Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of people who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Let us find out in detail about this common problem.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in women. It is a condition which can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones and appearance. Ultrasonography shows 10-12 multiple follicles 8-10 mm in size usually arranged peripherally in the ovary. These women usually undergo decreased bleeding during menstruation with gradual increasing cycle length, acne, excessive hard hair around the areola. There may be long term health problems also.
Experts says, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female hormonal problem affecting 5-10% of women in their reproductive years. There are three important features have been associated with PCOS which includes irregular and delayed menses, increased male hormones and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination. At least two of the three criteria should be present to diagnose the patient as a case of PCOS.”
“PCOS is usually a genetic condition which is aggravated by environmental factors like junk food; excessive weight gain and sedentary life style which in seen in our modern era. So modern life style do aggravates the condition ..
Dr. tells us how PCOS can affect a women’s fertility, “The female who suffer from these syndromes have hormonal imbalance in their body. This is more so if the particular patient is also obese. Obesity increases the insulin resistance in the body leading to hyperinsulinaemia, which is the leading cause of increased male hormone and altered hormonal milieu in the body. Due to this hormonal imbalance the eggs are not formed and not released on time, leading to delayed menses or no menses. Obviously, if the eggs are not formed on time the female will also have difficulty in conceiving. If the patient is obese, the egg quality is also poor which leads to increased cost of treatment and also decreases the chances of pregnancy.
“PCOS belongs to diabetic family, so just like diabetes; PCOS also can be controlled but cannot be cured by any medicine. Some of the ways to control and cure PCOS are firstly, lifestyle modification- Healthy diet, Yoga, Exercise and Weight loss are the main stay of treatment. Even a 2-5% reduction in weight can lead to significant improvement in menstrual function. Secondly, there are drugs available which can control excessive hair growth and also lead to regular periods. Finally, If the patient is not able to conceive, medicines are given which leads to timely egg formation and pregnancy. Some patients may require higher forms of treatment like test tube baby (IVF). Medicines are prescribed according to the problem with which the patients present
