A big proportion of ladies within the reproductive age group the world over expertise signs comparable to irregular periods, pimples, sudden hair development and unexplained weight achieve. These signs are sometimes identified as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Illness (PCOD) – with each getting used interchangeably. Nevertheless, they aren’t the identical dysfunction. To grasp the distinction between PCOD and PCOS, let’s first perceive the menstrual cycle in ladies.

What’s Menstruation?

Menstruation is the month-to-month shedding of the liner of the uterus. This course of is regulated by hormones (‘chemical messengers’) launched by the pituitary gland within the mind and within the ovaries.

These hormones trigger the uterine lining to thicken in order that if a being pregnant happens, the fertilised egg may be safely lodged and nurtured within the uterus. The hormones additionally immediate the ovaries to ovulate – launch an egg which then strikes to the fallopian tube (connecting the ovaries to the uterus) the place it waits to be fertilised. If that doesn’t occur, there is no such thing as a being pregnant, and the thickened uterine lining breaks down and is shed as menstrual bleeding.

Estrogen and progesterone are the important thing hormones launched by the ovaries. Small quantities of inhibin, relaxin, and androgens (male hormones) are additionally produced. Disturbance within the hormonal stability and genetic tendencies results in PCOD and PCOS.

What Is PCOD?

In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), attributable to extra metabolic problems, the ovaries could not launch eggs or could accomplish that occasionally. The situation typically entails excessive androgen (male hormone) ranges, leading to extra cyst formation. One other generally seen incidence is insulin resistance.

This situation results in a number of signs just like PCOD: weight achieve, pimples, irregular intervals and problem in getting pregnant – although in PCOS, the impression on being pregnant is way greater. Nevertheless, PCOS is taken into account to be extra critical as a result of it additionally impacts the physique’s metabolism. Many ladies with PCOS develop metabolic syndrome, which will increase the danger of coronary heart illness, stroke, and diabetes.

Over time, PCOS could result in sleep apnea, which impacts the physique’s means to breathe correctly throughout sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. One other concern is endometrial issues: When ovulation doesn’t happen frequently, the uterine lining continues to thicken however will not be shed correctly by way of menstruation. This will result in irregular bleeding and different well being points.

PCOD & PCOS: Seen from the Ayurvedic Lens

 In accordance with Ayurveda, PCOD and PCOS are brought on by apathya aahara viharas (unwholesome weight loss plan and life-style), resulting in the formation of ama (toxins) in Rasa Dhatu (nutritive tissue). This causes arthava udhatu of Rasa Dhatu, triggering imbalance and the improper choice and maturation of the ovum. The ama additionally vitiates the remaining dhathus (tissues), manifesting in extreme weight achieve and hair loss.

Hair is described as mala rupa (byproduct) of Ashti Dhatu (bone tissue). When Ashti Dhatu is weak or vitiated, it might manifest as hair fall or undesirable hair development.

An extreme consumption of a heavy weight loss plan and mamsahara (meat-heavy weight loss plan), together with aavyayama (sedentary life-style) and divasvapna (day sleep) worsen the Kapha Dosha (bio-energy) and Meda Dhatu (fats tissue). These vitiated doshas and dhatus attain the ovaries and intrude with their regular capabilities.

Disturbances within the Rasavaha, Raktavaha, and Artavaha Srotas channels result in situations comparable to anartava (absence of menstruation), vandhyatva (infertility), pushpaagni mandya (impaired ovulatory operate), and abija rtucakra (absence of ovulation).

These Ayurvedic explanations intently parallel fashionable ideas comparable to insulin resistance, extra androgen exercise, continual low-grade irritation, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis.

PCOD vs PCOS — Key Variations

Frequent Signs of PCOD & PCOS

• Irregular or unpredictable menstrual intervals
• Heavy bleeding during times
• Extra physique hair
• Pimples
• Hair loss or male sample baldness
• Problem in getting pregnant
• Obesity
• Darkening of pores and skin or pigmentation across the neck
• Sleep disorders
• Despair
• Fluctuating thyroid

Can PCOS Have an effect on Being pregnant? 

Sure, it may possibly. In PCOS, the ovaries could not launch eggs or could accomplish that occasionally – making being pregnant tough.

Weight loss plan and Way of life Help

Whereas the situations will not be ‘cured’, PCOD, significantly, may be managed by following a balanced weight loss plan, exercising each day, following an energetic life-style, practising Yoga, and regulating stress and sleep. In extreme circumstances of PCOS, skilled intervention could also be required.

Meals to Embrace

When not present process menstruation, meals really useful to assist metabolism and hormonal stability embrace: sesame and sesame oil, horse gram, garlic and hing. Through the menstrual cycle, weight loss plan must be gentle and nourishing and embrace barley, jowar, bitter veggies, cow’s milk, cow’s milk ghee and purple rice ready with this ghee.

