Are PCOS and PCOD the Same? Here’s What Every Woman Should Know
- Dt. Ankita Gupta Sehgal
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Confusion Every Woman Faces
“I’ve been told I have PCOD.”
“Oh, mine’s PCOS - are they different?”
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering the same, you’re not alone.Almost every second woman who visits my clinic in Delhi - whether for weight issues, irregular periods, acne, or infertility concerns - has the same question: “Are PCOD and PCOS the same thing?”
While these two conditions sound similar and are often used interchangeably, there’s a clear difference between them and understanding that difference can completely change how you manage your health, especially through diet and lifestyle.
PCOD vs PCOS: The Key Difference
Parameter | PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) | PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) |
|---|---|---|
Nature | Hormonal imbalance leading to formation of small, immature eggs in the ovaries. | A metabolic-hormonal disorder affecting the entire endocrine system. |
Severity | Comparatively mild and manageable with diet and lifestyle changes. | More complex and may require medical intervention. |
Occurrence | Very common among Indian women (almost 1 in 3). | Affects about 1 in 10 women, but often more symptomatic. |
Effect on Fertility | Women can still ovulate and conceive with lifestyle correction. | Ovulation may be absent; conception becomes challenging. |
Symptoms | Irregular periods, mild weight gain, acne, bloating. | Irregular or no periods, excessive facial hair, acne, hair thinning, weight gain, insulin resistance. |
Hormonal Impact | Minor imbalance in estrogen and progesterone. | Major imbalance involving insulin, androgens, and cortisol. |
In short:
PCOD is a lifestyle-related condition that can be reversed with diet and exercise.
PCOS, however, is a metabolic disorder that needs long-term management and deeper hormonal care.
Why Are Indian Women So Prone to PCOS & PCOD?
From my 16+ years of practice, I’ve observed some strong patterns:
High-carb Indian diets dominated by refined grains and sugars.
Sedentary lifestyles (especially among working women).
Chronic stress and erratic sleep, which spike cortisol and worsen insulin resistance.
Early puberty, hormonal birth control use, and poor gut health, which can further aggravate imbalance.
The good news? Most of these are modifiable factors and food plays a starring role in healing.
Diet Plan Approach: How to Manage PCOD Naturally
Goal: Balance hormones, improve ovulation, and reduce inflammation.
Morning Routine
Start your day with methi or jeera water to boost metabolism.
Include nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds) for healthy fats.
Main Meals
Focus on low GI complex carbs: millets, oats, brown rice, or quinoa instead of maida or white rice.
Add plant-based proteins: lentils, paneer, tofu, and sprouts.
Ensure every meal has fiber + protein + good fats for blood sugar balance.
Evening
Replace tea/coffee with herbal blends like spearmint or cinnamon tea.
Snack on roasted makhana, chana, or fruit + nuts instead of biscuits.
Dinner
Keep it early and light; sautéed vegetables, soup, or grilled paneer/chicken.
Avoid
Sugary drinks, packaged snacks, deep-fried items, and dairy-heavy desserts.
💡 Tip: Include 30 minutes of daily activity and 7–8 hours of quality sleep: both are non-negotiable for hormonal repair.
How Diet Helps Manage PCOS Specifically
Women with PCOS need deeper dietary interventions because the condition affects insulin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones together.
Here’s what works:
Anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, berries, garlic, olive oil, green tea.
Protein-rich meals: help manage sugar spikes and hunger.
Magnesium & Zinc sources: pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds.
Inositol-rich foods: beans, citrus fruits, and whole grains support ovulation.
Limit dairy and red meat: may aggravate androgen levels in some women.
I often tell my clients - PCOS doesn’t need perfection, it needs consistency. Small everyday habits make big hormonal shifts.
Real Talk: PCOD Can Be Reversed, PCOS Can Be Managed
With PCOD, lifestyle and nutrition alone can completely restore hormonal balance.
With PCOS, you can manage symptoms beautifully and even restore fertility but it needs time, patience, and discipline.
Both conditions respond best when your diet works with your hormones not against them.
Bonus Tips for Every Woman with PCOS or PCOD
🌿Seed Cycling: Rotate flax + pumpkin seeds in the first half of your cycle and sesame + sunflower seeds in the second.
💧 Hydration Matters: Drink at least 2.5–3 L water/day.
🚶♀️ Movement: Walk after meals to improve insulin sensitivity.
😴 Sleep Hygiene: Hormonal repair happens during deep sleep; don’t compromise on it.
Final Word from Dietician Ankita Gupta Sehgal
Ladies, your hormones aren’t your enemy, they’re just your body’s way of asking for care. Whether it’s PCOD or PCOS, your plate can be your most powerful prescription. No extreme diets.
No starvation. Just real, balanced, Indian food - eaten right, at the right time.
If you’re struggling with hormonal imbalance, weight, or irregular periods, don’t ignore the signs. Let’s build a personalized plan that fits your life, your cravings, and your hormones.
🌐 Visit: www.nutritionmatters.co.in
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