The world of infertility and infertility treatment is complicated. There are many diseases, disorders, and just as many treatments out there. Therefore, it is easy to mistake one for another. Among many such confusing issues, PCOS and ovarian cysts are two of the most common issues and two of the issues where one is often mistaken for another. After all, both Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Ovarian Cyst share similar names and some overlapping symptoms. But you do have to note that both of these issues are completely different and should be treated as such. However, the question here is, what is the difference between PCOS and ovarian cysts? If you are someone who has this question, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we provide you with a general breakdown of PCOS and ovarian cysts, along with their key differences. In addition to this, we shall also provide you with some additional information, such as if you can have PCOS without cysts and if either one impacts fertility. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
Before we go into the details about the differences, let's first start with the definitions. The first definition that we shall cover is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS for short. So, what is PCOS? It is a rather common hormonal disorder that affects women who are of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce excess levels of male hormones. Now, while some levels of androgen (male hormone) are perfectly fine when this hormone is produced in excess amounts, it disrupts the normal ovulation cycle and can even lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, infertility, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. This hormonal imbalance is also related to issues such as insulin resistance, which is further linked with the increase of type 2 diabetes and other forms of metabolic issues.
Now, do note that the exact cause of PCOS still remains to be determined. However, it is linked to factors such as genetics, insulin resistance, and lifestyle. The good news here is that you can manage it through lifestyle changes, medication, and hormone therapy.
Since PCOS is essentially a hormonal imbalance, there is a hormonal chart that the doctors use for reference. While the exact chart is complicated, the following is a generalized version of the hormonal chart, more commonly known as the PCOS level chart.
| Hormone | Normal Range | PCOS Range |
| LH (Luteinizing Hormone) | 5-20 mIU/mL | Higher than FSH, often elevated |
| FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) | 5-20 mIU/mL | Lower or normal relative to LH |
| Testosterone (Total) | 15-70 ng/dL | Elevated |
| Estrogen (Estradiol - E2) | 30-400 pg/mL (varies by cycle phase) | Can be normal or slightly high |
| Progesterone | <1 ng/mL (follicular phase), 5-20 ng/mL (luteal phase) | Often low due to lack of ovulation |
| Insulin | 2-25 µIU/mL | Elevated (insulin resistance) |
Now, do note that this is just a general chart, and the normal levels of hormones differ from person to person.
After the definition of PCOS, let's talk about ovarian cysts. So, what even is an ovarian cyst? Well, in simple words, an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside the ovaries. Do note that not all ovarian cysts are harmful. Rather, they are common, and many women develop ovarian cysts during their development phase. Many ovarian cysts form during or after a normal menstrual cycle, and they disappear on their own without any form of treatment. However, some ovarian cysts can cause pain, bloating, or complications such as twisting or rupture of ovaries in a painful issue known as ovarian torsion.
You should also note that these cysts vary widely in size, type and cause. Many of these cysts go unnoticed since they do not really cause any form of pain or discomfort. That said, those that do cause pain or are abnormal in size do require medical attention.
Now, you should also note that not all cysts are the same. But what are these types? Some of the major types of ovarian cysts are as follows:
As mentioned prior, most of the ovarian cysts are rather harmless and do not do anything. However, if they cause you pain, or bloating, we recommend you to contact your nearest fertility expert immediately.
Read More: Poor Egg Quality Symptoms: How to Recognize Them Early
Now that we know what PCOS and Ovarian cysts are in general, let's talk about some of their key differences. Now, as you might have seen from what we have discussed so far, while both PCOS and Ovarian Cysts have a variety of ovaries and cysts in their name, the similarity ends just about there. Now, the question here is, what are their differences? Well, some of the key differences are as follows:
The first difference between PCOS and Ovarian cysts is naturally their definition. We have already covered this aspect in our previous two headings, so we shall keep it short here.
PCOS is defined as a hormonal disorder that is characterized by infrequent periods, high levels of androgen levels, and multiple small follicles in the ovaries, which results in interference with ovulation. It is a chronic condition that is associated with metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and infertility.
Ovarian Cyst, on the other hand, is essentially a sac that forms on or inside the ovary. These forms of cysts can be either related to the menstrual cycle or caused by conditions such as endometriosis. Now, you should also note that most ovarian cysts are harmless and are resolved on their own, with only some requiring treatments.
After discussing the definition of PCOS and ovarian cyst, let's now discuss the difference between the key symptoms of PCOS and ovarian cyst. Now do note that while they do share a few symptoms here and there, the key symptoms are completely different. Following are the key symptoms of PCOS and ovarian cysts.
Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms of Ovarian Syndrome
The third difference that we shall discuss here is the diagnosis of PCOS and Ovarian cyst. As you may have guessed, they are not diagnosed the same. Following are the differences regarding the diagnosis of PCOS and Ovarian Cyst.
Diagnosis of PCOS
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cyst
Now, do note that the ones we mentioned here are just some of the key ways in which PCOS and Ovarian Cysts are diagnosed. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there are other ways to diagnose these issues as well.
Last but not least, let’s finally talk about the difference in treatment for PCOS and Ovarian Cysts. Since these two are indeed different issues, their treatment option naturally differs as well. Following are the key treatment options for PCOS and Ovarian Cyst
Treatment for PCOS
Treatment for Ovarian Cyst
These are the key differences between PCOS and Ovarian Cysts. Now, to make it easier for you, the following is the tabular representation of these differences.
|
Difference |
PCOS |
Ovarian Cyst |
|
Definition |
A hormonal disorder characterized by infrequent periods, high levels of androgen, and multiple small follicles in the ovaries, interfering with ovulation. It is a chronic condition linked to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and infertility. |
A sac that forms on or inside the ovary. It can be related to the menstrual cycle or caused by conditions like endometriosis. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, with only some requiring treatment. |
|
Symptoms |
|
|
|
Diagnosis |
|
|
|
Treatment |
|
|
As we near the end of this topic, let's cover some common questions regarding PCOS and Ovarian Cysts quickly. One of the most common questions regarding PCOS is, “Can you have PCOS without Cysts?”
The simple answer to this question is yes, you can. You can have PCOS without having any form of cysts on your ovaries. Now, although this issue does have cysts in its name, not all women with PCOS have cysts. The primary indicator of PCOS is the irregularities in hormones alongside irregular or absent periods.
So, when you take an ultrasound, even if you do not see any forms of cysts, you can have PCOS.
This is another one of the key questions regarding PCOS and Ovarian Cysts: do either one of these conditions impact fertility? The simple answer to this question is, “Yes, they do.” Rather, both PCOS and Ovarian Cysts can and do impact fertility.
PCOS essentially causes hormonal imbalance, which interferes with normal hormonal signals that are needed for ovulation. At the same time, it can also cause irregular menstrual cycles, which can lead to irregular or absent ovulation. PCOS can also contribute to insulin resistance, which can further lead to weight gain, negatively affecting fertility. Another key way PCOS affects fertility is by increasing the chances of miscarriage.
On the other hand, some forms of ovarian cysts, such as endometriomas or large cysts, can put pressure on the ovaries, which can affect ovulation and fertility.
The world of infertility is vast, and there are many factors that can contribute to infertility, such as PCOS and Ovarian Cysts. Now, although both PCOS and Ovarian Cysts may sound similar and even share some similarities, they are not the same. But they are easily mistaken for one another and because of this, it is important to know the difference between these two.
In this blog, we provided you with key differences between PCOS and Ovarian Cysts along with some additional information. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of infertility and reproductive health, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best treatment for PCOS, Ovarian Cyst or infertility, look no further than Hardik IVF and Fertility Center - the best IVF center in Nepal.
Thank you for reading till the end.
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Ovarian cysts typically do not cause hair loss directly; however, if the cyst is associated with hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hair loss may occur due to elevated androgen levels.
The key difference lies in their definitions: PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods and elevated androgen levels, while ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, hormonal levels, and ultrasound results.
Yes, it is possible to have both PCOS and ovarian cysts simultaneously, as PCOS can lead to the formation of multiple small follicles, which can be referred to as cysts. These cysts are typically benign and can coexist with the hormonal irregularities of PCOS.
In most cases, having a functional ovarian cyst does not affect fertility, and many women can conceive while having one. However, if the cyst is large or associated with other complications, it may require medical evaluation.
Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant, although they may face challenges due to irregular ovulation. Many treatment options are available to help regulate cycles and improve fertility in women with PCOS.
While ovarian cysts can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, they generally do not stop periods entirely. However, if a cyst affects hormone levels or causes significant discomfort, it may lead to irregular or missed periods.
Warning signs of an ovarian cyst may include sudden, severe pelvic pain, bloating, pressure in the abdomen, or changes in menstrual patterns. If these symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation.
Cysts larger than 5-10 centimeters, persistent cysts that do not resolve, or those suspected to be cancerous may warrant removal. The decision to remove a cyst should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual symptoms and circumstances.