PCOD and PCOS – Essential Guide To Understand Symptoms and Prevention

The terms PCOD and PCOS are often used interchangeably and denote reproductive health issues in women. As per the current medical report, PCOD and PCOS have become a common concern nowadays with about 10% of women in the world suffering from either one or the other. Aside from the subtle differences that lie between them, they have been known to significantly impact ovarian health if proper care and attention are not given to the symptoms involved there.

 

The current blog intends to guide you on the symptoms to watch for in PCOD and PCOS. It also outlines the necessary preventive measures for you to consider and avoid having a recurrence of these conditions in the long run.

 

PCOD and PCOS – Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Similarities

As stated earlier, both PCOD and PCOS are considered more or less the same. PCOD stands for polycystic ovarian disease; whereas, PCOS is the abbreviated form of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

 

The notable similarities between PCOD and PCOS include:

 

• Hormonal imbalances and ovarian dysfunction.
• Infertility.
• Hirsutism
• Menstrual irregularities, such as skipped or unpredictable periods, heavy bleeding, etc.
• Acne.
• Weight gain.
• Pelvic pain.

 

Differences

It is quite hard to point out an exact difference between PCOD and PCOS. This is because both PCOD and PCOS share multiple symptoms. A visible comparison, however, is the existence of higher-than-normal male hormones in PCOS.

 

PCOD and PCOS – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes

Multiple causes bring forth PCOD and PCOS. The most significant among these include:

• Overproduction of Insulin and Androgen Hormones: Reports have revealed that excess Insulin levels in the body can lead to increased male hormone production, that being androgen. This can significantly interfere with ovulation.
• Hereditary problems: Studies have also confirmed that women with PCOS can pass on the genes to their offspring, having acquired it from their immediate family members as well.
• Inflammation: It has been learned that inflammation anywhere in the body can raise androgen levels, again disturbing the ovulation process.

 

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms associated with PCOS and PCOD have been identified as:

• Abnormal or infrequent uterine bleeding: Marked by skipped periods, absent periods, or heavy bleeding.
• Hirsutism: Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or belly.
• Ovarian Cysts: Due to overproduction of the male hormone, the ovulation gets disturbed, causing the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries.
• Infertility:  Poor ovulation resulting from hormonal imbalance.

 

Treatment

There is no definitive cure for PCOS; however, PCOD can be treated or rectified with proper medications.

Getting PCOD does not mean that you cannot conceive. Unless your ovulation is taking place properly, you need not worry; however, you may require medications to maintain the normalcy of your cycles. If you experience delayed cycles, intermittent bleeding between cycles, or heavy uterine bleeding, you should consult your obstetrician or gynecologist, who will prescribe appropriate treatment for you.  

Remember that if PCOD and PCOS are left unattended or untreated for a long time, these can turn out to be severe and irreversible to treat and cure, especially when these lead to endometrial cancer.

 

Preventive Measures for PCOD and PCOS

Preventive care is the first and the most appropriate step you can take to become PCOD or PCOS-free. Consider undergoing the following diagnostic tests to help determine that you are not having any of these:

 

• Blood Tests: Help ascertain normal hormone levels. Include total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, and glucose tolerance tests.
• Imaging: Involves an ultrasound of your pelvic cavity to determine ovarian size, uterine lining, and ensure that there are no ovarian cysts.
• Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of your reproductive organs to rule out growth, masses, or abnormalities.

 

Complications of PCOS and PCOD

There are many complications associated with PCOD and PCOS and some of these are severe enough to include diabetes, stroke, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, endometrial cancer, hypertension, premature labor pain, and miscarriages. Once you get your PCOD and PCOS symptoms under control through proper diagnosis and treatment, you can avoid these stated complications.

 

AZA Diagnostic Centre

The AZA Diagnostic Centre is a premium NABL-accredited and one of the leading diagnostic centres headquartered in Calicut or Kozhikode in Kerala. It was launched in 2018 and went on to become the first standalone laboratory in North Kerala upon receiving ICMR approval for COVID-19 RT-PCR testing. The 2019-2020 COVID breakdown witnessed a significant surge in growth of the AZA Diagnostic Centre in Kozhikode, having acquired rapid advancements in its testing and lab facilities to nearby districts in North Kerala, especially Kannur.

 

AZA Diagnostic Centre offers a host of services for people of all ages and genders. These range from molecular biology and genetics to imaging in terms of services and advanced health screening to allergy profiles, including women’s health profile as part of its health package provision. While all these are provided at reasonable pricing based on the needs and requirements of its patients, it would be worth noting here that this diagnostic centre is adept at providing accurate diagnoses as per positive customer testimonials.

 

Talking about women’s health profile package in particular, a comprehensive set of health checkups, including screening for fertility hormones, thyroid functions, diabetes screening, kidney function etc., are made available at the AZA Diagnostic Centre, not excluding testing for PCOD and PCOS.

 

Conclusion

The AZA Diagnostic Centre being one of the leading diagnostic centres in Kozhikode, Kerala, deserves a good deal of appreciation for providing a wide range of imaging and testing services as noted above, inclusive of its health packages.

 

It is also the first standalone diagnostic centre with NABL accreditation, being ICMR-approved among the various health clinics in Calicut. With its growing presence in the Malabar region, the AZA Diagnostic Centre offers accurate and timely results on lab tests for various disease conditions.

 

Upon its successful opening of the satellite lab in Kannur in 2022, the AZA Diagnostic Centre is all set to provide optimum diagnostic service as laid down by healthcare standards. So, if you are one of those suffering from persistent PCOD or PCOS-related symptoms, do not hesitate to seek prompt service from the AZA Diagnostic Centre.