The various aspects of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Source : dawn.com

 

 

 

Infertility was once thought to be a disease itself and other primary factors were never identified. But now things have changed and many factors leading to infertility have come to the fore.

 

One of the most common endocrine disorders in females that is evidently linked with infertility is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - a hormonal anomaly in which females develop small multiple cysts in their ovaries that restrict the ovaries to function normally. Due to the presence of multiple cysts, the ovaries are termed as polycystic ovaries. These cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that are nourished and developed in the ovaries. However, women may possess different kinds of cysts in the ovaries during their child bearing age that may be harmless and benign but the symptoms can further classify whether it is PCOS or just a normal cyst.

PCOS occurs in 5-10 per cent of women of child bearing age and the symptoms may begin in the early teens, a youthful time where there is no focus on the gynecological issues of a girl. In our society, females generally only visit gynecologists after marriage when they are trying to conceive or deliver a baby. The symptoms of PCOS are related to elevated male hormones (androgens) and irregularities in menstruation cycle. Other symptoms may include obesity, hirsutism, female scalp hair loss, elevated insulin levels, infertility, acne, high cholesterol levels and elevated blood pressure. All the symptoms may not appear in the same individual and may vary from person to person.
Andaleeb, a teenager, was utterly unconfident due to the excessive facial hair, increased weight and irregular menstrual cycle. She never used to socialize and isolated herself in her room after school. Her mother didn’t even pay attention as the concept of visiting a gynecologist is not common in our society before marriage. She spent all her teenage years in remoteness and was never found at the forefront of any activity. Thus, in the age of utmost exuberance, she chose the path of isolation and alienation for herself.



With PCOS, women do not regularly ovulate and the release of an egg is delayed – a factor which can lead to infertility. Women with PCOS have a greater chance of having Diabetes Mellitus at the age of 40 and above, along with coronary atherosclerosis (arteries become clogged with cholesterol, calcium, and cellular waste) and endometrial carcinoma (cancer of the lining of uterus).

The cause of this syndrome is unidentified until date but is understood that it is due to hereditary and environmental factors. If the mother or grandmother had it so the chances increase for their daughters to develop PCOS. This is not something that has suddenly evolved, however, it has been there for years but definitely the occurrence has augmented quite fast; maybe because of our eating habits, lifestyle changes, or devastating environmental pollution. With the advent of fast food drenched with oil, speedily grown chicken that has been induced various hormones and complex carbohydrate diets; conditions like these are likely to develop.

Once PCOS is diagnosed, it should be smartly managed. After consulting an experienced gynecologist or endocrinologist, the focus should be diverted on lowering the insulin levels, restoration of fertility and menstrual cycle, and treatment of hirsutism and acne.

Diet plays an integral part in PCOS. Change of lifestyle with adapting healthy eating habits, exercise at regular intervals throughout the week and stress reduction has been the major recommendation by the physicians for women with PCOS. By watching their weight, patients can lower the risks of developing diabetes and heart disease. There are many success stories where obese women have shed a lot of weight by sticking to a proper medication and high fiber diet. After losing those extra pounds, they were able to conceive and found regularity in their menstrual cycle.

It is a misconception that woman with PCOS cannot conceive. Ovulation could be a problem in most of the women but for those who are obese, weight loss and proper medication could fulfill their desire of having a child. As for the treatment of acne and hirsutism, it could be treated with an anti-androgen drug that restricts the production of male hormones in the body, eradicating the male pattern hair growth and acne. Other remedies may include electrolysis and laser, which may sound a little hard on the pocket but can be good alternative to get rid of such a nuisance.

I still remember when I was in grade six in the early 90s, there was a girl in the college next to our school who used to always cover her chin. One day when she was drinking water, I spotted a trace of what would be considered a manly stubble. I walked away abruptly feeling very confused. 

The prospect for PCOS patients is still challenging. Physicians are in a continuous quest for identifying undercover problems and introducing solutions for this endocrinal disorder. In the recent years, PCOS is being much talked about on different talk shows, forums, chat-rooms, email lists, and websites. Moreover, with the influx of many interactive forums on the internet, women can communicate with other women on different platforms and share their experiences and be more aware of their health issues.