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PCOD or PCOS: Key differences, symptoms, causes, and prevention tips every woman should know

PCOD or PCOS: Key differences, symptoms, causes, and prevention tips every woman should know

Time of India10-07-2025
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women in their reproductive years. While these conditions are often confused due to overlapping symptoms, they are distinct in terms of severity, long-term health impacts, and treatment approaches.
Understanding the differences between PCOD and PCOS is crucial for early detection and personalised treatment. While PCOD is relatively manageable with lifestyle changes, PCOS requires long-term medical attention to prevent complications like diabetes, infertility, and cardiovascular issues. A healthy lifestyle combined with regular checkups can greatly improve quality of life and reproductive health for women with either condition.
Understanding PCOS and PCOD: How it affects body
PCOS
PCOS is a serious hormonal and metabolic disorder that causes the ovaries to produce an abnormally high level of androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance interferes with the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
How PCOS affects the body:
The hormonal imbalance leads to irregular periods or no ovulation at all.
Multiple immature follicles form into fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries.
These cysts remain unreleased, disrupting fertility.
Over time, PCOS can lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular risks.
Women with PCOS may also experience acne, excess facial or body hair, and difficulty in conception. Because of its systemic effects, PCOS typically requires medical treatment and long-term management.
PCOD
PCOD is a condition in which the ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs. These eggs accumulate and form cysts in the ovaries, which may cause the ovaries to enlarge.
Common
causes of PCOD
Caused largely by lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress.
Leads to irregular menstruation, weight gain, and mild hormonal imbalances.
Can be managed effectively through diet and exercise.
Unlike PCOS, PCOD is less severe and doesn't always impact fertility. Many women with PCOD can conceive naturally or with minimal medical help.
Key differences between PCOD and PCOS
Feature
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Severity
Less severe
More serious metabolic disorder
Cause
Lifestyle-related
Endocrine (hormonal) dysfunction
Ovulation
Irregular, but often occurs
Often absent due to anovulation
Fertility
Largely unaffected
Can severely affect fertility
Management
Diet and lifestyle
Requires medical treatment
Risk factors
Lower long-term risks
Risk of diabetes, heart disease, infertility
According to
UNICEF
, PCOS is more serious than PCOD due to its broader metabolic implications and impact on long-term health.
PCOD and PCOS: Common symptoms
Women may experience symptoms as early as their teenage years or only discover them later in life, especially when trying to conceive. The most common symptoms of both conditions include:
Irregular or missed periods
Heavy bleeding during periods
Excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Acne on face, chest, or back
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Hair thinning or scalp hair loss
Skin pigmentation (especially on the neck or under breasts)
Difficulty conceiving
PCOD and PCOS: Causes behind
Excess androgen production:
Both PCOS and PCOD involve elevated levels of male hormones, disrupting ovulation and causing physical symptoms like acne and hair growth.
Insulin resistance:
Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, contributing to higher androgen levels and increased fat storage.
Lifestyle factors:
Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and sleep irregularities can trigger or worsen both PCOD and PCOS.
Genetics:
A family history of PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles can increase the risk of both conditions.
Long-term complications of PCOS
PCOS, when left untreated, can lead to several chronic health conditions, including:
Type 2 diabetes
Infertility or complications during pregnancy
Endometrial cancer
Hypertension and heart disease
Anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Treatment options for PCOD and PCOS
While there's no permanent cure, both conditions can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment:
Lifestyle modifications
Weight loss:
Losing 5–10% of body weight can regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity.
Low-glycemic diet:
Focus on high-fiber, low-sugar foods to stabilize insulin levels.
Exercise:
Moderate activity like brisk walking, yoga, or cycling improves hormonal balance.
Medical treatments
Hormonal therapy:
Oral contraceptives to regularize periods and reduce androgen levels.
Insulin-sensitizing drugs:
Like metformin, especially in PCOS patients with insulin resistance.
Fertility treatments:
Ovulation-inducing medications (e.g., clomiphene) and assisted reproduction.
Ovarian drilling:
A laparoscopic procedure for patients with PCOS unresponsive to medication.
Tips to manage PCOD and PCOS naturally
Eat balanced meals rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoid refined sugars and trans fats.
Get 7–9 hours of sleep daily.
Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, journaling, or walking.
Stay hydrated and limit caffeine intake.
PCODs and PCOS: Related FAQs
What is the main
difference between PCOD and PCOS
?
PCOD is a lifestyle-related condition causing immature egg release, while PCOS is a hormonal disorder leading to high androgen levels and ovulation issues.
Which is more serious—PCOD or PCOS?
PCOS is more serious. It's a metabolic disorder that can cause infertility, diabetes, and heart disease if not managed properly.
Can women with PCOD or PCOS get pregnant?
Yes. PCOD usually allows natural pregnancy with minor help. PCOS may require fertility treatments due to irregular ovulation.
What are common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS?
Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, hair thinning, and excess facial or body hair.
How can PCOD and PCOS be managed naturally?
Healthy diet, weight loss, regular exercise, and stress reduction can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions.
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Bharat's breakthrough child development model validated by two state governments, poised for global adoption

