Table of Contents
Introduction
In PCOD, the ovaries start letting out immature eggs, which leads to hormonal imbalances and swollen ovaries, among other symptoms. In PCOS, endocrine issues cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens, which makes eggs prone to becoming cysts.
PCOD is a state in which ovaries make many immature or partially mature eggs; this occurs due to poor lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, & Obesity. PCOS is a metabolic disorder, and an extra severe form of Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease may lead to anovulation, where ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Fullform of PCOD and PCOS
PCOD stand for Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease, whereas PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome.
PCOD vs PCOS
Many women use PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) identical when they have very unlike conditions. Understanding these differences is vital to being better informed about your health. While both conditions are related to the ovaries and cause hormonal disturbances, many significant differences exist, and knowing them can help you navigate your health journey more effectively.
All females have two ovaries that release an egg alternately every month. These ovaries also produce female hormones responsible for many things, like fertility, period schedule, facial hair, etc. They also produce androgens or male hormones but in very minute quantities.
Difference between PCOD and PCOS
In Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease, the ovaries start letting out immature eggs, which leads to hormonal imbalances and swollen ovaries, among other symptoms. In PCOS, endocrine issues cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens, which makes eggs prone to becoming cysts.
PCOD doesn’t influence fertility in women; in this state, women can still ovulate & become pregnant with little help; following medication may complete pregnancy. Whereas PCOS seriously influence fertility in women. Due to PCOS, women cannot ovulate frequently, making it hard to get pregnant. There is a possibility of miscarriage, early birth or complications in their pregnancy if they become pregnant.
Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease doesn’t have any severe complications, whereas PCOS have serious difficulties such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure & endometrial cancer in later stages.
In both conditions—PCOD vs. PCOS—weight loss, a healthy diet, avoiding junk foods & processed foods, and regular exercise have shown effective results. It’s crucial to emphasize that early disease diagnosis is not just a possibility but a reality, and it’s in your hands to make it happen. If you have noticed any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, excessive hair growth, acne, or other symptoms, it’s essential to consult a gynaecologist promptly to take control of your health.
Causes and symptoms of PCOD and PCOS
PCOD/PCOS Problem Symptoms
some common signs and symptoms of PCOD/PCOS problems-
- Uneven or unpredictable menstrual periods
- Acne
- Excess body hair
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Hair loss or male pattern baldness
- struggling to get pregnant
- overweight or Obesity
- blacken of skin or pigmentation around the neck
- insomnia or Sleep disorders
- Depression
PCOD/PCOS Causes
The exact cause of the PCOD/ PCOS issue remains unclear. Doctors believe that PCOD may have both genetic & environmental causes. Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease is often associated with –
- Fast food or An unhealthy diet
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Pollution or contamination
- Hormone altering medication
- Several OTC (over-the-counter) medications & supplements
In most of the cases, PCOD issue runs in families & is also considered hereditary. Researchers point to several physiological causes that can increase your risk of developing PCOD/PCOS –
- Excess Insulin Production—Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps regulate the body’s metabolic functions and blood sugar levels. Doctors trust that a high insulin level is one of the critical drivers of PCOS. Excess insulin also causes the body to grow the production of androgen, the male hormone, which hampers ovulation.
- Inflammation – Several physiological reasons can cause low-grade inflammation in the body. Mild autoimmune diseases can also cause inflammation in the body’s tissues. It, in turn, again grows the androgen levels in the female’s body.
- High Androgen Levels – The male hormone is related to increased facial & body hair, acne outbreaks & skin issues, and a higher risk of growing cardiovascular diseases.
PCOD or PCOS, which is more dangerous
PCOD may often be supervised just by making informed lifestyle changes and may not even need further medical treatment at all. PCOS, however, is an untidiness of the endocrine system – it has more threatening indications & its treatment almost always requires external hormone intake.
How to cure PCOS permanently
PCOS is a complex condition that can worsen with poor lifestyle habits. While nobody is cured entirely due to genetic links, we may take suitable steps to manage this condition and prevent it from worsening. Lifestyle changes are the most important measures.
