Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two health conditions related to the ovaries with minute differences between the two. Every woman has two ovaries which hold large supplies of eggs within themselves. Every month one of the ovaries releases an egg. These eggs need to grow and mature to be ready for fertilization. Hormones help these eggs to mature.
PCOD is a health condition in which the ovaries have a large number of immature or underdeveloped eggs. These eggs are not discharged from the ovaries and eventually turn into ovarian cysts. PCOD usually occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the reproductive system. Stress, genetics, high insulin blood level and being overweight can also cause PCOD.
Irregular periods, missed periods, abdominal weight gain and hair loss are some of the symptoms of PCOD. Usually PCOD happens in women between 18–45 years.
PCOS is an endocrine system disorder. It is similar to PCOD but is more severe in nature. The intensity of hormonal imbalance, levels of male hormone (androgen) produced and the number of ovarian cysts formed is more in PCOS than in PCOD. Some common symptoms include irregular and heavy periods, darkening of the skin, excess growth of facial and body hair, acne or male pattern baldness.
PCOS may cause stress and infertility in women.
Diagnosing PCOS at the early stage can be effective. A healthy diet, regular moderate exercise, managing weight, reducing weight and proper medication can help manage PCOS though might not be able to eliminate it completely.