scalp)	May occur mildly	Common and more severe
Hirsutism (excess hair growth)	Possible, but mild	Common and more pronounced (face, chest, back)
Mood changes	Occasional anxiety or mild depression	High risk of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
Insulin resistance	Mild or absent	Significant; prediabetes or diabetes is common
Cysts in ovaries (ultrasound)	Multiple small cysts; enlarged ovaries	“String of pearls” appearance, enlarged ovaries

• Why Do PCOD and PCOS Happen?

What Causes PCOD?

PCOD is mostly related to lifestyle factors and genetics. It’s not a disease in the traditional sense, but rather a result of the body’s hormonal system getting slightly out of balance.

Here are some common reasons PCOD can develop:

• Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can throw off your hormone levels.
• Being overweight can increase the risk, but even sudden weight loss or gain can disrupt your cycle.
• A sedentary lifestyle can affect how your body manages hormones, especially insulin.
• Ongoing stress can interfere with your body’s hormone production and ovulation.
• If your mother or sister has PCOD, your chances are higher.
• Things like plastic packaging and certain chemicals can interfere with hormones over time (these are called endocrine disruptors).

In PCOD, the ovaries often produce more immature eggs, which turn into small cysts. But, it is usually manageable with changes in diet, exercise, and stress levels.

What Causes PCOS?

PCOS, on the other hand, is more complex. It involves the whole hormonal and metabolic system. The exact cause isn’t fully understood yet, but several key factors play a role:

1. Insulin resistance: This is when your body doesn’t respond well to insulin. To compensate, it makes more insulin — and that extra insulin can trigger the ovaries to produce more male hormones (androgens), which interferes with ovulation.
2. High androgen levels: Women naturally produce small amounts of androgens, but in PCOS, the levels are too high. This leads to symptoms like acne, excess facial hair, and irregular periods.
3. PCOS often runs in families. If your mother or sister has it, your risk is higher.
4. Low-grade, long-term inflammation in the body can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens.
5. Just like in PCOD, exposure to hormone-disrupting substances (like BPA in plastics) may also play a role.

In short, PCOS is a hormonal domino effect. One imbalance trigger another, affecting everything from your metabolism to your menstrual cycle. That’s why it often requires a more structured treatment plan, involving both lifestyle changes and medical support.

• Diagnosis

Both PCOD and PCOS are diagnosed using a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, and imaging.

Tests for PCOD and PCOS

Test	Purpose
Ultrasound (Transvaginal/Abdominal)	To detect ovarian size and number of cysts
LH:FSH ratio	Elevated ratio (>2:1) suggests PCOS
Total and free testosterone	Elevated in PCOS
Blood glucose and insulin levels	To detect insulin resistance
Lipid profile	PCOS often causes dyslipidemia
Thyroid function tests	To rule out hypothyroidism
Prolactin	Elevated in some cases causing menstrual irregularity

• Impact on Pregnancy and Fertility

PCOD and Fertility

Women with PCOD may have delayed ovulation, but they can still conceive naturally with minor lifestyle changes or medications like clomiphene citrate. However, you should consult your gynaecologist for proper prescriptions. Fertility treatments are often successful.

PCOS and Fertility

PCOS presents a greater challenge. Anovulation and poor egg quality can lead to infertility, miscarriages, and complications like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Many women need ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF to conceive.

Read Also :- Healthy Pregnancy: 7 Dry Fruits Every Mom-to-Be Should Eat

• Mental Health Impact of PCOD and PCOS

Both PCOD and PCOS can have a significant impact on mental well-being. Hormonal imbalances, visible symptoms like acne, weight gain, and excess hair, along with fertility struggles, often lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and mood swings.

In PCOD, emotional effects tend to be milder and more occasional, while in PCOS, they are often chronic and more severe. Women with PCOS are more likely to experience persistent depression, anxiety, and disordered eating, especially due to insulin resistance and body image issues.

Mental health support – Through therapy, lifestyle changes, or support groups — can be incredibly helpful in managing the emotional side of both conditions and is especially important for those dealing with PCOS.

• Treatment Options for PCOD and PCOS

There are several medical procedures and treatments that can help manage PCOD and PCOS symptoms or improve fertility.

Ovarian Drilling (Laparoscopic Surgery)

For women with PCOS who don’t ovulate regularly, ovarian drilling can help. In this minimally invasive surgery, small holes are made in the ovaries using a laser or needle to reduce male hormone levels, helping to restore ovulation.

Fertility Treatments

For women with PCOS who have trouble getting pregnant, treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help. These options stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of successful fertilization.

Hormonal Treatments (Non-Oral)

Devices like the Hormonal IUD or contraceptive implants can regulate irregular periods and help manage symptoms like excessive hair growth without the need for oral medications.

Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis

For hirsutism (excess hair growth) caused by PCOS, laser hair removal and electrolysis can provide long-term relief and improve self-esteem.

Laparoscopy for Cysts Removal (PCOD)

In PCOD, if cysts on the ovaries are causing discomfort or fertility challenges, laparoscopic surgery can remove these cysts, improving ovarian function and increasing fertility.

Lifestyle Changes

For both PCOD and PCOS, making lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management help regulate hormones, improve ovulation, and reduce symptoms. These changes are often the first line of treatment and are essential for long-term health.

Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies

Some women find relief through acupuncture, herbal remedies, or supplements like myo-inositol. While these alternatives can offer symptom relief, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• Diet and Food Recommendations for PCOS and PCOD

 

Day	Morning (empty stomach)	Breakfast	Mid-Morning Snack	Lunch	Evening Snack	Dinner
Monday	Warm water with lemon	Moong dal chilla + mint chutney	1 apple + 4 almonds	Brown rice + rajma + salad	Coconut water + roasted chana	Quinoa + stir-fried vegetables
Tuesday	Fenugreek seed water	Vegetable oats upma	Buttermilk + 2 walnuts	Multigrain roti + palak paneer + cucumber salad	Herbal tea + 1 boiled egg	Millet khichdi + sautéed beans
Wednesday	Cinnamon water	Besan cheela + tomato chutney	Handful of foxnuts (makhana)	Red rice + mixed vegetable curry + sprouts salad	Green tea + 1 banana	Moong dal soup + sauteed broccoli
Thursday	Jeera (cumin) water	Vegetable poha with peanuts	Coconut water + papaya	Bajra roti + lauki sabzi + curd (if tolerated)	Herbal tea + roasted pumpkin seeds	Grilled tofu + vegetable soup
Friday	Apple cider vinegar in water	2 boiled eggs + 1 slice multigrain toast	Guava + 5 soaked almonds	Quinoa pulao + mixed veg raita	Lemon water + handful of sunflower seeds	Stir-fried tofu/paneer + sautéed greens
Saturday	Ginger-turmeric water	Idli + sambar + coconut chutney	1 pear + green tea	Jowar roti + methi aloo + salad	Fresh coconut water + murmura	Moong dal khichdi + lauki
Sunday	Warm water with cinnamon	Smoothie (spinach + banana + flax seeds + almond milk)	2 dates + handful of nuts	Chickpea salad + soup + baked sweet potato	Green tea + khakhra	Vegetable stew + red rice

 

Takeaway

While PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences in symptoms, causes, and severity. PCOD is a milder condition linked to hormonal imbalance, while PCOS is a more complex metabolic disorder with long-term health risks. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and proper medical care can effectively manage both conditions. If you experience irregular periods, weight gain, or other symptoms, consult a doctor for personalized treatment — Dr. Swati Attam is the best gynecologist in Noida. Awareness and timely intervention are key to maintaining reproductive and overall health.