Treatment of PCOD and PCOS
PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS has physical findings that affect or impact body systems and may be diagnosed through blood tests and imaging. Depending on symptoms or issues such as irregular menstrual periods, unwanted hair growth on a woman’s chest, face, & back, acne, and thinning of scalp hair, the gynaecologist will ask or talk about medical history, eating or drinking habits, taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins or supplements.
To diagnose PCOD or PCOS, a gynaecologist can recommend:
- Pelvic examination: Physically checking or coinciding the reproductive organs for masses, abnormalities, or any growth
- Blood tests: Blood tests will help to acknowledge hormone levels. These include a fasting lipid profile, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) and glucose tolerance tests.
- Imaging test: Ultrasound imaging test or Ultrasonography to check the size or dimensions of ovaries, the lining of the uterus & cysts in the ovaries
Apart from the above, the gynaecologist or gynie might recommend extra tests to check for complications. These can include:
- Screening for anxiety and depression
- Periodic monitoring, observing of blood pressure, glucose tolerance, cholesterol & triglyceride levels
- Screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Lifestyle modification and home remedies for PCOD / PCOS
PCOD / PCOS mainly affects women’s hormone balance. But here’s the good news: lifestyle moderation, like continuing a healthy body weight, restricting carbohydrate consumption, & adopting a balanced diet, may play a very significant role in managing these conditions. By decreasing their androgen levels and improving their overall health, females can take control of their health and manage PCOD and PCOS effectively, giving them hope for a healthier future.
- Maintaining healthy body weight: A healthy BMI (body mass index) ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, considered ideal and healthy for females. Those above 30 are considered obese and not healthy. Maintaining a blooming or healthy body weight or weight loss helps improve overall body cholesterol levels, minimize the possibility of high blood pressure, diabetes, & heart disease, and maintain ideal insulin and androgen levels that restore the ovulation phase in the menstrual cycle. Consult a dietitian for a weight-loss programme to reach a healthy BMI.
- Limiting carbohydrate consumption: If you have PCOD or PCOS, follow a low-carb or complex carbohydrate diet that helps maintain insulin levels. Eat fish, meat, vegetables, and eggs that grow above ground & natural fats & avoid sugar and starchy foods (like potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and beans)
- Do regular exercise or workout and be active: If you have PCOD or PCOS, regular exercise will help control blood sugar levels & keep your weight under control.
PCOD / PCOS treatment focuses on managing your problems, such as irregular periods, infertility, Obesity, acne, or hirsutism. Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes like weight loss, exercise, and diet. Losing 5 – 10 % of your body weight may help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Treatment will depend on the symptoms such as hair growth, acne and metabolic disorders. It includes:
- Regulate the menstrual cycle with medication to treat hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.
- Infertility treatment through fertility drugs
- Lowering excessive hair growth
- Skin treatments for acne and pigmentation
- Ovulation induction or Stimulation of ovulation (the quality and quantity of the ovulation) through oral medicines and injections
Any diet that helps you lose weight may help your condition. Moreover, some diets may have advantages over others. Weight loss may also improve cholesterol levels, reduce heart disease, and lower insulin diabetes risks.
Women can lose weight by doing 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days a week. Exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels.
The best treatment for PCOD and PCOS is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is equally vital to treating hormonal imbalances and related conditions.
PCOD and PCOS diet chart
Diet is a vital component of PCOD problem treatment & symptom management. Weight loss through dietary modifications may help.
- Lower blood glucose and HbA1C levels, lowering your diabetes risk.
- Reduce insulin
- Better cholesterol levels
- A low carbohydrate diet is beneficial in losing weight & decreasing BMR.
- Fruits have a lower glycaemic index (GI), and Fresh foods like vegetables help with weight loss and diabetes management.
- Avoid packaged and processed foods to minimize the risk of hypertension.
Continuing good health is vital for preventing and treating hormonal disorders or conditions. The best treatment for PCOD and PCOS contains early diagnosis and following a good diet plan. You can contact us for the best Diet chart.
Pairing diet moderation with a regular exercise program & stress-alleviating activities such as meditation and yoga is vital.