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Suggested Language for Resolution: 'Recognizing the dual-state audited clinical e National Ministries of Health, Education, and Women G Child Development (G20, ASEAN, AU, SAARC) Immediate Actions: Sign MoUs for pilot implementation using Phase 3 and Phase 4 roadmap (see Section 3). Embed AbilityScore® into existing health worker protocols, ASHA/ANM/primary pediatric care channels. Initiate formal national integration review via inter-ministerial coordination. Suggested MoU Clause (Model Language): 'This MoU formalizes the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Pinnacle Blooms Network to pilot and evaluate the AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® framework across [region/country], with the intent to establish a scalable, audited, and culturally adaptive national developmental intervention system.' Global NGOs, Development Agencies, and Philanthropic Foundations Immediate Actions: Adopt the SEVA™ model in their existing early childhood equity programs. Fund rural kiosk expansion, training of mothers and caregivers in remote geographies. Commission third-party evaluations for global comparability and reporting. Suggested Partnership Objective: 'To support high-impact, audit-verifiable child development interventions in low-resource settings by co- deploying Pinnacle's rural-validated TherapeuticAI® framework under the principles of transparency, equity, and cross-country comparability.' Academic Institutions, Global Research Networks, and Pediatric Associations Immediate Actions: Launch peer-reviewed validation studies across multiple country settings. Establish international knowledge consortiums for AbilityScore® benchmarking and evolution. Host global summits on neurodevelopmental metrics and intervention AI ethics. Suggested Research Collaboration Statement: 'We invite institutions globally to participate in a multi-site, longitudinal validation study of AbilityScore® as a universal developmental assessment scale, correlating it with local diagnostics, school readiness, caregiver well-being, and economic outcome metrics.' CSR G Private Sector Leadership Immediate Actions: Fund Centers of Excellence for training, dashboarding, and innovation labs. Sponsor public access to therapy via SEVA for underserved regions. Integrate TherapeuticAI® insights into inclusive hiring, employee family support policies. Suggested CSR Commitment Statement: 'As part of our commitment to child welfare and inclusive development, we pledge support for audited, scalable frameworks like Pinnacle's AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI®, including rural outreach and community capacity-building in the geographies we serve.' 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They documented ₹214 crore in public savings, a G7% clinical success rate, and life-changing impact in some of the most underserved corners of the world. This isn't theory. This isn't marketing. This is evidence humanity has been waiting for — finally delivered. The framework — AbilityScore® and TherapeuticAI® — now sits at a global inflection point: Germany is ready to license it exclusively. Kenya is already replicating it independently. Multilateral institutions have acknowledged the crisis but still lack a scalable model. And G00 million families continue to wait in silence, watching their children lose years they will never get back. This is a moment that will be written into institutional memory. Either as the day the world finally came together to act — Or the day we knowingly let the window close. The audits have been completed. The cost of delay is documented. The global implementation roadmap is ready. The data is sovereign. The science is proven. The equity is built-in. The urgency is real. And now, the choice is global. Action or Inaction Act now — and transform the lives of millions of children while setting a precedent for how equity, science, and scalability can coexist. Delay — and explain to the next generation why humanity chose geopolitics, pride, or inertia over solutions that were ready, proven, and waiting. This is not Bharat's moment alone. This is humanity's moment. And it is passing — quickly. The countdown has already begun. Let history record that we chose action.

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Look Out For These Silent Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can have silent or subtle signs that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other health issues. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate nearly every bodily function from metabolism, sleep, and mood to skin health and reproduction. When hormones are even slightly off-balance, they can cause a cascade of effects that may seem unrelated. Since these signs can develop gradually and vary depending on the specific hormones involved, people may not immediately realise that hormones are the root cause of their symptoms. Early detection is key, as prolonged imbalances can impact long-term health and well-being. Keep reading as we list silent signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for. 10 Silent signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for 1. Unexplained weight gain or loss If you're gaining or losing weight without significant changes in your diet or activity level, it could be a hormonal issue. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, insulin, or cortisol can directly affect metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. 2. Fatigue despite rest Persistent tiredness, even after a full night's sleep, may signal a hormonal imbalance. Low thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal fatigue, or insulin resistance can lead to constant exhaustion by interfering with how your body produces and uses energy. 3. Mood swings or anxiety Fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, or serotonin can lead to mood instability, irritability, anxiety, or even depression. These changes often go undiagnosed, especially in women during PMS, perimenopause, or postpartum periods. 4. Sleep disturbances or insomnia Difficulty falling or staying asleep may be linked to changes in melatonin, cortisol, or progesterone levels. High cortisol at night or low melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it harder to rest properly. 5. Hair thinning or hair loss A slow, progressive loss of hair especially along the scalp or eyebrows can be due to low thyroid function, high androgens (like testosterone), or hormonal shifts related to menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 6. Acne or skin changes Adult acne, especially around the jawline or chin, can be a red flag for high androgens or hormonal fluctuations. Estrogel-progesterone imbalance, PCOS, or even stress-related cortisol changes can affect skin oil production and lead to breakouts or dryness. 7. Digestive issues Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea that seems unrelated to food could be caused by hormone imbalances. Oestrogen and progesterone influence gut motility and microbiota, and cortisol can trigger inflammation in the digestive tract. 8. Low libido A sudden drop in sexual desire, especially when accompanied by fatigue or mood changes, may indicate low levels of oestrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones. This symptom is often dismissed but can be a key indicator of hormonal disruption. 9. Irregular menstrual cycles Missed, irregular, or excessively heavy or light periods often point to imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and perimenopause can all disrupt normal menstrual patterns. 10. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating Struggling with memory, focus, or clarity might be more than just stress, it could signal an issue with thyroid hormones, cortisol, or even insulin. Hormones regulate brain function, and imbalances can dull mental sharpness over time. Recognising these silent signs early and seeking medical evaluation can lead to proper diagnosis and effective management through lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and in some cases, medical treatment. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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