What are the main differences between ovarian cysts and PCOS?

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How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

The primary difference between ovarian cysts and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is that PCOS results from substantial hormonal imbalance, while it’s not the same with ovarian cysts. Also, a woman can have multiple ovarian cysts without suffering from PCOS.

What are ovarian cysts?

An ovarian cyst forms when the sac in which eggs grow does not break open, and the fluid inside the sac forms a cyst in the ovary. This condition is called a follicle cyst. Moreover, the sac often dissolves once the egg is released. However, sometimes the sac does not dissolve, and it collects fluid to form a cyst. This condition is called a Corpus Luteum Cyst. Other cysts in the ovaries are dermoid cysts, cystadenomas and endometriomas.

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. It has a prevalence rate between 6% to 20% among women in their reproductive age.

PCOS can increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. It can also heighten the risk of certain psychological disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, etc. As the name, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome suggests, ‘poly’ means many, and ‘cysts’ refer to the fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries. A female with PCOS has many fluid-filled cysts in her ovaries. However, some women with PCOS do not have cysts in the ovary.

What is the difference between PCOS and ovarian cysts?

PCOS is a metabolic condition that may or may not be associated with ovarian cysts. Although there may be some similarities in the names, they are distinct in terms of their outcomes, risks and treatment approaches.

Ovarian cysts can be a normal occurrence in a woman’s ovary, which might be present at birth or form with normal hormonal changes and no symptoms. In contrast, PCOS is a diagnosed endocrine condition with several symptoms and short and long-term consequences. Lastly, conception with ovarian cysts may not be difficult, but with PCOS, it is difficult, and women also have a higher risk of miscarriage in this.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

How can I differentiate between PCOS and ovarian cysts?
PCOS results from hormonal imbalance, while ovarian cysts may be present at birth or can occur due to normal hormonal changes. The “cysts” in PCOS are not true cysts as they are immature follicles that are not ovulated and are present in the ovary. In fact, a woman with PCOS may not even have any cysts at all.

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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