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Ovarian Cyst vs. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Key Differences

ovarian-cyst-vs-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-key-differences

ovarian-cyst-vs-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-key-differences

Ovarian‍‌‍‍‌ cysts and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are often used interchangeably, which creates confusion, and women suffer from unnecessary anxiety because of it. While both situations comprise the same organ, “ovaries,” and they even have similar symptoms, however, these are different issues and therefore require different diagnostic and treatment methods.

In this article, we will talk about the differences between Ovarian cysts and PCOS. The experts at Sarvesh Health City, one of the best gynecology hospital in Hisar, suggest that besides being very different in nature, it is very important to take care of them on time.

The Difference Between Ovarian Cysts and PCOS

Ovarian cysts and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are frequently mistaken for one another because both can cause irregular periods, pelvic discomfort, acne, or weight changes. However, the similarity often ends there. A woman may develop ovarian cysts without having PCOS, and similarly, many women with PCOS do not have true ovarian cysts. The core distinction lies in hormonal imbalance, which is central to PCOS but not always present in ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cysts and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are commonly confused as the same things, as both can result in irregular periods, pelvic pain, acne, or weight changes. However, the resemblance usually stops there. Women may develop ovarian cysts without a diagnosis of PCOS, and similarly, women who have PCOS may not actually have ovarian cysts. The main difference is that PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, whereas this is not necessarily the case with ovarian cysts.

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic‍‌‍‍‌ ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition that disrupts the body’s metabolism and affects women worldwide. It is the main cause of disrupted ovulation and overproduction of androgens (male hormones), which in turn leads to abnormal menstrual function.

Key Diagnostic Criteria for PCOS

Doctors use the Rotterdam Criteria to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a set of global rules, commonly implemented in India. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when any two symptoms from the three categories mentioned below are observed, after ruling out hormonal or medical conditions:

  • Irregular menstruation, such as delayed cycles, skipped periods, or very infrequent menstruation, implies that the ovulation is irregular or absent.
  • Signs of elevated androgen levels, either through the visible symptoms such as persistent acne, hirsutism on the face or body, or laboratory tests showing elevated male hormone levels
  • Ultrasound changes in the ovaries, where the ovaries are large and have numerous small follicles along the ‍‌‍‍‌periphery

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS symptoms begin in teenage years and become more visible in early adulthood. However, lots of women do not show any symptoms, hence an early diagnosis without an expert’s evaluation is quite difficult. Typical symptoms are:

  • Period cycles that are irregular or completely absent.
  • Impotence caused by irregular or lack of ovulation making fertility difficult
  • Continuous acne and skin with excessive sebum production, particularly at the jawline and the cheeks
  • Development of coarse terminal hair on the face, chest, abdomen, or back (hirsutism) due to increased androgen levels.
  • Hair loss or hair thinning on the scalp, which resembles male-pattern hair loss
  • Unexplained weight gain, lethargy, and hard to lose weight which are usually symptoms of insulin ‍‌‍‍‌resistance

What Causes PCOS?

Polycystic‍‌‍‍‌ ovary syndrome (PCOS) that is not managed can result in health complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer. Although the reason behind PCOS is not known, a few factors leading to the condition are:

  • Inheritance of genes that increase the risk
  • Resistance to insulin and elevated insulin levels
  • Excess weight that further aggravates the hormonal ‍‌‍‍‌imbalance

How Is PCOS Managed?

While‍‌‍‍‌ PCOS cannot be permanently cured, the symptoms of the condition can be controlled with a tailored care plan, for instance, lifestyle changes. It is possible to bring back ovulation, make the body more sensitive to insulin, and reduce the symptoms caused by androgens even with small weight loss of 5–10% through diet and exercise.

Medications

Besides changes in lifestyle, specific drugs are prescribed depending on the symptoms and the pregnancy goals, such as:

  • Use of hormonal contraceptives to have regular periods
  • Metformin to correct insulin resistance
  • Use of ovulation-inducing drugs to achieve fertility
  • Anti-androgen therapy for acne and ‍‌‍‍‌hirsutism

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian‍‌‍‍‌ cysts are sacs filled with fluid that develop either on the surface or inside the ovaries. In contrast to PCOS, ovarian cysts do not necessarily affect hormones or ovulation. They are very common and often result as part of the normal menstrual cycle.

Ovarian cysts are of different kinds and include the following:

  • Functional cysts: The most common type and usually get healed by themselves
  • Corpus luteum cysts: Develop after ovulation
  • Follicular cysts: Happen when a follicle doesn’t release an egg

Endometriomas, cystadenomas, and teratomas: Rare but important from a medical ‍‌‍‍‌perspective

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Generally‍‌‍‍‌ ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms, however, if there are any cyst symptoms, they should be given a medical check-up immediately, which may be indicated as:

  • Sharp pain in the pelvic or lower part of the belly
  • Hardness in the abdomen due to gas or swelling
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Indigestion or pain in the back

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are most often found by a pelvic ultrasound. Depending on the age, symptoms and risk factors, the doctor may also suggest hormone panels or CA-125 blood tests in addition to localizing the problem.

In many cases, cysts go away on their own and they only need to be checked. If cysts are large, cause pain, have been there for a long time or are cancer-suspicious, an operation will be performed to remove ‍‌‍‍‌them.

Final Thoughts

Although‍‌‍‍‌ ovarian cysts and PCOS may sound similar, they are precisely different types of diseases that need separate treatment strategies. The prevention of complications and preserving fertility are very much dependent on the timely diagnosis, and expert care plays a vital role in diagnosis of these diseases.

When feeling any symptoms or not sure about the cause, it is better to have a consultation with the specialists at Sarvesh Health City, the best gynecology hospital in Hisar. Women with PCOS and ovarian cysts get the best possible care from the most qualified and experienced gynecologists here. The department is equipped with the latest technology for diagnostic imaging, therapy planning oriented towards fertility, and minimally invasive gynecological ‍‌‍‍‌surgeries.

FAQs

Q1. Are ovarian cysts always painful? 

Ans. Not necessarily. There are silent ovarian cysts of which the patients are unaware and these are sometimes found during routine scans.

Q2. Does PCOS worsen with age? 

Ans. The symptoms may change with time, particularly metabolic problems, but with correct management, the risks can be kept very low.

Q3. Can ovarian cysts become cancerous?

Ans. Although most of the cysts are non-cancerous., but complex cysts should be examined to confirm cancer absence.

Q4. When should I see a gynecologist for these conditions? 

Ans. You should check with medical team urgently if you experience persistent pelvic pain or abdominal pain, difficulty conceiving, and irregular periods. 

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Dr-Sarita
DR. SARITA KALRA

CO-CHAIRMAN & SR. OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNAECOLOGIST

Meet Dr. Sarita Kalra, Co-Chairman & Sr. Gynaecologist, trusted by thousands for expert care in women’s health. Book your appointment today!