Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : June 5, 2015 11:46 AM IST
A recent study has pointed out the PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome affects 1 out of every 4 women worldwide. In India, nearly 40% of women in their reproductive age could be affected by the same. The sad news is that the condition can be detected earlier yet it remains undiagnosed for a major part of adolescence because of lack of awareness. The biggest manifestation of PCOS is infertility that poses a major challenge to gynaecologists and creates trouble while planning a baby too.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is most commonly seen hormonal disorder in females which is characterized by multiple cysts (fluid filled sacs) in the ovaries. This leads to abnormal hormonal levels, which results in irregular menses (menstrual cycle), infertility and other severe long term health complications like unexplained weight gain, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, etc. Moreover, PCOS also presents cosmetic woes to women that include acne, skin tags, hair thinning and excessive hair growth on face and back.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Infertility is one of the most common PCOS symptoms. Because the symptoms of PCOS are seemingly unrelated to one another, the condition is often overlooked and undiagnosed. Major causes of PCOS are undefined but the factor may play a role are excess insulin, low-grade inflammation or heredity.
How does PCOS affect women?
September is observed as PCOS Awareness Month globally. In an extensive online and offline campaign to spread awareness about PCOS, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a India s leading multinational chain of diagnostic centers, conducted a comprehensive study on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) to observe trends of PCOS cases in Mumbai. In order to understand the intensity of the disease in Mumbai, Metropolis Healthcare conducted an inclusive study on 738 samples processed in 2014. Their findings pointed out that:
Adding on the study Dr. Sonali Kolte from Metropolis Healthcare said, Early diagnosis is extremely important in PCOS because women can take complete control and charge of their health. If effectively managed, women can undergo a hassle free fertility phase. However, if PCOS is left undiagnosed, it may lead to many health complications that include obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart problems and cancer of the uterine lining. It is important to observe the symptoms and talk to the doctor about it.
Commenting on how PCOS affects other aspects of woman s health Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, V.P. Medical Services & R&D, Kaya Skin Clinic said, Hormonal conditions like PCOS have direct physical impact which can be mentally traumatic. These conditions can be managed, provided you reach out to an expert for timely help to take care of constant hormonal fluctuations you're exposed to.
PCOS and its influence on quality of life is an issue that needs to be taken seriously, as this syndrome affects many women across the world. With diagnosis of PCOS it is reasonable to say that a patient may have anxiety. Proper disease treatment and living a better life depends directly on early diagnosis, thereby making it possible to avoid long term metabolic complications and cardiovascular diseases.
Image courtesy:Getty Images
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