Women’s Day 2023: What Is The Difference Between PCOS And PCOD? Experts Suggest Foods To Prevent Them

International Women's Day 2023: PCOS and PCOD have a lot of symptoms in common, such as infertility, weight gain, acne and irregular periods. Both the conditions affect the ovaries of women.

Women's Day 2023: Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are diseases affecting the reproductive system of women. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are different from each other.  ( Image Source :Getty )

International Women's Day 2023: Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are diseases affecting the reproductive system of women. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are different from each other. 

PCOD is a condition in which the ovaries release immature eggs that lead to hormonal imbalances and swollen ovaries, and PCOS is a condition in which endocrine issues cause the ovaries to produce excess androgens, as a result of which the eggs are prone to becoming cysts, according to the United Nations.

PCOD is a common condition among women, and is characterised by the presence of fewer cysts on ovaries, compared to PCOS.

EXCLUSIVE On ABP Live | Essential To Set Ourselves A Goal Of Equal Participation In All Sectors: Top Virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang On Women’s Day

“In PCOD, there are fewer cysts on ovaries. The condition can be reversed, and does not affect fertility. In PCOS, more than 10 cysts can develop on ovaries. PCOS can lead to fertility issues, and it is difficult to reverse this condition,” Dr. Manju Wali, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, tells ABP Live.

Similarities between PCOS and PCOD

PCOS and PCOD have a lot of symptoms in common, such as infertility, weight gain, acne and irregular periods. 

“There are many signs of PCOS and PCOD that are similar, including weight gain, infertility, acne, and irregular periods, among others. Additionally, PCOS causes metabolic syndrome, which raises the chance of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. It may also result in sleep apnea, which impairs your body's capacity to breathe while you are asleep and causes brief interruptions in breathing or an inability to breathe at all, leading to a severely disrupted sleep pattern. Because there is no fertilisation, the uterine lining (the lining of the uterus) thickens each month, which can also raise the risk of endometrial cancer,”  Dr Rashmi Baliyan, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, tells ABP Live.

According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health conditions.

Risk factors for PCOS and PCOD

Risk factors for PCOS and PCOD include insulin resistance, excessive androgen production, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of the conditions, and hyperinsulinemia, a condition in which there are abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood. 

Excessive androgen production can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs.

“Higher levels of male hormones called androgens prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, causing irregular menstrual cycles,” Dr. Akta Bajaj, Senior Consultant and Head – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, tells ABP Live.

Foods and lifestyle habits to prevent PCOS and PCOD

PCOS and PCOD can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, limiting the intake of carbohydrates, and consuming high fibre-rich foods, according to experts.

“In order to prevent PCOS and PCOD, maintain a healthy weight, limit the intake of carbohydrates, monitor glycemic index of foods, and be active,” Dr. Indrani Salunkhe, Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, tells ABP Live.

Some medications can also help prevent these conditions.

“Metformin, Letrozole, Clomiphene, and combination birth control pills or progestin therapy, to regulate the menstrual cycle, can help prevent PCOS and PCOD,” says Dr Wali.

Fatty fish, green leafy vegetables and dark red fruits can be effective in preventing PCOS and PCOD, and can also be beneficial for women suffering from these conditions.

“Fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel; kale, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens; dark red fruits, such as red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries are foods which women should consume to prevent PCOS or PCOD,” says Dr Wali.