Medically Reviewed by Dr Riyaz Ali
You may think that you know about a disease that affects one in every five women in Pakistan, but we are shockingly unaware of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In fact, more than half of women living with the syndrome don’t even know they have it. So this month, make an attempt to learn more about the most common hormonal disorder in women.
The conventional medical industry hasn’t yet pinned down what it is that causes PCOS, but research suggests that genetics and lifestyle choices play an important role in developing this disorder. While around half of women living with PCOS don’t experience any noticeable symptoms, the most common symptom is irregular periods, caused by higher levels of the male sex hormones that are normally found in women. This can also cause increased hair growth – especially on the face – and oily, acne-prone skin. Furthermore, many women are only diagnosed with PCOS when they experience difficulty in becoming pregnant. This lowered fertility is caused by lower levels of the hormone FSH, which prevents eggs from maturing properly so that they aren’t released from the ovaries at regular intervals. That said, with treatment most women with PCOS are able to become pregnant.
One of the hardest things about living with PCOS is knowing that we haven’t yet found a cure for it. Nevertheless, many of the symptoms can be managed. Irregular periods can be dealt with by using various oral hormonal medications, such as the contraceptive pills, as recommended by your doctor. The problem of excess hair growth can also be treated using contraceptive tablets which block the effect of the excess male hormones. As for reduced fertility, there are a variety of oral and injected medications that can encourage the release of an egg every month.
PCOS is a very common disorder; yet, it’s shocking that we aren’t enough informed about it. Early diagnosis is vital as it can lessen the increased risk of the various medical diseases associated with PCOS, including Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Proper education on PCOS can help sufferers deal with the symptoms and learn how to manage them effectively.