A PCOD-friendly weight loss plan consists of pure, low-carb and unrefined meals and wholesome oils that promote metabolism and assist cut back irritation. These embrace:

• Entire grains comparable to oats, whole-wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and barley
• Millets like ragi, jowar, and bajra
• Legumes
• Nuts comparable to walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, together with seeds
• Recent fruits and non-starchy greens
• Spices together with turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger
• Berries and leafy inexperienced greens (strongly anti-inflammatory)

Meals to Keep away from

These embrace excessively spicy, oily, and fried meals, in addition to quick meals or packaged meals. Anasana (fasting) and vishamasana (irregular consuming habits) also needs to be averted, as they will disrupt digestion and hormonal regulation.

Refined and processed meals are significantly dangerous – these embrace:

• Refined carbohydrates comparable to muffins, pastries, and white bread
• White sugar and refined flour
• Fried meals and quick meals comparable to pizza and burgers
• Carbonated drinks comparable to sodas and power drinks (excessive in sugar)

Sure fruits must be restricted or averted. These embrace mangoes, bananas (particularly over-ripe), grapes, and dried fruits comparable to raisins, dates and figs. Different meals to keep away from embrace processed meats, margarine and purple meats as they worsen irritation and metabolic stability.

Train & Routine

• Don’t keep away from vega dhaarana (pure urges): Suppression could trigger Vata imbalance and agni dushti.
• Train frequently: Incorporate moderate-intensity train that helps the physique use insulin successfully and retains weight in test. Strive a mix of strolling and Yoga.
• Prioritise sleep hygiene: Goal 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each evening. Poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation (together with urge for food hormones) and might worsen insulin resistance. Keep away from late nights — it disrupts hormone ranges and causes low-grade irritation.
• Manage stress effectively: Stress can heighten PCOS signs. Incorporate each day stress-reducing actions comparable to Transcendental Meditation, deep respiration workouts, journaling, or Yoga.
• Stay hydrated: Drink 8–10 glasses of water each day to assist metabolism, flush out toxins, and support satiety.
• Observe constant meal timings: Keep away from frequent small meals; as an alternative, preserve four-hour gaps between meals to maintain blood sugar steady and stop insulin surges.

Tips on how to Management PCOD Naturally

A balanced weight loss plan, well timed sleep, common train, Yoga observe, and upkeep of a wholesome weight are vital. From an Ayurvedic perspective, following charyas (each day routines) is important – their neglect could result in stress, unhealthy meals selections and indigestion.

Poor digestion impacts the right formation of Rasa Dhātu – the nourishing fluid which, in flip, vitiates dhatus (tissues), particularly Meda Dhātu (fats tissue) and Rakta Dhātu (blood).
This imbalance aggravates Kapha Dosa, inflicting blockage of the srotas (bodily channels) and secondary aggravation of Vāta Doṣa, resulting in situations comparable to weight problems, hormonal imbalance, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Some Yogaasanas thought-about to be useful embrace Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Butterfly Pose); Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja’s Twist); Chakki Chalanasana (Mill Churning Pose).

Corpse Pose (Shavasana), Suryanamaskara, Pranayama, Asana (Paschimottan-Asana, Bhujang-Asana, Shalabh-Asana, Shav-Asana and Makara-Asana, Bharadvaja- Asana, Bhadra-Asana, Nauka-Asana, Padma-Asana, Dhanur-Asana, Shalabha-Asana), Surya namaskaras, Kapalabhati, Bhramari Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Nidra

Ayurveda has numerous strains of remedy

Shaman: Use of Ayurvedic formulations to right hormonal imbalances, metabolism, and cut back Kapha-Meda imbalance. This entails actions comparable to amapachana (digestion of poisons), agni deepana (stimulation of the digestive hearth), pachana (digestion), vatanulomana (regulation of Vata Dosa), lekhana (scraping of fats) and artava janana (promotion of ovulation).

Shodhan: Numerous Panchakarma procedures to naturally detoxify and purify the physique.

Satvavajaya: Focuses on stress administration, decreasing cravings, and upkeep of a disciplined weight loss plan, sleep and life-style. This helps forestall Vata Dosha imbalance and helps long-term administration of PCOS.

When to Search Medical Care

It’s best to hunt medical care as quickly as signs are seen. These embrace: pimples, extreme hair development, weight achieve (significantly across the abdomen), oily pores and skin, irregular intervals, discomfort within the pelvic space, problem in getting pregnant,  fluctuating thyroid, hairfall, discolouration on the neck and underarms. 

FAQS

1. Is PCOS extra harmful than PCOD?

Sure, as it’s a hormonal-metabolic syndrome linked with insulin resistance, infertility, diabetes, coronary heart illness, and endometrial issues, whereas PCOD is well manageable with life-style adjustments.

2. Can PCOS be cured completely?

No, however it may be managed long run with the fitting weight loss plan, train, weight administration, and acceptable medical assist.

3. What meals must be averted in PCOS?

Keep away from refined sugars, white flour, sugary drinks, fried meals, and ultra-processed snacks as they worsen insulin resistance and will add to weight achieve.

4. Does PCOS trigger abdomen ache?

PCOS itself doesn’t instantly trigger abdomen ache, however hormonal imbalance, ovarian cysts, bloating, or related intestine points can result in decrease belly discomfort.