VIJAYAWADA: Sedentary lifestyle, stress, unhealthy eating habits and obesity are leading to significant rise in the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) among urban women, which is one of the major reasons for rising infertility in the State.
According to gynaecologists, PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones -- estrogen and progesterone -- are out of balance.
This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can affect patient’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function and appearance.
“Once a women is diagnosed of PCOS, they have to realise that it is never going to be cured completely and the best way the side effects can be kept at bay is through medication, regular exercise and diet control,” said A Pallavi, gynaecologist at Pallavi Nursing Home. Women with PCOS are at high risk of uterine, ovarian, endometrial and breast cancers. “Their body tends to have higher than normal estrogen levels which can trigger these cancers,” Pallavi said.
“Undiagnosed PCOS can lead to infertility and in the long term, several health complications which can be attributed to other factors as well,” said G Saradha, a gynaecologist.
She said her hospital witness at least 10- 15 young women per day seeking medical help for PCOS. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent health-related problems. Medical tests like testosterone test along with a host of other tests like blood sugar, insulin, FSH and LH can diagnose the disease, she added.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where imbalance in hormones - estrogen and progesterone - lead to cyst formation in the ovary. “PCOS is a vicious cycle. Abnormal hormone level leads to cyst in the ovary which further leads to hormonal imbalance, obesity and problems linked with fertility,” say gynaecologists.
Causes
The exact cause of PCOS is not known. Gynaecologists believe that hormonal imbalance and genetics play a key role. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition. Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen. This can affect their development and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin may lead to high androgen levels
Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS typically start soon after a woman begins to menstruate for the first time. The type and severity of symptoms varies from person to person.
It includes
Excess hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs
or toes
Decrease in breast size
Deeper voice
Hair loss
Infertility
Diagnosis
There is no definite test for PCOS. While gynaecologists suggest that blood test and thyroid test will help determine the severity of the case. A vaginal ultrasound will give real-time images of the reproductive organs in women to provide better medical care.