KOCHI: PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a common condition affecting numerous teenage girls in the present scenario, causing obesity, irregular periods and excessive hair growth on face and body. Recent studies and researches reveal that a shocking 20% of teenagers are affected and the numbers even go up to 60% in some urban cities. PCOS results in abnormal spurt in hormones in the body which often leads to infertility and other metabolic disorders like diabetes and heart diseases.
The present dangerous trend in India, particularly of the fast food culture, which has seen a court due to mushrooming of a large number of fast food chains can become catastrophic. This could be one explanation for the recent rise in cases of PCOS among Indian teenage population.
The first annual world Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Conference held in Washington, USA highlighted scientific studies and discussions on PCOS. The selection of top 42 research fellows from all over the world, was impeccable. Some of the creative ideas that the expert doctors from around the globe shared are given below.
Women with PCOS suffer difficulty in conceiving, compared to women of the same age without PCOS and a higher rate of early miscarriages are reported, because of obesity, endometrial defects and hormonal imbalances.
One of the doctors presented a technique, in which immature eggs are collected from women with PCOS and is matured externally and used in IVF/ ICSI. This technique is probably going to be employed in the future treatments, as it helps in reducing injections and risks of hyper stimulation.
Expert doctors from various fields emphasized the side effects of PCOS on different parts of the body, dermatologists indicated that the quality of life is very badly affected by PCOS and dentists spoke about the connection between PCOS and gingival inflammation.
Many experts rightly pinpointed that exercise is an extraordinarily effective way to reduce systemic inflammation and lower oxidative stress and should be an integral part of every PCOS treatment program. Stress and anxiety have been found to suppress the ovarian and menstrual cycle and the treatment plan included acupuncture, diet, lifestyle, Chinese herbal medicine and supplements.
My presentation on long term management of PCOS highlighted that life style changes including diet, exercise and weight loss should precede any medicines. Protocols should be provided to doctors to assess cardiovascular disease(CVD) risks.
Recent studies suggests that Insulin-sensitising agents like metformin, which is commonly prescribed for PCOS does not seem to have any long-term benefits and should be restricted to only diabetic or glucose intolerant PCOS. Ovulation inducing agents like clomiphene should be used only for 6 to 12 months, as prolonged use of this medicine increases risk of cancer.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling will induce ovulation in 60% of the PCOS patients, so I believe, unnecessary use of medicines with side effects can be avoided in these cases.
I strongly emphasize that creating public health awareness on healthy eating and the necessity of regular exercise is very essential and should be included in the school curriculum. Specialised PCOS clinics with a trained team of doctors, dieticians, exercise specialists and counsellors is absolutely needed in proper long-term management of PCOS.