The two common factors that affect women of reproductive years are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. While the two diseases may present some of the similar signs and symptoms including disorders in menstrual cycle and infertility, they should be handled as two different diseases. Knowing the major differences between PCOS vs Endometriosis will aid women in making wise decisions about their health and well-being.
What is Endometriosis and PCOS?
Both PCOS vs. endometriosis are a disorder in the female reproductive system however, the reason and symptoms differ in them.
- Endometriosis is the condition where endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus. This results in pain, infertility, and other problems.
- A hormonal disorder, PCOS results in irregular periods, excess male hormones (androgens), and cysts in the ovaries.
Symptoms of Endometriosis vs. PCOS
There are certain differences between several symptoms although both can cause heavy bleeding or difficulty in conceiving:
Endometriosis Symptoms
- Pelvic pain, particularly before or at the time of menstruation
- Feeling pain during urination or bowel movements during periods
- Feeling pain during or after sex
- Bleeding heavily for more than a week.
- Infertility
PCOS Symptoms
- Irregular or absent periods
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Difficulty losing weight
- Hair thinning or loss on the scalp
- Cysts on ovaries (detected via ultrasound)
How Common Are Endometriosis vs. PCOS?
- About 10–15% of women have endometriosis. The condition usually results from chronic pelvic pain.
- Among women, up to 5–20% suffer from PCOS, and it is responsible for anovulation or absence of ovulation.
Key Differences in Causes
If we take our time to analyze the cause of these two conditions, the following would be the distinctions between PCOS and endometriosis:
Endometriosis: Reasons
The cause of the it is not clear yet, but there are many things which can cause it to develop, like:
- Retrograde menstruation; this is a situation when there is backward flow of menstruation blood into the pelvic cavity
- Genetic factors or family history of endometriosis
- Immune system dysfunction
PCOS: Reasons
Many of the individuals with PCOS also have hormonal issues, among them:
- High levels of androgens, male hormones.
- This, in turn, leads to the reduction of insulin resistance which increases the insulin level in blood while having an impact on the ovaries.
- Genetic predisposition
What are The Available Options to Treat Endometriosis vs. PCOS
PCOS and Endometriosis are treated differently depending on each individual’s symptoms and causes of their condition.
Treatment for Endometriosis
- Medications like birth control pills to reduce estrogen
- Pain management with over-the-counter painkillers or prescribed medications
- Surgical removal of abnormal tissue (either by the excision of the tissue, or hysterectomy)
Treatment for PCOS
- Hormone-regulating medications such as birth control and fertility medications
- Managing weight with diet and exercise designed to help with insulin resistance
- Managing hirsutism and some other symptoms with acne or hair medications
- Laparoscopic surgery (ovarian drilling) to help stimulate ovulation in some cases
For a detailed explanation of PCOS vs. Endometriosis and the treatment options, Dr. T. Rajeshwari Reddy has created a video in detail with her insights. Check it Out.
When to See A Doctor?
If you are looking for PCOS Treatment in Hyderabad, Dr. T Rajeshwari Reddy is specializing in treating the people differently based on their symptoms. She offers comprehensive care for patients of PCOS whether suffering from symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, or excessive hair growth.
Can You Have Both Conditions?
You can have endometriosis and PCOS both. Some research has indicated that women with PCOS may possess a greater risk of developing endometriosis potentially for the reason the two disorders have common risk factors, such as hormonal imbalances.
If you suspect that you have both conditions, seek a healthcare provider’s help for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Conclusion
To sum up, PCOS vs. Endometriosis are important issues that can significantly impair the health of a woman. Both have some similar symptoms such as menstrual issues and infertility but are caused for different reasons and treated differently. Seeking professional advice from an expert doctor such as Dr. T. Rajeshwari Reddy, is important if you experience the symptoms of this condition.
Keep in mind that early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the management of both PCOS and endometriosis.
