The terms PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) are alternatively used to mean the same thing. But, both conditions vary from each other. Beginning with PCOD, a condition in which the eggs released from the ovaries of a menstruator are immature or partially developed, the eggs, in turn, have the chance to grow into cysts.
PCOD occurs due to hormonal imbalance and, in some cases, genetic factors. It is a more common condition to affect a menstruator's body than PCOS. Every year, at least 1 out of every 3 menstruators is diagnosed with PCOD. The ovaries start releasing excess amounts of androgens, which leads to symptoms like male pattern baldness or hair thinning, abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, etc. Though infertility is mostly not caused by this condition, in very extreme cases it can also occur. Lifestyle changes can bring about significant differences in PCOD and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
On the other hand, PCOS is an endocrine issue that leads the ovaries to produce
androgen in much larger amounts, which causes problems in the release and development of eggs from the ovaries. Unlike in PCOD, the eggs do not release and form cysts in the ovaries in this case.
PCOS is a more serious condition than PCOD. Most menstruators are commonly diagnosed with PCOD rather than PCOS. PCOS comes with a number of symptoms like irregular periods, excess growth of body hair in the male pattern, thinning of hair from the scalp, acne or oily skin, excessive weight gain mostly around the abdomen, sleep apnea, etc. Infertility issues are common in menstruators diagnosed with PCOS rather than PCOD. As for the cure, PCOS is much harder to treat due to the hormonal irregularities that it causes.
In both of these conditions, the endometrial lining thickens, causing abnormal uterine bleeding and heavier periods. Therefore, in order to deal with heavy periods, you should consciously choose your menstrual care products.