Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) & polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are two different phenomena, coexisting together. But there are differences that the two hold despite having similar concepts. To understand what the difference is, let’s dive into what really is PCOS and  PCOD.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a fairly prevalent illness affecting between 5% to 10% of women in the age group 12 to 45 years. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a disorder in which the ovaries produce a large number of premature or incompletely mature eggs, which often develop into cysts. Symptoms for PCOD vary anywhere between irregular periods, taking place every 2 to 3 months, excessive weight gain around the waist, in particular, excessive facial growth, infertility etc.

What is PCOS?

PCOS- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects women’s hormone levels. PCOS is a problem with hormones that affects women during childbearing years, from age of 15 to age of 44. Many women suffer from PCOS but are not aware of it. Ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce progesterone and estrogen are affected by PCOS. PCOS is a group of symptoms that affects the ovulation and ovaries and it results in the development of cysts. Eventually resulting in high levels of male hormones, and irregular or skipped periods.

Other common symptoms are acne, hair growth, heavy bleeding (the uterine lining builds up over time, so periods are heavier than normal), weight gain (Up to 80 % of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity), darkening of the skin (dark patches of skin can form in body creases similar to those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts), male pattern baldness (Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out), and headaches.

Doctors do not know what exactly causes PCOS, but they believe that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. Studies also show that PCOS runs in families.

Changes in lifestyle and diet can help to deal with both PCOD and PCOS. Treatment of PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes, a weight loss plan, changes in diet, and regular exercise.

Any diet that can help you lose weight can help you with the PCOD condition. You could always lookout for a wellness coach, Today there are apps online that customize a personalized program for PCOS.

Your coach or dietitian can help you prepare a PCOD diet chart that can guide you towards your goal of weight loss. A good diet will be balanced with carbs and proteins. Both protein and carbohydrates impact your energy and hormone levels.

Exercise is more beneficial when it is combined with a well-balanced and healthy diet. Physical activity with a proper diet helps you lose weight effectively, as compared to practising only one of the two. Such practice also lowers the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.