PCOD vs PCOS: Symptoms, Differences and Treatment

Jun 24, 2025

PCOD vs PCOS: Full Guide to Symptoms, Differences, and Treatment

What is the difference between PCOD and PCOS?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are two hormonal conditions often confused with one another. While both affect the ovaries and lead to hormonal imbalances, the difference between PCOD and PCOS lies in their cause, severity, and impact on fertility.

What is PCOD?
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal condition where a woman’s ovaries release immature or half-mature eggs, which later turn into cysts. Normally, ovaries release one egg each month and produce small amounts of male hormones (androgens). But in PCOD, the ovaries become enlarged and produce more androgens than needed. This can lead to irregular periods, abdominal weight gain, acne, hair thinning, and sometimes infertility. Lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help manage PCOD symptoms effectively.

What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a more serious metabolic disorder. In this condition, the ovaries produce too much androgen, which stops the eggs from maturing properly. These eggs become fluid-filled sacs called cysts, which stay inside the ovaries and may cause them to enlarge. As a result, ovulation doesn’t happen regularly. PCOS symptoms often include missed periods, excess body hair, acne, and difficulty in conceiving. Managing PCOS requires a combination of hormonal therapy, diet, exercise, and long-term medical care.

PCOD vs PCOS – Key Differences Table

Category	PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)	PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Full Form	Polycystic Ovarian Disease	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Nature of Condition	Hormonal imbalance	Endocrine/metabolic disorder
Cause	Unhealthy lifestyle, stress, poor diet	Genetic, hormonal, and metabolic issues
Ovary Function	Ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs	Eggs are not released due to hormonal imbalance
Cyst Formation	Multiple small cysts from immature eggs	Cysts form due to halted ovulation and fluid buildup
Common Symptoms	Irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair fall, mild fertility issues	Missed periods, excessive androgen, facial hair, severe fertility issues
Severity	Less severe, more common	More severe, less common
Impact on Fertility	Can usually conceive with minimal medical help	Conception may be more difficult, may need medical support
Treatment Approach	Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), mild medication	Long-term treatment, hormonal therapy, lifestyle management
Prevalence	More common among women globally	Less common but rising
Risk of Complications	Lower	Higher – risk of diabetes, heart issues, obesity
Reversibility	Often reversible with lifestyle changes	Needs long-term management
Which Is More Dangerous?	Less dangerous, manageable	More dangerous due to associated conditions
Best Suited Treatment	Diet correction, yoga, stress control	Medical treatment + strict lifestyle control
Treated By	Gynecologist or endocrinologist	Gynecologist or endocrinologist
Common in Age Group	Women aged 20–30	Can affect teenage girls to women in 30s
Yoga for PCOD/PCOS?	Very effective	Very effective
PCOD/PCOS in Hindi (Summary)	हार्मोनल समस्या, कम गंभीर	मेटाबॉलिक रोग, अधिक गंभीर

PCOD and PCOS Full Form & Meaning
• PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease
• PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Both involve cyst formation in the ovaries, but PCOS is a more serious metabolic condition, while PCOD is often lifestyle-induced and more manageable.

PCOD vs PCOS Symptoms: What to Look For
Common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS include:
• Irregular or missed periods
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Acne and oily skin
• Hair thinning or male-pattern hair growth
• Difficulty conceiving
• Mood swings and fatigue
While these overlap, PCOS symptoms may be more severe and are often linked to higher androgen levels.

PCOD and PCOS Difference Explained Simply

Aspect	PCOD	PCOS
Severity	Milder, manageable	More serious, chronic
Cause	Hormonal imbalance	Metabolic/endocrine disorder
Fertility Impact	Often can conceive with little assistance	May need medical support for conception
Cyst Formation	Multiple immature eggs form cysts	Cysts form due to disrupted ovulation
Treatment	Lifestyle changes work effectively	May need long-term medication + lifestyle
Prevalence	More common	Less common but more severe

PCOD or PCOS: Which Is More Dangerous?
PCOS is considered more serious due to its long-term metabolic effects and higher risk of conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. PCOD, while uncomfortable, is generally easier to manage through diet and exercise.

What Is the Difference Between PCOS and PCOD in Hindi?
PCOD और PCOS में मुख्य अंतर यह है कि PCOD एक हार्मोनल असंतुलन है, जबकि PCOS एक गंभीर मेटाबॉलिक विकार है। दोनों में मासिक धर्म अनियमितता और प्रजनन समस्याएं देखी जाती हैं, लेकिन PCOS के लक्षण अधिक गंभीर होते हैं।

Yoga and Lifestyle for PCOD/PCOS
Practicing yoga for PCOD and PCOS helps regulate hormones, improve metabolism, and reduce stress. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep are essential for long-term health.

Summary: PCOD and PCOS Difference
PCOD vs PCOS may seem similar but they are not the same. PCOD is a lifestyle-related condition, while PCOS is a deeper hormonal disorder. Knowing the difference between PCOS and PCOD is key to choosing the right treatment path. Early diagnosis, healthy habits, and professional guidance can help manage both conditions effectively.

Our PCOD/PCOS Treatment expert Doctors

Dr Priya Shikha Modi, MBBS, MD, Gynaecology and Obstetrics,Consultant Gynecologist
Dr Shipra Varshney, MBBS, MS, Consultant Gynecologist
Dr. Amrita Consultant (Obstetric & Gynaecology) - MBBS DNB Consultant Gynecologist