If you’ve ever felt confused between PCOS and PCOD, you’re not alone. Even clinicians sometimes use the two interchangeably, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing. Let’s break it down so you can feel confident about what each term really means.
PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It’s an older term that’s still widely used in India and some other parts of the world. PCOD usually refers to the presence of multiple immature follicles (often called “cysts”) in the ovaries.
👉 Key point: PCOD is often used descriptively — it says what the ovaries look like, but it doesn’t explain why that’s happening or what it means for your hormones.
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It’s the globally accepted medical diagnosis. Unlike PCOD, PCOS is recognised as a syndrome — meaning it’s a collection of symptoms driven by underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances.
The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guideline defines PCOS as a systemic, lifelong condition that affects:
Hormones (excess androgens like testosterone)
Ovulation (irregular or absent cycles)
Metabolism (higher risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease)
👉 Key point: PCOS isn’t just about how the ovaries look. It’s about a whole-body hormonal imbalance that can affect fertility, skin, hair, mood, and long-term health.
| Aspect | PCOD | PCOS |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Polycystic Ovarian Disease | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome |
| Focus | Ovarian appearance (multiple small follicles) | Systemic hormonal + metabolic imbalance |
| Scope | Descriptive finding | Recognised medical condition |
| Impact | May cause irregular periods, sometimes fertility concerns | Can affect cycles, skin, hair, fertility, insulin resistance, heart & mental health |
| Use | Older term, used more in India & South Asia | Standard diagnosis worldwide |
Many women are told they have “cysts” on their ovaries after an ultrasound. In South Asia, that’s often labelled as PCOD. But globally, the medical community recognises PCOS as the proper diagnosis, since the ultrasound finding is only one piece of the puzzle.
👉 Think of it this way:
PCOD = what the ovaries look like.
PCOS = what’s happening in your whole body.
Understanding the distinction matters because PCOS requires ongoing management, not just a label from an ultrasound. It also helps challenge myths: having “cysts” doesn’t mean you have a disease, or that you can’t live a healthy, full life.
With the right support — lifestyle care, medical guidance, and sometimes supplements or medication — PCOS can be managed, and your health goals are absolutely within reach.
Whether someone calls it PCOD or PCOS, what matters most is getting clear information, a proper diagnosis, and the right care plan for you. At TribElle, we’re here to cut through the jargon and stand with you every step of the way.