PCOS and PCOD

Both conditions affect a woman’s ovaries that produce hormones like progesterone and oestrogen.

Ovaries are a crucial part of a woman’s reproductive system. They are responsible for the menstrual cycle, fertility, etc. They also release hormones like relaxin, inhibin, and male hormones called androgens in little quantities.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a health condition related to the imbalance in a woman’s hormones. The ovaries of a woman suffering from the disease release immature eggs at the time of ovulation. As a result, immature eggs accumulate in the ovaries, causing cysts.

The cysts increase the size of the ovaries leading to the secretion of more male hormone androgen affecting the period cycle. PCOD symptoms include hair loss, abnormal weight gain, facial acne and hair growth, etc. Some women may also suffer from infertility.

Some factors responsible for PCOD include excessive insulin release in the body, obesity, stress, hormonal disturbances, and lifestyle issues.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder where a woman’s ovaries produce large amounts of a male hormone called testosterone. This hormone affects the formation and release of the female eggs causing cysts in the ovaries. This causes uneven period cycles and infertility issues in a woman. Women suffering from PCOS may experience obesity, anxiety, acne, pelvic pain, infertility, miscarriage, etc.

The causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are unknown. But insulin resistance may cause more production of male hormones in the woman’s body. Moreover, PCOS is linked to genetics.

There is a difference between PCOS and PCOD, but they have many similarities due to which people assume they are the same. Here are some common symptoms of PCOS and PCOD:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Weight gain
• Darkened skin under creases
• Excessive growth of hair on the body
• Hair thinning on the scalp
• Acne on face and body
• Pelvic pain

• PCOD is a metabolic disorder related more to lifestyle issues, while PCOS is an endocrine illness caused by hormonal imbalance. However, the cause of the hormonal imbalance is unknown in PCOS.

• PCOD is more common than PCOS. Around 10% of women suffer from PCOD globally, while PCOS affects fewer women.

• PCOD is curable through changes in lifestyle and eating patterns. But PCOS is a complicated medical condition that is incurable if not treated in the beginning.

• Women suffering from PCOS may develop medical problems like diabetes, cardiac vascular conditions, high blood pressure, etc., while women with PCOD don’t have serious medical conditions.

• Women with PCOD do not face issues in fertility, but PCOS, in most cases, leads to infertility or miscarriage.

The doctor may recommend a pelvic examination through physical check-ups, blood tests to examine hormonal disturbance, and pelvic ultrasound to diagnose both ailments.

Though PCOS doesn’t have a definite cure, both medical issues can be managed through a changed lifestyle pattern.

• Diet improvement:

There is no particular diet that leads to PCOS or PCOD, but it plays a great role in controlling the problems. The BMI for healthy women is 18.5 to 24.9, and anything more than 30 is considered obese. Obesity is one of the major reasons for exacerbating PCOS and PCOD. So, following a recommended diet helps lose weight, control insulin, and improve the menstrual cycle. A diet rich in sugar and starch should be avoided, and vegetables, fibrous foods, and nuts can be included in the diet. Also, ensure to avoid junk food.

• Regular physical activity:

Along with a healthy diet, following a daily exercise routine immensely helps in the reduction of weight which helps in a regular period cycle and insulin regulation.

• Avoiding alcohol and smoking:

The consumption of alcohol and smoking should be avoided as they lead to increased male hormones.

In both PCOS and PCOD, it is seen that women who lose weight, follow a healthy diet, and work out regularly have witnessed significant improvement in their PCOD and PCOS conditions. The treatments for PCOD and PCOS may include surgery to remove cysts, long-term medications, hair treatments, etc. Sometimes PCOS can cause serious health problems like endometrial cancer, type 2 diabetes, infertility, miscarriage, or premature birth. So, buying medical insurance can be necessary to cover the expenses of PCOS and PCOD problem treatment.

Regardless of whether someone has PCOD or PCOS, having medical insurance is crucial as it can save a lot of money in terms of healthcare expenditure. An adequate health insurance plan can help the patient get proper treatment without worrying about the expenses. You can buy a health insurance plan with Tata AIG and get the right treatment to combat concerns like PCOD and PCOS. Besides, one can avail of the health insurance tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

According to statistics, around one in five women in India suffer from PCOD. Moreover, 80% of the women suffering from the condition have obesity. But it is observed that with proper medications, treatment and lifestyle changes, women can control the symptoms. Most women do not know they have PCOS or PCOD until it’s too late. So, it is crucial to catch the disease early to prevent further damage. It is advisable to visit a doctor in case of an improper menstrual cycle, facial hair, pelvic pain, or other symptoms to get adequate treatment at the right time.