What is the Difference?
A common confusion among women, is understanding the difference between having polycystic ovaries (PCO) and having been diagnosed with a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
PCO refers to an ultrasound scan image of the ovaries that appear to be polycystic (ovaries containing high density of partially mature follicles).
PCOS is a metabolic condition that may or may not come with having polycystic ovaries.
PCOS Without PCO
PCO is more common than PCOS and a patient maybe diagnosed with PCOS without PCO.
For example she may have PCOS with the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Increased male hormone in the blood test or associated symptoms such as extra hair growth or acne.
Other conditions such as thyroid or pituitary dysfunction need to be excluded before PCOS diagnosis is made.
Similar Names But Different Risks & Treatments
The risks and medical treatments may be very different.
Issue
PCOS
PCO
Who Does it Affect
12-18% of women of reproductive age, (70% remain undiagnosed)
Up to 33% of women of childbearing age having polycystic ovaries on ultrasound and no other symptoms.
Type of Disorder
A metabolic disorder associated with an unbalanced hormone levels released by the woman’s ovaries
Not a disease but a variant of normal ovaries
Effects
Developing associated short and long-term effects
Dissimilar profile
Associated Risks
Diabetes, pregnancy complications (ie. gestational diabetes), cardiovascular disease, obesity and endometrial cancer.
Dissimilar profile
Early Symptoms
Evident early in life
No symptoms and often discovered by chance
Genetic Nature
Can show symptoms (acne, excess hair growth etc.) in teen years, due to metabolic disturbance
May show early but mostly discovered incidentally during health checks in older women
Causes
Linked to a hormonal disorder
Cysts may be caused by a variety of reasons
Hormonal Balance Disturbance
Causing high insulin release stimulating production of androgens from the ovary disturbing ovulation.
Undisturbed, with typically normal hormonal balance and continued regular ovulation
Fertility
Struggles with infertility and have problems falling pregnant
Conception may not be difficult
Miscarriage Rate
Higher
Normal