If your daughter, aged between 12 and 13, has been complaining of irregular periods, facial hair growth and weight gain, dont ignore the signs, instead be alert. These are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a lifestyle-related disease that spikes speedily among women. Over the years, young girls also are falling prey to this disease and its a worrisome trend.

A study conducted by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a multinational chain of pathology laboratories, reveals shocking facts about PCOS. It states one in five women suffers from PCOS problem. East India leads the chart with one in four compared to North India, where it is one in five. In this study, 27,411 samples of testosterone were collected from women between 15 and 30 years of age for 18 months.

It showed that 4,824 (17.60 per cent) women face hormone-associated risk with polycystic ovarian syndrome. East India showed alarming levels of 25.88 per cent women affected, followed by 18.62 per cent in North India. The increasing trend is predominant in women between 15 and 30 years. Earlier, the trend was seen

in women between 28 and 35 years but now girls between 15 and 24 years are falling prey to PCOS. College students with problems of obesity, late periods, puberty acnes and stomach wrinkles come to my clinic with the issue, Dr Asha Sharma, a senior consultant at Apollo Cradle, Delhi, says, adding that even girls between 12 and 13 years are coming with the problems.

Imbalance of hormones in the body hampers the functioning of ovaries. Instead of producing one egg a month, ovaries start producing multiple immature eggs, which can be called cyst. And because of this, ovulation does not occur regularly, says Dr Manika Khanna, Director of Gaudium IVF, Delhi.

A drastic change in our lifestyle contributes most to PCOS cases. Children take a lot of beverages these days, which increases sugar levels and cause hormonal imbalance in the body, says Dr Sharma. Insulin moves glucose from the blood to cells to use as energy. When cells dont respond normally to insulin, the level of sugar and insulin in the blood rises. Too much insulin increases the production of androgens that cause imbalance.

Consumption of refined carbs in the form of fast and processed food also worsens the problem. Fast food and sedentary lifestyle disturb metabolism causing hormonal imbalance among girls. Studies have revealed that sometimes PCOS causes chemical changes in the mothers womb. Also, if a mother has PCOS, there is a 50 per cent chance that the daughter will also have it. A combination of genetic and environmental factors causes PCOS.

If the initial signs are ignored or not diagnosed in time, it can cause Type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. PCOS in older women could even lead to cancer of the uterus. Dr Abha Majumdar of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, says, Undiagnosed PCOS can lead to infertility and multiple abortion problems. Around 30 to 35 per cent women come to our clinic for IVF treatment. Dr Khanna adds that most infertility cases related to PCOS are from the northern states.

PCOS cannot be diagnosed with just one test. Vaginal ultrasound, blood sugar and insulin test along with some hormonal blood test are carried out to ascertain PCOS. If three tests give positive results, only then we start treating a patient for PCOS, says Dr Majumdar.

With the help of early symptoms, doctors can treat PCOS patients with medication and changes in lifestyle. Good food habits and regular exercise can keep PCOS at bay.

See the article here:
Hormones harm as life loses its style - The New Indian Express

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