Polycystic ovary syndrome commonly known as PCOS is a disorder affecting a woman’s hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce a higher amount of male hormones (androgen) than the normal. This hormone imbalance causes skipping of menstrual periods and may result in infertility and other reproductive problems.
Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries containing a small collection of fluids called cyst. The cysts are not harmful but can lead to hormonal imbalances. The common symptoms of the condition include facial hair growth, decreased volume of scalp hair, increased acne, obesity, irregular and scanty periods. PCOS in older women could even lead to cancer of the uterus, cardiac disease and type 2 diabetes.
In India, one in every four young women is said to have PCOS. The disease is said to affect urban population more than rural one, thus it is definitely a lifestyle disorder!
Most of the young population do not visit health facilities until they have late consequences of the problem.
Though there are ways to decrease the symptoms by medication there is no cure yet, it may lead to long-term health problems. Hence, it is important to prevent and control the syndrome by maintaining a proper diet and exercises along with awareness and accurate diagnosis in the first step.
Article by Moumita Mazumdar
A microbiologist who loves to learn new stuff. Sciteum’s go-to-girl, who not only give suggestions but also fixes the things up. 6 or 60 she communicates in style with all age groups.