Though PCOD and PCOS are used as if they are same; there are many differences between the two:

1. PCOD results when imbalance of hormones occur ; while PCOS there is total disruption of whole hormonal system affecting not only menstruation but other body functions also; like blood pressure and sugar regulation.
2. PCOD is a lifestyle condition and can be managed through lifestyle and dietary changes; while in PCOS; as the whole endocrine system is affected; it can be more serious and resistant as compared to PCOD.
3. In PCOD: the ovaries are filled with follicles and do not appear much larger; while in PCOS Ultrasound images show larger ovaries; 3 times larger than normal ovaries.
4. PCOD can also result from emotional stress; genetic; obesity and bad dietary habits apart from hormonal disturbances; while PCOS can be due to genetic and hereditary conditions; hormonal imbalances; insulin resistance and inflammation.
5. PCOD is commonly observed condition affecting upto 1/3 rd of women all over the world ; PCOS occurrence is relatively low when compared to PCOD.
6. PCOD symptoms may include abdominal weight gain; irregular menses; acne; hair loss and infertility; PCOS symptoms start showing in teenage; like: loss of hair; male pattern baldness; irritability; mood swings; head ache; weight gain and infertility.
7. PCOD women can become pregnant with the help of healthy lifestyle and modification of diet and with medications ; while in  PCOS hormone dysregulation in women makes it very difficult to conceive due to excessive secretion of male hormones called androgen
8. PCOD does not lead to major complications while PCOS women are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disorders; high blood pressure; diabetes; endometrial cancer and obesity.

There has been a lot of advancements to control PCOS problem and a number of treatments are available that can reduce or minimize the bothersome symptoms with newer medicines which restore your internal hormonal balance and also newer surgical treatments which preserve the ovarian function as well as improve the feritility outcomes and the long term health. Dr Dimple Doshi is an expert gynecologist with special interest in the polycystic ovarian syndrome. She will guide you not only for the ovarian fuction but will also take care of your cosmetic concerns.

1. Environmental factors ; risk factors include obesity, lack of physical exercise; faulty  lifestyle;

PCOS may be related to or worsened by exposures to certain chemicals before birth, exposure to industrial endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A and certain drugs.

2. Genetic factors.: Someone born with the same condition in the family or harboring the faulty genes.  

PCOS is a lifestyle disease. 

Lifestyle changes  include:

1. Weight loss:  5 to 10% weight reduction can help to reduce insulin resistance by 50%.

2..Nutrition and dietary changes: Changes in the meal quality, size, time, and frequency. Avoid excess sugar and sweets like chocolates, caffeine.

3. Incorporating exercise in daily routine and strictly avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Quitting alcohol, smoking, and recreational substance abuse.

5. Regularising sleep: Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance which plays a key role in PCOS. Sleep modification is one of the important terms of lifestyle modification in PCOS.

It mainly applies to you if you are from the medical or paramedical fraternity where duty hours are not time-bound,  from the aviation industry where day and night shifts keep changing, artists from glamour or film industry working at any odd hours of the day, or a student who is appearing for highly competitive exams; working day and night for the best performance…  The schedules are hectic, irregular, ever-changing, and strict for them.

MEDICINES:..

1 .Hormonal pills.. Improve your menstrual cycle but may increase your weight.

2. Metformin…  originally an anti diabetic drug; it improves insulin resistance and  helps to reduce weight and control PCOS.

3. spironolactone  it is anti androgen .. reduces the effects  of excess male hormones  and reduces hair growth, pigmentation., acne and  prevents  development of muculine body structure with central obesity.

4. Other  combination medicines having vitamin d3, myo and chiro inositol  may be  advised by your gynecologist.

6.For  acne;hair growth  and pigmentation problems ; you may follow the treatment  as advised by your gynaecologist.

7.  infertility treatment: If you are planning to get pregnant, your fertility specialist may give you medicines like clomiphene or letroz and/or injections which cause ovulation . Artificial reproductive techniques may be used  for the stubborn cases.

SURGERY:

Ovarian drilling by laparoscopy is needed when the medications have not been able to control  the PCOD problem and you are planning  pregnancy. 

PCOD treatment involves team efforts.   An expert gynecologist in collaboration with a  dermatologist,  endocrinologist nutritionist, psychologist, physiotherapist, cosmetic surgeon, and bariatric surgeon can help you fight your distressing problem with vengeance.

 In a nutshell; Three basic tips to control PCOS:

Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen or male hormone levels;  can control the bothersome symptoms caused by excess male hormones like pigmentation, scalp hair loss, acne, excess facial hair growth, and restore ovulation.

Limit carbs and foods with a high glycemic index. Opt for foods with a low glycemic index.

Be active and regularize your daily routine and your biological clock. . Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels.

Having a high body mass index  with PCOS leads to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas and it helps keep the sugar in control. Because of insulin resistance, the body tries to prduce more and more insulin,casuing  excess insulin levels which trigger the ovaries to produce excess male hormones.

A diet high in refined carbohydrates such as starchy and sugary foods can cause insulin resistance and therefore weight loss more difficult to control.

• All fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains like wheat, oat, quinoa, Jawar, Bajri, brown rice etc
• Plant protein sources like pulses e.g. beans, peas, gram, lentils,chickpeas,tofu,cereals etc.
• Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds
• Unsaturated fats like almonds, walnuts, avocado, olive oils, nut butters
• Fish like salmon. Shrimp, tuna cod
• Lean paultry  like skinless chicken, turkey

• White bread
• Pizza
• Pasta
• White rice
• Packed  or cold pressed juices
• Sugary cold drinks aerated or non aerated
• Bottled smothies
• Cakes, candies., cookies and other sweets
• Sweetened cereals
• Yogurts with added sugar
•  Ice creams witih added sugar or sugar subsitutes
• Artificial or heavily processed cheese
• Saturated fats like red processed meat like fast food ham burgers
• Trans fats like doughnuts, French fries, pizza
• Alcohol
• Cocktails made with sugary mixers like juice or bottled mixers
• Canned cocktails

Moderate exercises like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming are all great activities that help with PPCOS. They increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and control symptoms.

1. Endometrial hyperplasia ( Thickening of the inner uterine lining )
2. Endometrial cancer ( cancer of the uterine lining )
3. Diabetes
4. High blood pressure
5. Depression and anxiety
6. High cholesterol levels
7. Cardiovascular disease
8. Stroke
9. Weight gain
10. Miscarriage
11. Fatty liver
12. Acanthosis nigricans ( Patches of dark skin under arms, thigh crease, neck)