PCOD and PCOS exercise
Types of Exercise for PCOD/PCOS symptoms:
The key advantages are outlined in more detail below, along with other helpful exercises for PCOD/PCOS:
Walking:
Many individuals need to realize how efficient walking is. But walking is one of the simplest and healthiest methods to move the body and improve general well-being. It is free and has almost no unfavourable side effects. Walking may increase stress resilience by lowering stress hormones, lessening inflammation, increasing endorphins (the brain’s feel-good chemicals), & boosting endorphin levels. It may suppress testosterone production and support the adrenal glands. Research shows that walking, especially after eating, has significant benefits for blood sugar and can help decrease blood sugar grades by improving insulin sensitivity. It is also one of the best exercises for PCOD/PCOS sufferers.
Cardio:
Swimming, running, uphill trekking, rowing, and cycling are cardio workouts that increase heart rate. Cardio exercises or activities come in a variety of intensities. Moderate cardio workouts include advantages like enhancing cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, brain function,sleep quality, & mood.
Strength training:
Strength training exercises concentrate on developing muscle and frequently use weights, resistance bands, or body weight. Similar to cardio, there are dissimilar levels of intensity for strength training or activity, as well as advantages & disadvantages, hanging on how you do it. Numerous benefits of moderate strength exercise include better blood pressure, lowered blood pressure, hold-up for metabolic function, & stronger bones.
Yoga:
While holding several positions, yoga comprises moderate movements concentrating on stretching, balancing, & mild toning. According to a study on women with PCOD/PCOS, those who performed yoga for an hour three times a week saw remarkable drops in their levels of free testosterone & DHEA, as well as improvements in their levels of anxiety, sorrow, and menstrual cycle management.
Core Strength:
Using our body weight, resistance bands, or weights during strength training assist you gain muscle. Resistance training or activity was found to be more successful or victorious than other forms of exercise or activity at lowering the Free Androgen Index (testosterone levels) in women with PCOD/PCOS, according to studies on the various exercise therapies for PCOD/PCOS. Strength exercise at both “vigorous” & “moderate” levels produced beneficial impact, and the more frequently you did it, the better. Simple activities or training like push-ups & tricep dips strengthen the upper body, enhance insulin sensitivity, & continue to burn calories even after the session.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training):
High-intensity interval training, contain of short bursts of cardiac activity performed at an extremely high intensity, come after by a rest time of at least one minute. HIIT assists with fat burning & reduces insulin resistance. HIIT forces the body to engage in extra post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), also called as afterburn, by creating an oxygen debt to the muscles. Therefore, even after exercise, the body continues to burn fat.
Effects of Exercise on PCOS:
Changing the lifestyle for the better is essential for managing PCOD/PCOS. Two of the most effective methods are diet and exercise, which must be addressed for these lifestyle changes to succeed. For women with PCOS, regular exercise has terrific advantages that go far beyond weight loss.
Enhances Insulin Sensitivity
Studies have shown that regular cardio & strength training may help the body respond to insulin more effectively, reducing the risk for diabetes & other issues.
Lowers Cholesterol
High triglycerides & cholesterol are more common in PCOD/PCOS-affected women. The metabolic syndrome, which is more common in PCOD/PCOS-affected individuals, may also be exacerbated by this. When paired with a he
Increases Endorphins
Depression symptoms are most likely to appear in PCOD/PCOS females. The body releases endorphins during activities, which are hormones that foster emotions of well-being. You may manage the stress better & lessen some depressive symptoms by doing this.
Better Sleep
Daily activities or exercise may assist you in sleeping better & falling asleep more quickly. Sleep apnea, snoring, & even insomnia are more common in women with PCOD/PCOS. See if regular exercise—not right before bed—can improve your ability to sleep at night.
Hormone Regulation
When we burn more calories than we consume, our body uses the fat stored as fuel. Of course, this aids in weight loss and insulin reduction. In addition, having too much fat affects how estrogen is produced in our bodies. Getting rid of some of those extra fat deposits will help regulate our hormones and, ideally, PCOD/PCOS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PCOD is a state in which ovaries make many immature or partially mature eggs; this occurs due to poor lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, & Obesity. PCOS is a metabolic disorder, and an extra severe form of PCOD may lead to anovulation, where ovaries stop releasing eggs.
