Aisha Rana was only 28, but she carried the toughness of someone twice her age.
She was an SHO in Delhi Police, trained to chase criminals, handle long nights, tense situations, and unpredictable duty hours – yet she never imagined she would one day struggle to understand the difference between PCOS and PCOD and how it was affecting her own body.
But there was one thing she couldn’t chase or control her own body, Irregular periods, Sudden acne, Weight gain, Hair fall, Mood swings,
And three words she never thought she would hear in her life:
Her colleague suggested, “You might have PCOS or PCOD.”
Aisha was brave on duty, but inside… she felt scared. Finally, she walked into Dr. Ananya’s clinic, hoping for answers.
Aisha sat down, still in her uniform, She tried to hide her stress, but her tired eyes told the truth.
“Doctor,” she sighed, “my duty hours are crazy. My periods are always late. Sometimes two months, sometimes three. Is something seriously wrong with me?”
Dr. Ananya smiled gently.
“Aisha, nothing is ‘wrong’ with you. Your body is just asking for help.”
She explained PCOS and PCOD in a simple way
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease)
- Ovaries release too many immature eggs.
- This creates small cysts.
- More common and easier to manage.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- A hormonal disorder.
- Periods become very irregular.
- Causes acne, hair fall, weight issues.
- Slightly more serious than PCOD.
Aisha raised her eyebrows.
“So PCOD is like a traffic jam… and PCOS is like a full roadblock?”
Dr. Ananya laughed,
“Exactly! One slows the system, the other stops it for a while.”
Aisha smiled for the first time that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main difference between PCOS and PCOD?
PCOD is about ovaries making extra immature eggs; PCOS is a hormone imbalance affecting the whole body.
Q2: Which one is more serious?
PCOS is more serious, but both can be managed well.
Q3: Can stress and long work hours make it worse?
Yes. Stress, night shifts, and uneven sleep can trigger symptoms.
Problems Caused by PCOS/PCOD
Aisha took a deep breath.
“Doctor, honestly… I am tired. My job is tough. My body feels tougher.” Dr. Ananya nodded gently.
“PCOS and PCOD affect many areas, especially when duty schedules are irregular like yours.”
She listed the common problems:
Irregular or Missing Periods due to PCOS/PCOD
Aisha’s biggest struggle due to night shifts and stress.
Acne & Skin Issues
“Like I’m 16 again,” Aisha joked sadly.
Weight Gain & Belly Fat
Even though she trained daily, it felt impossible to lose weight.
Hair Fall & Hair Growth on Face
“Doctor, I catch criminals every day… but can’t catch my falling hair!”
Mood Swings & Anxiety
Emotional breakdowns she never showed at work.
Trouble Getting Pregnant
This fear lived in her heart silently.
Aisha whispered, “Doctor, does this mean I can’t become a mother?”
Dr. Ananya placed a hand on hers and said:
“Of course you can. PCOS and PCOD make it harder, not impossible.
Many women with these conditions become mothers naturally or with support.”
Tears filled Aisha’s eyes this time from relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does PCOS/PCOD affect pregnancy?
It can make conception slower, but most women still get pregnant.
Q2: Are irregular periods a serious sign?
Yes, they show that ovulation is not happening regularly.
Q3: Can working women with night duty get PCOS more easily?
Yes. Poor sleep and stress can disturb hormones.
Is PCOS and PCOD Curable? What Are the Solutions?
Aisha asked,
“Doctor, please be honest… is PCOS curable?” Dr. Ananya replied with care:
PCOS cannot be fully cured, but it can be fully controlled. PCOD is easier, and it improves with lifestyle changes.
Understanding the difference between PCOS and PCOD helps women choose the right approach to treatment and manage symptoms better.
Then she shared a plan made just for Aisha:
Solution Plan for PCOS and PCOD
Lifestyle Changes
Small steps, big results.
- Walk 30 minutes daily
- Stretch after long duty hours
- Avoid long gaps between meals
- Cut sugary drinks
- Sleep before midnight whenever possible
Aisha laughed, “Sleeping before midnight? Doctor, I fight thieves at that time!”
Dr. Ananya smiled, “We will balance it as best as we can.”
Diet Changes
Not strict just simple.
- More fruits, veggies, nuts
- Less fried food
- More water
- Less packaged snacks
- Regular meal timings
Medicines (If Needed)
For hormones, periods, acne or weight.
Mental Health Care
PCOS affects the mind too.
- Deep breathing
- Weekend breaks
- Talking to loved ones
- Saying “no” to overwork sometimes
Aisha nodded, “I never thought my mind needed treatment as much as my body.”
Support for Pregnancy
If needed in future:
- Ovulation medicines
- IUI or IVF
- Healthy eggs can still be formed
“You will be a mother one day,” Dr. Ananya reassured. For the first time, Aisha felt peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is PCOS curable?
Not completely, but it can be controlled very well.
Q2: Is PCOD curable?
Yes, with lifestyle changes and treatment.
Q3: Can women with PCOS become pregnant?
Yes. Many do naturally or with medical help.
Conclusion
Two months later, Aisha came for a follow-up with a bright smile. “My periods are regular now… and I feel like I got myself back.”
Dr. Ananya smiled proudly. “You didn’t just treat PCOS, Aisha. You fought it just like you fight crime.”
Aisha laughed, “Well, this criminal (PCOS) was harder than the real ones.” Both women smiled.
This story reminds us:
- PCOS/PCOD is not your fault.
- It can be managed beautifully.
- Pregnancy is possible.
- With the right doctor and right care, life becomes normal again.
Just like Aisha, every woman deserves to feel strong, hopeful, and heard.