Decoding PCOD And PCOS: What Every Woman Should Know

From being confused about what PCOD and PCOS stand for to being completely oblivious to their differences, we all need to know how and why they can affect our bodies. Did you know that 13% of women are diagnosed with PCOD and PCOS around the world, making it all the more difficult for the right and timely medical information to be disseminated. 

What are PCOD and PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, whereas PCOD stands for polycystic ovarian disease. While both have overlapping symptoms and effects on our bodies, they mean different things.

PCOS is a condition where higher-than normal male hormones are released in the system. Due to this hormonal imbalance, women often skip their menstrual cycles and it is difficult for them to get pregnant. This is also commonly known as a metabolic disorder, in which a woman's hormonal balance is affected between her reproductive years of 12-51. It causes irregularity in periods, abnormal face and hair growth on the body and can cause heart diseases and diabetes. It is a serious medical condition that should be taken care of at the very least. 

PCOD is a medical condition where a woman's ovaries produce large numbers of immature or partially mature eggs. In time, these eggs become cysts in the ovaries, making them larger than usual, where they start producing excessive male hormones. These hormones are called androgens and cause issues like infertility, irregular periods, hair loss and weight gain. 

Cures and Treatments

In both these cases, the common symptoms are skipped or absence of menstruation, heavy bleeding during menstruation, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, hair loss and skin darkening. To lessen or subsume the symptoms, certain lifestyle changes can be incorporated, like a more healthy and fibrous diet with less sugar and carbohydrate, avoiding junk food, and regular exercise. PCOD has no definite cure but these changes can lower the symptoms and keep it. under control. PCOS can be cured with certain medications like female hormonal pills and oral contraceptive pills containing oestrogen and progesterone. Additional medication can be taken to reduce chances of endometrial cancer and diabetes. Nonetheless, it is highly advisable to consult a medical professional when any symptoms are noticed or realised for better and more professional help.  

With this, it also becomes necessary to spread awareness about women's health and reproductive and sexual well being. Medical information and resources need to be compiled and disseminated for female autonomy over their body and reproductive health. When women become unaware about their anatomy and health, it not only puts them in jeopardy but also becomes a tool for society to monitor and control women's anatomy in terms of sexual and reproductive health and rights.