Women often confuse PCOD (Polycystic ovary disease) and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) for one another, due to their similar names. The symptoms are similar, and the terms are used interchangeably. However, there is quite a difference between them and PCOS is the one that needs a little more of awareness.
What is PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)?
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is a metabolic disorder triggered by the overproduction of male hormones in the female body, such as androgen or testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to complications in the reproductive system and menstrual cycle. Male hormone (androgens) is produced when there are insufficient female hormones, such as estrogen, to support egg development. This causes cysts formation in the ovaries, that eventually leads to the production of androgen hormones. PCOS is more related to an endocrine issue that is considerably more severe than PCOD, and it can cause the ovaries to stop producing eggs.
What causes PCOS?
PCOS is caused by insulin resistance in the cells of the body, which results in a spike in sugar levels and eventually causes the body to produce more androgens hormones. PCOS has also been linked to low-grade inflammation due to lifestyle and diet. This body inflammation contributes to the production of androgens. In addition, it can be caused by underlying diseases such as Type II diabetes and obesity.
Another possible contributing factors to PCOS could be family history of the condition. PCOS can cause infertility in women because the ovaries stop producing eggs, unlike PCOD, which doesn’t affect a woman’s fertility as she still ovulates regularly. PCOS might result in miscarriage and even premature births. PCOS is less common than PCOD and affects only about 0.2% to 2% of women worldwide.
What are the symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)?
The symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) are similar to PCOD and includes severe acne, male pattern baldness. The other symptoms such as pelvic pain or discomfort, irregular menstrual cycles, skin tags on the neck, and darkened skin on the neck, groin, or underarms are more specific to PCOS. PCOS also carries a higher risk of heart diseases and high cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Women with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) can still enjoy their lives as it is not life-threatening disease. However, one should always seek early consultation with the medical expert as soon as they begin to notice the symptoms. This will help to control and manage the symptoms. Women can also explore home remedies to manage PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and PCOD (Polycystic ovary disease)
