Uterine fibroids and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), what's the difference?

Uterine fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two of the many diseases that occur in the female reproductive system. Although both are related to hormones, cause menstrual disorders, and need to be treated medically, uterine fibroids and PCOS actually have a number of differences.

Diseases of the female reproductive system often exhibit characteristics similar to one another.

In fact, each condition has various impacts so that it needs to be handled with different methods. The same is true of uterine fibroids and PCOS.

Difference between uterine fibroids and PCOS

Uterine fibroids and PCOS can be differentiated based on their causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment methods.

However, it is possible that women who have uterine fibroids may exhibit PCOS characteristics or vice versa.

As an illustration, here are the differences between uterine fibroids and PCOS.

1. Definition

Uterine fibroids are abnormal tissue that grows on the uterine wall. This tissue is composed of cells that divide to become tumors. Fibroids are usually benign, but about 1 in 1000 uterine fibroids can develop into cancer.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a collection of disorders associated with high levels of androgen hormones in women. The high level of androgens triggers the growth of many small cysts on the ovaries so that ovarian function is impaired.

2. Causes

The exact cause of uterine fibroids and PCOS is not known, but there are differences between the risk factors for the two. Referring to Mayo Clinic, uterine fibroids may be related to the following conditions:

Changes in genes in the muscle cells that make up the uterus.
Imbalance in the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
There are substances that stimulate abnormal cell division.
The presence of an extracellular matrix that causes cells to stick together and form fibroids.

Meanwhile, PCOS is thought to be associated with the following factors:

Excess androgen hormones in the body.
The presence of certain genes increases the risk of PCOS.
Excess insulin, which is a hormone that converts sugar into energy reserves. Excess insulin can increase androgen production.
Persistent, mild inflammation of the body.

3. Symptoms

Another difference between uterine fibroids and PCOS lies in the symptoms. Both uterine fibroids and PCOS cause menstrual disorders, but these two conditions also cause other specific symptoms.

Uterine fibroids are generally characterized by symptoms such as:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Menstruation that lasts more than a week
Pain or pressure sensation in the pelvis
Pain during intercourse
Urinating frequently
Bloating and constipation

PCOS is a syndrome, or in other words, a collection of symptoms. Therefore, PCOS symptoms are usually more variable than uterine fibroids, for example:

Irregular menstruation or no menstruation at all
Excessive body hair growth
Weight gain
Oily or acne-prone skin
Thin hair and loss

4. Complications

The different symptoms of uterine fibroids and PCOS have different implications for complications.

Although not dangerous, heavy periods due to uterine fibroids can cause anemia. In addition, uterine fibroids can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Meanwhile, unmanaged PCOS can cause complications in the form of:

Difficulty getting pregnant, miscarriage, or giving birth to premature babies
Depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension and high cholesterol
Sleep disturbance
Cervical cancer

5. Handling

If uterine fibroids aren't causing symptoms, you may just need to monitor their progress. However, with certain considerations, the doctor may prescribe medication, recommend the use of an IUD (spiral), or perform surgery.

For women with PCOS, the focus of treatment is to manage symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a healthy lifestyle to keep your body weight ideal.

Ideal body weight can support health, drug function, and even help fertility problems.

The type of drug given is tailored to your complaint. To treat menstrual problems, you may need birth control pills or progestin therapy. If you have a problem with excess hair, the type of medicine is of course different.

Uterine fibroids and PCOS both affect the female reproductive system, but there are differences between the two.

Understanding these differences will make it easier for you to manage your symptoms and undergo treatment.