PCOS VS PCOD -WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

By Dr.Rita Bakshi, Sr.Gynaecologist & IVF Expert, RiSAA IVF. Bhubaneswar (27/01/2024): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are two common hormonal disorders that affect women.

While the names sound similar, there are some key differences between PCOS and PCOD:PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome while PCOD stands for polycystic ovarian disease.

Diagnostic criteria - PCOS is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and clinical findings like irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

PCOD is an older term that was used when there were cysts on the ovaries but not the full syndrome. Prevalence - PCOS is much more common, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age.

PCOD is an outdated term and not a widely recognized medical diagnosis anymore. Symptoms - In PCOS, symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and trouble getting pregnant can occur.

PCOD refers more specifically to ovarian cysts rather than the wider range of symptoms seen in PCOS. Causes - PCOS has a strong hormonal and genetic component.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but excess insulin and inflammation play a role.

The cause of isolated polycystic ovaries without other symptoms is not well understood.

Treatment - Treatment of PCOS targets the symptoms and aims to lower androgen levels and induce ovulation.

Simple ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment for PCOD to remove cysts.

Risks - PCOS increases the risk for infertility, diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer if left untreated.

The risks are lower with PCOD as there are less metabolic effects. While the distinction between PCOS and PCOD used to matter more in the past, today PCOS is the accepted diagnosis that covers the full spectrum of symptoms and cystic ovaries.

The term PCOD is outdated and no longer in common use.

Understanding the diagnostic process and criteria for PCOS is key for getting proper treatment.