{"id":18574,"date":"2020-12-16T08:07:30","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T07:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=18574"},"modified":"2020-12-16T08:07:30","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T07:07:30","slug":"endometriosis-and-pcos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s The Difference Between Endometriosis and PCOS?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometriosis and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are two of the most well known gynecological issues discussed in reproductive health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they are two very different ailments, they can have similar symptoms and are often thrown around in the same conversations, confusing one with the other. Knowing the difference between the two gives you a clearer understanding of potential reproductive health issues, what symptoms to look out for, and how to advocate for yourself when speaking to a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s clear up the confusion once and for all, and learn what the difference is between endometriosis and PCOS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How are PCOS and Endometriosis Similar?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While very rare, it is possible to have both conditions at the same time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both disorders are difficult to pinpoint, and sometimes people go years with symptoms before getting a proper diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they are different disorders, they can have quite a few similarities or overlaps.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Irregular Periods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Both disorders can cause irregular periods or spotting between cycles. This is more common in people with PCOS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Heavy Bleeding: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When people with these disorders do have their period, it may include extremely heavy bleeding. This is not the case for everyone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Fertility Issues: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both disorders can cause heartbreaking difficulties getting pregnant. In the case of PCOS, the body isn\u2019t ovulating on a regular basis, which means fewer chances of conceiving. While tissue damage from endometriosis can complicate conceiving or lead to infertility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Mood Fluctuations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with any sort of chronic illness, especially one that can cause extreme pain and fertility issues, have a greater chance of having mental health issues or mood fluctuations. For people with PCOS, it may be more because of hormonal imbalances, whereas for people with endometriosis, it may be more due to chronic pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How are PCOS and Endometriosis Different?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The root causes of PCOS and endometriosis are very different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the exact cause of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5737931\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endometriosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is unknown, it develops when the lining of the uterus, endometrium, grows outside of it. Tissues then become trapped in the pelvic area and abdomen, leading to scarring and lesions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest symptom associated with endometriosis is pain. Excruciating cramps and pain during menstruation, which may or may not be regular. This pain may be incapacitating, and can also cause nausea and vomiting. People with endometriosis may also experience pelvic pain before and during their period, as well as when defecating, having sex, and urinating. They may also have stomach cramps, as well as pelvic pain during their daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medscape.com\/answers\/256806-26791\/what-is-the-prevalence-of-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos-in-the-us#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20polycystic,prevalence%20of%204%2D12%25.&amp;text=Up%20to%2010%25%20of%20women,to%20be%206.5%2D8%25.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, on the other hand, is a hormonal condition where the ovaries and adrenal glands produce excess male hormones, like testosterone. This imbalance of hormones throws off the menstrual cycle leading to sporadic periods, that occur anywhere from every few months to only a couple times a year. When people with PCOS do menstruate, their periods may be long, heavy, and painful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These hormone imbalances can also lead to acne and excess facial and body hair, which is typically dark and course. People are most likely to grow it on their chin, upper lip, neck, back, stomach and chest. Increased insulin production may also cause excess weight gain. Their symptoms may appear starting at their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/5-signs-first-period\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first period<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Which is More Common?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometriosis affects an estimated <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5737931\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% to 15%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of women and people with vaginas who are of reproductive age. For the same demographic, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medscape.com\/answers\/256806-26791\/what-is-the-prevalence-of-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos-in-the-us#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20polycystic,prevalence%20of%204%2D12%25.&amp;text=Up%20to%2010%25%20of%20women,to%20be%206.5%2D8%25.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affects between 4%-12% of people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While endometriosis is more common, or at least more commonly diagnosed, they both remain two of the most prevalent gynecological disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What Are The Differences in Treatment?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first go-to treatment for both disorders is usually <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/effects-for-new-birth-control-takers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormonal birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can help regulate people\u2019s cycles and make their periods more manageable. It\u2019s important to note that because most birth controls work by suppressing ovulation, just because someone has a regular cycle on them, does not mean it will help with fertility issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS is usually treated on a symptom by symptom basis, and managed with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and supplements, as well as other forms of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/hormone-replacement-therapy-menopause\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormone therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometriosis can also be managed with the use of painkillers during menstruation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/cannabis-and-reproductive-health\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannabis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has also been shown to be helpful in not only pain management, but also possibly stopping endometriosis from developing further. In severe cases, surgical removal of excess endometrial lining may be necessary, as well as the possibility of a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hysterectomy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hysterectomy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may or may not include the removal of the ovaries. There are also helpful tools for people who experience pain during sex with endometriosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making healthy lifestyle choices in terms of diet, exercise, and supplements is important for managing both conditions. People also may get relief from holistic health providers and treatments like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/acupuncture\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acupuncture<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><b>How to Get Help<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect you may have endometriosis or PCOS, the first step is to reach out to your provider. Be sure to be as detailed as possible when discussing your symptoms, including about your bathroom habits and sex life. If you are able to track your periods and symptoms over a few months, it will be helpful to have that information handy when seeking treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are two of the most well known gynecological issues discussed in reproductive health. Although they are two very different ailments, they can have similar&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":18575,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.12 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What\u2019s The Difference Between Endometriosis and PCOS?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are two of the most well known gynecological issues discussed in reproductive health.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Natasha Weiss\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natasha Weiss\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b6c60ecf47ec06a36c4b2f175253c5ff\"},\"headline\":\"What\u2019s The Difference Between Endometriosis and PCOS?\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-16T07:07:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-12-16T07:07:30+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\"},\"wordCount\":859,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Women's Health\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\",\"name\":\"What\u2019s The Difference Between Endometriosis and PCOS?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-16T07:07:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-12-16T07:07:30+00:00\",\"description\":\"Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), are two of the most well known gynecological issues discussed in reproductive health.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/endometriosis-and-pcos\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Intimina\",\"description\":\"A Health and Wellness Resource for Women\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Intimina\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/INTIMINA_logo-02.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/INTIMINA_logo-02.png\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":543,\"caption\":\"Intimina\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/intimina\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intimina\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/intimina\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/intimina\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCR_3_GPO6pkhDiFU9TZRdYA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b6c60ecf47ec06a36c4b2f175253c5ff\",\"name\":\"Natasha Weiss\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b65d7a92be626bc22ff8eb7ad41dbf0c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/b65d7a92be626bc22ff8eb7ad41dbf0c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Natasha Weiss\"},\"description\":\"Natasha (she\/her) is a full-spectrum doula and health+wellness copywriter. 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