Okay so let’s talk about something that a lot of women go through, but no one talks enough about — PCOD and PCOS. Like, these two terms are thrown around all the time on internet, in doctors clinics, even in YouTube videos. But half of the time ppl don’t even know the real difference between them.
So yeah, this post is gonna break down what’s the deal with PCOD vs PCOS, how they’re diff, how they’re kinda same, and what you can do if you have either of them.
First things first… what even is PCOD and PCOS?
Let’s go one by one.
What is PCOD?
PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It’s basically when your ovaries (the part in your body that releases eggs) start producing immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs become cysts (little sacs filled with fluid). This makes ovaries a bit bigger than normal and affects your periods and hormones.
So in PCOD:
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Hormones go a bit out of balance
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Periods become irregular
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You can get acne, hairfall, and weight gain
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Pregnancy might be slightly hard, but not impossible
It’s pretty common. Like, really common. 1 in 10 women have it, maybe even more. It’s more of a lifestyle issue — bad diet, no exercise, stress, all that.
And what’s PCOS then?
PCOS is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Sounds similar to PCOD, but it’s kinda different.
It’s actually a metabolic disorder. That means it affects the way your body processes stuff, like insulin, fat, hormones, etc. In PCOS, your body produces more male hormones (called androgens). This messes up your periods, fertility, skin, hair — basically everything.
Main signs of PCOS:
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Irregular or no periods
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Excess facial/body hair (like chin, chest etc)
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Acne that doesn’t go away easily
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Trouble losing weight
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Cysts on ovaries (not always tho)
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Can lead to diabetes, heart problems, infertility
PCOS is a bit more serious than PCOD and needs more long-term care. Some girls don’t even know they have it till they try to get pregnant.
PCOD vs PCOS – The Main Differences
Okay, let’s make it easier. Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | PCOD | PCOS |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Polycystic Ovarian Disease | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome |
| Type | More of a condition | More of a syndrome (metabolic disorder) |
| Cause | Poor lifestyle, stress, bad diet | Hormonal imbalance, genetic & lifestyle both |
| Cysts | Yes, multiple immature eggs | Not always visible in scans |
| Periods | Irregular, but still happens | Often no periods for months |
| Weight | Mild gain | Significant weight issues |
| Fertility | Can still conceive with some care | Can be harder, might need medical help |
| Severity | Less severe, can be managed easily | More serious, needs proper treatment |
| Commonness | Very common | Less common than PCOD |
| Reversible? | Yes, with lifestyle changes | Not fully, but can be managed |
So yeah, they look similar but are not same.
Can You Have Both?
Yep, it’s possible. Some women might be diagnosed with PCOD but later also show symptoms of PCOS. It kinda depends on how your body works, and how early you catch it.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Honestly, a lot of girls ignore these signs thinking it’s just stress or junk food or college pressure. But here’s what you shouldn’t ignore:
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Periods coming late or not at all
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Too much hair on chin or upper lips
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Sudden weight gain, even when you’re not eating crazy
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Acne that stays for months
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Hair thinning / hair fall
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Feeling tired all the time
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Mood swings, anxiety, even depression
If you feel a few of these, best to go to a gyno and get it checked. They’ll probably do an ultrasound and maybe some blood tests.
What Causes PCOD and PCOS?
It’s not always clear. But some common reasons are:
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Genetics – If your mom, sister, aunt had it, you might too
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Lifestyle – Junk food, no exercise, messed up sleep, stress
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Hormonal imbalance – Especially insulin resistance
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Being overweight – Not always the reason, but it makes it worse
Also, even thin girls can get PCOS or PCOD, so don’t assume you’re safe just coz you’re slim.
Treatment: Can It Be Cured?
Let’s be real. There’s no magic cure. But you can manage it super well if you start early and stay consistent.
For Both PCOD and PCOS:
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Exercise regularly – even 30 mins walk helps
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Eat clean – More fruits, veggies, less sugar and fried stuff
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Sleep properly – 7-8 hrs, avoid late nights
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Avoid stress – Meditate, talk to someone, chill a bit
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Take meds if needed – Doctor might give hormonal pills or metformin
For PCOD, sometimes just fixing your routine helps a lot. For PCOS, you might need more help like supplements, hormone treatment, etc.
Can I Still Get Pregnant?
Yes. Having PCOD or PCOS does not mean you’re infertile. It just means it might take a little more time, or you might need help.
Many women with PCOD/PCOS have healthy babies after making changes and getting proper treatment. So don’t freak out.
Emotional Side No One Talks About
PCOD and PCOS can mess with your mental health. Period problems, weight gain, acne, facial hair — all of that can really make girls feel low, anxious or depressed.
It’s okay to feel that way. But don’t suffer silently. Talk to someone, get support, join a PCOS group, or see a therapist if you need. You’re not alone in this.
Final Thoughts – Know Your Body
Look, end of the day, PCOD and PCOS are not life-threatening. They’re super common now, especially because our lifestyles have gone kinda crazy. But the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to control.
Know your body, track your period, don’t ignore weird signs. You don’t have to become a fitness freak or go on some strict diet. Just start small — walk more, eat better, sleep better. And go to the doctor if something feels off.
Your health is your responsibility. PCOD or PCOS isn’t something to be ashamed of or scared about. It’s just something you gotta manage – like a phone battery that drains faster. Just keep charging it the right way