KOCHI: As I am actively involved in creating world wide awareness on PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), I was invited to speak at the second world congress on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) that took place at Orlando, USA, in October 2016. I would like to share few important topics discussed in the meeting. During the course of the conference, one of the doctors educated the audience about the part fenugreek plays in controlling and preventing PCOS. Fenugreek is a spice commonly found in Indian kitchen cabinets and is an integral part of our cooking. In Ayurvedic texts, it is mentioned as a cure for diabetes and some other ailments. The extract from fenugreek may soon be available in the form of medicine for treatment of PCOS, as these are devoid of any hormones or side effects. So my belief that Ayurveda can aid in the treatment of PCOS was corroborated by this presentation.
The role of physical activity in tackling PCOS was underlined by the integrated medical expert Dr Robert Tygenhof. He strongly advocated that thirty minutes of different combinations of physical exercises daily or at least during weekdays can do wonders in controlling PCOS and help steer clear from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart problems.
Another interesting study was presented by a doctor from Spain. He showcased an advanced endoscopic procedure using fertiloscope. It sounded like a very good substitute for the laparoscopic drilling as the time and cost involved was lesser. While laparoscopy needs a small abdominal cut, in this procedure fertiloscope is inserted through the vagina avoiding an abdominal scar.
It was interesting to know that ‘Letrozole’, a tablet banned in India because of fear of teratogenicity, is indeed better than its counterpart drug ‘Clomiphene’ for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS. The
research reveals that Letrozole gave better results in ovulation, conceiving and successful child birth. So it is high time we reconsider the ban on this medicine. Another fascinating subject matter was microbiomes (bacteria which live inside our body, especially in the gut). The number of these good bacteria present in our gut and other parts of body are reduced considerably with the excess use of antibiotics and combined contraceptives.
Too much processed food is bad for the microbiomes as the food lacks appropriate fibre content. Anti-bacterial products like hand washes and sanitizers can kill these helpful bacteria and a reduced number of microbiomes will cause imbalance to the healthy functioning of body.
We can bring back the lost good bacteria back into our system with the intake of healthy food and making some lifestyle changes. Fermented food like curd has prebiotics in it and this can help grow back the lost microbiomes in your gut. Fibre rich foods, especially raw banana and plantain are excellent for growth of our friends living inside us.
Dr Anita Mani, (MRCOG, London) Infertility Specialist Gift IVF Centre (PCOS Clinic)