All You Need To Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Recently, we saw Sara Ali Khan, the daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, open up about how she battled PCOS. It is a common endocrinal system disorder among women of reproductive age. PCOS or PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disorder. A large number of women suffer from PCOS all around the world. In India, one out of every 10 women suffers from PCOS.

Vulnerability

Females in their reproductive age are the most vulnerable to PCOS. This means, females in the age gap of 13-45 are at risk.

Symptoms of PCOS

• Periods and their irregularities

Muskan Chauhan (name changed) suffered from PCOS. She says, "The very first symptom that made me consult a doctor was irregularities in periods. I skipped periods for about one or two months. When periods started again, I experienced extremely heavy flow.The pain associated with it was so intense that I was completely bedridden. When this continued for months and kept getting worse, I consulted the doctor. I underwent an Ultrasound and was diagnosed with PCOS."

So the primary symptom of PCOS is irregularities in periods. Those suffering with PCOS report no periods, irregular periods or very heavy periods.

• Hirsutism

Hirsutism refers to the uncontrolled hair growth on parts of the body that have very less or no hair. People suffering with PCOS often report hirsutism.

• Pelvic Pain

Pain felt below your bellybutton is known as Pelvic Pain. The most common cause of Pelvic pain in women who aren't pregnant is the ovarian cyst. You need to consult your doctor immediately if you're experiencing the same.

•   Obesity and PCOS

Sara Ali Khan, who made her debut with the film Kedarnath, revealed on Koffee With Karan, that she suffered from PCOD, which added to her weight gain. Working hard to transform her body is in itself a big achievement for her. According to a report by NCBI, out of 113 women tested for PCOS, 32 (28%) were diagnosed with PCOS. "The prevalence of PCOS was not different when considering the level of obesity," the report says. Also, other symptoms like menstrual irregularities and reproductive disorders are more prevalent in obese women than normal weight women. This, therefore, is a serious condition as far as PCOS is concerned.

• Fertility Problems

Fertility problems do come in both -- PCOS as well as PCOD. There is an imbalance in female sex hormones in women suffering from the condition. This is likely to prevent the development and release of mature eggs, which are necessary for pregnancy.

Diagnosis of PCOS

It is very important that PCOS is diagnosed at the right time. The following ways are normally used to diagnose PCOS:

• Ultrasound

With the help of an Ultrasound, the doctor examines your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus. A scan takes place with the help of a transducer (a wand like device), which produces sound frequencies. They are then converted into images on the computer screen.

• Blood Test

We know that the hormones are released into the blood. A particular measure of hormones is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. However, if this goes beyond a certain limit, it is problematic. Hence a blood test to check the hormone level in the bloodstream may depict the problem perfectly.

Treatment of PCOS

Since PCOS can result in serious complications, it needs to be treated properly. The following treatments are usually preferred:

• Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills are used to level the hormone levels. It also lessens the formation of testosterone which is linked with hirsutism and acne. It also decreases androgen production and helps regulate menstrual cycles. Not getting periods regularly can result in Endometrial Cancer. Birth Control Pills also help to mitigate this possibility.

• Changes In Lifestyle

This is the best way to deal with PCOD. Going healthy is the best option to deal with any sort of disease. Since PCOD is directly linked with obesity, an active lifestyle and weight loss is the best way to deal with it. Also, since PCOD may result in Endometrial Cancer, staying away from carcinogenic foods is also advisable.

Effects Of PCOS On A Girl's Life

PCOS does has adverse effects on a girl's health. But it does effect her emotionally too. "Because of the changes that take place in your body because of PCOD, you go through extreme emotional changes as well. Mood swings are normal. Anxiety surrounds you too. You may feel frustrated and sad." says Muskan.

Gynaecologist Parul Bhatt, currently practising at a private clinic in Kanpur, says, "Just like any other disease associated particularly with females, PCOD too can be cured. It may have side effects, both long and short term. But it all can be tackled with an improved lifestyle. It happens in one woman out of every 10. Keeping a positive attitude is the best cure always."

Read Also: When Celebs Speak On Health Issues Like PCOD, It Helps End The Stigma

Anushika Srivastava is an Intern with SheThePeople.Tv