You have been dealing with irregular periods, unwanted facial hair, and weight gain for the past few months. Suspecting that you might have a hormonal issue or perhaps even PCOD (a condition so common these days that almost every woman has heard about it) you visited your doctor. After a few tests, the doctor informed you that you have PCOS. But wait—aren’t PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) the same?
The answer is NO! These conditions may sound similar enough, but there’s a key difference between them, which we will cover today in this blog.
Before that, let us tell you that your hormonal imbalance and issues associated with it, like skin problems, can be managed by this simple Ayurvedic supplement: Krishna’s She Care Juice.
Be it PCOD, PCOS, or any hormonal issues, this Ayurvedic solution can pull you out of the chaotic symptoms without causing any side effects. Let’s dive deeper and understand PCOD and PCOS—their symptoms, causes, differences and treatment.
Difference Between PCOD & PCOS
First, let’s go over what a standard menstrual cycle is.
A normal menstrual cycle is a natural process where your ovaries release eggs each month, a process called ovulation. When you ovulate, one of your ovaries releases mature, ready-to-be-fertilized eggs. If it isn’t fertilized, your body sheds the lining of the uterus, and you get your period. This cycle usually lasts about 28 days, and it helps your body stay in balance.
Now, in PCOD, things don’t go as smoothly. Your ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of hormones called androgens. These are male sex hormones that are naturally present in women in small amounts. When these hormones are released in excess, they prevent the proper release of eggs from your ovaries. As a result, immature or only partially mature eggs are released. These eggs remain inside your ovaries and develop into small cysts (tiny fluid-filled sacs).
The cysts aren’t dangerous or painful but they result in mild irregularities in the menstrual cycle, weight gain, unwanted body hair, acne or no noticeable symptoms at all. PCOD is diagnosed when cysts are visible on the ovaries via ultrasound, but the woman may not show significant symptoms such as fertility issues, or metabolic concerns.
PCOS, on the other hand, is diagnosed when these cysts not only affect your ovaries but cause more significant health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, and metabolic issues like insulin resistance or weight gain. The condition is considered more severe than PCOD because it impacts multiple systems in your body.
| Quick Explainer If you have cysts in your ovaries but they don’t cause any problems, it’s called PCOD. If the cysts cause symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and trouble conceiving, it’s called PCOS. Both conditions are related to ovarian cysts, but PCOS usually has a wider range of impacts on a woman’s health. |
Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS
The symptoms of PCOD and PCOS often overlap, but some distinctions can help differentiate them:
Symptoms of PCOD:
- Irregular periods, often delayed.
- Mild to moderate weight gain.
- Acne or oily skin.
- Thinning hair or hair loss.
Symptoms of PCOS:
- Irregular or missed periods for an extended time.
- Unwanted hair growth on the face, and body.
- Severe weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
- Dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans).
- Difficulty conceiving or infertility.
What Puts You at Risk?
The causes of PCOS are not fully understood, but there are several contributing factors. Some studies suggest genetic tendencies, while others say it’s the role of environmental factors.
PCOS can run in families, and research has identified up to 43 proteins that may play a role in the development of the condition. Unhealthy habits such as overeating junk food, consuming too much sugar, poor sleep, high stress, a lack of physical activity, and weight gain can all contribute to inflammation in the body. This chronic inflammation makes your ovaries produce more male hormones.
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which is another major cause of male hormone release. This becomes worse if the woman is overweight or has excess abdominal fat. The fat makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly and results in blood sugar issues.
Women with PCOS often have higher levels of TNFα, a protein that can reduce insulin’s effectiveness. Even if you are not overweight or do not have insulin problems, this protein can cause an overproduction of male hormones and inflammation, which can trigger PCOS.
There are so many interconnected risk factors, which is why it is important to follow up with your physician and be compliant with the treatment they advise.
Treatment Options
For PCOD, there is no set ‘cure.’ The best approach is to make changes to your lifestyle (of course, after consulting a healthcare professional). The most effective way is a combination of a healthy diet (low in carbs and sugar, and high in protein and fibre) and regular exercise (walking at least 10,000 steps and strength training for 15 minutes every day). This will help in increasing your body’s metabolism and cut out some excess weight. Losing even 5% of your body weight can make a big difference in your condition.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to balance your hormones. If you experience symptoms like PCOD-related acne or hair loss, you can consult dermatologists.
When it comes to pregnancy, most women with PCOD can conceive easily and expect a smooth pregnancy. However, about 20% of cases in Indian women may need fertility treatments or medications to improve their chances of having a baby.
The treatment for PCOS involves medications as well as lifestyle changes (which is a nutritious diet and maintaining a body weight, same as PCOD). One common treatment that your doctor may advise is taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) that contain estrogen (a female hormone) and progestin (which mimics progesterone, another female hormone). These help regulate the menstrual cycle, control acne and excess hair growth and prevent complications, such as endometrial cancer.
If insulin resistance is there, your doctor may advise insulin-sensitizing medicine that helps improve how the body uses insulin.
In some cases, surgery might be recommended, especially if you are trying to conceive and facing difficulty with ovulation despite trying other treatments.
Ayurvedic Treatment For PCOD and PCOS
Ayurvedic treatment may vary among practitioners, but it usually involves the use of powerful herbs, and lifestyle changes (as mentioned earlier), to maintain a balance of hormones. Some popular herbs are:
Ashok Chhal. It is highly valued in Ayurveda for beneficial properties that support reproductive health. It helps get the menstrual cycle on track by regulating hormonal balance.
Safed Chanda. This has cooling and soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and calm the mind. It’s particularly useful for addressing skin issues like acne, which often accompanies PCOS.
These powerful herbs, along with other beneficial ingredients like Baheda, Soonth, Amla, and many more, are present in Krishna’s She Care Juice. It provides a holistic solution to manage the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
Harness the strength of nature and support your health from within!
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