The prevalence in India for PCOD & PCOS is 3 to 21% and it is in the increasing trend due to ignorance regarding health and lifestyle. Being stressed, ending up with junk food, no physical activity and sleeplessness are becoming high-risk factors leading to PCOD&PCOS in women.
PCOD – Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a medical condition in women where the immature egg is produced in the ovaries and forms cysts. The exact cause for the PCOD is unknown. It may occur due to hormonal imbalance. A sedentary lifestyle with stress, irregular food/sleep habits and lack of physical activity is leading to hormonal imbalance. The rate of PCOD is increasing day by day in India and becoming a very common health issue in women all over the world. The major symptoms of PCOD are irregular menstruation with heavy bleeding, acne and hair loss. Immature ovarian eggs do not ovulate which leads to multiple cysts in ovaries.
PCOS – Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is the most common health problem among most women in this modern era due to various factors. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that occurs in women usually at reproductive age. It affects the other organs, mainly the endocrine and leads to high blood sugar levels due to low insulin in the blood. The exact cause of PCOS is Unknown, but there are some factors which are directly responsible for PCOS like genetics, and environmental factors including lifestyle. PCOS may occur both in Lean and obese women.
Both PCOS and PCOD have common symptoms but PCOS being associated with metabolic syndrome adds risk to heart disease, stroke and Diabetes.
| Types | PCOD | PCOS |
| Condition | Metabolic disorder due to hormonal imbalance | Endocrine disorder of ovaries with immature follicles |
| Menstrual cycle | Irregular | Irregular |
| Number of cysts | Minimum number of cysts | More than 10 cysts in each ovary |
| Severity | Minor conditions & more common | Bit complicated as the endocrine system is involved |
| Sign & symptoms | Acne, weight gain mainly abdominal fat& hair fall | Excess androgens, Facial hair growth, acne, weight gain, increased blood sugar |
| Fertility | Not really affected | Very much affected |
| Risk & complication | Low risk of other health problems | High risk of other health problems |
| Diagnostic tools | Ultrasound scan Of abdomen and pelvis | Blood tests Ultrasound scan Of abdomen and pelvis |
PCOD Case at VHG:
A 33-year-old female came with the complaint of irregular menstruation and severe pain in the abdomen during menstruation. She also had fatigue and weight gain. There was a history of hypothyroidism. She had a family history of diabetes and a family h/o PCOD.
Menstrual history – 5-6 days/40-60 days with pain in the abdomen.
Occupation – HR manager in a private company and stressed with the work and her health issue. she was a sensitive and anxious person.
Diet –mixed diet, more junk food
Physical activity - nil
Sleep – disturbed sleep
Bowel and bladder – Regular
PCOS Case at VHG
A female patient aged 31 years came with the complaint of delay in conception conceived, associated with Diabetes and PCOS and a gradual increase in weight She was married for 5 years and had been trying to conceive for 2 years. IVF was attempted and failed thrice in the past year.
Menstrual History - 4-5 days / 38 to 45 days.
Occupation – Bank employee
Diet – Mixed diet
Physical activity – nil
Sleep – Satisfactory
Bowel and bladder - Regular
By Dr. Anitha Banakar BNYS
