Differentiating Between PCOS and Endometriosis

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting around 10 percent of all women.

So what are the symptoms of PCOS? Well, one of the most common is irregular periods. You might also experience excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

PCOS is a complex condition, and there's still a lot we don't know about it. But we do know that it can cause long-term health problems if it's not treated. So if you think you might have PCOS, don't wait to get help.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women, where the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus.

This can cause pain, irregular periods, and infertility. Endometriosis is a common condition, affecting as many as one in 10 women.

If you think you might have endometriosis, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment options include medication and surgery.

How Are PCOS and Endometriosis Similar?

Let's start with how PCOS and endometriosis are similar. Both conditions are hormone-related, and both can cause infertility.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the ligaments that support the uterus.

This can lead to irregular or absent periods, acne, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and weight gain.

How Are PCOS and Endometriosis Different?

You may have heard of PCOS and endometriosis before, but do you know the difference between the two? Let's take a closer look.

PCOS is a condition that affects the ovaries, while endometriosis is a condition that affects the uterus. PCOS is characterized by cysts on the ovaries, while endometriosis is characterized by tissue that grows outside of the uterus.

PCOS is also characterized by irregular periods, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and obesity, while endometriosis is characterized by pelvic pain and infertility. So as you can see, there are some big differences between these two conditions.

Treatment for PCOS vs Endometriosis

So you've been diagnosed with PCOS and you're not sure what that means. You've heard of endometriosis, but you're not sure if that's what you have.

PCOS is an ovarian disorder that can cause infrequent or absent menstrual periods, infertility, and excess hair growth. The main treatment for PCOS is lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.

The main treatment for endometriosis is surgery.