PCOS showing alarming trends in urban females

Gurugram: “Polycystic ovary syndrome and (PCOS) is a lifestyle disease which is becoming alarmingly common, especially among young urban females. More and more females, as young as 16 years of age, are reporting symptoms and complications associated with PCOS. As large number of young women are getting affected by the disease, it is also becoming a leading cause of infertility which is leaving a deep mental and physical impact on Women”, said Dr. Renu Sehgal, Chief & Coordinator Operations -Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Artemis Hospital Gurugram.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health issue due to hormones, that occurs during the woman’s reproductive years. In PCOS the body produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones which causes hormone imbalance leading to missed menstrual periods and with age making it harder to get pregnant. Further, it can also lead to infertility and contribute majorly towards development of chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease in the later years.

Speaking at an awareness event on Women’s Health organized by Daffodils by Artemis Hospitals, Dr. Nutan Agarwal, Chairperson & DNB Program Director – Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram informed, “Most young women are not aware of the disease, and it can start at a very early stage of the reproductive years. We are now witnessing more and more cases of young girls with PCOD and PCOS. Change in lifestyle and food habits, eating more junk food, lesser physical activity, weight gain, food preservatives and other chemicals in food are aiding to the increase in patients. We need to spread awareness and educate younger girls from school itself. Consciousness about weight gained, and eating habits is important. Adopting a healthy active lifestyle, avoiding packed and preserved food. The most important of all is for young women to come out and ask question and not be shy about the menstrual issues.”

Young girls especially with family history of PCOS, PCOD, diabetes, hypertension, and having sedentary lifestyle along with weight gain must be careful. PCOS patients also have other health issues such facial hair, excessive body hair, and acne. Later in life it aids in the development of metabolic syndrome like diabetes and hypertension.

“Women of reproductive age group must seek expert guidance in case of menstrual disturbance – heavy flow, prolonged irregular cycles or reduced flow, delayed frequent cycles. Irregular or missed periods, makes conceiving a child difficult, resulting in infertility. Although, there is no known cure for the disease, but through proper management during the early years of puberty, women can conceive without any difficulty”, added, Dr. Nidhi Rajotia, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Artemis Hospital Gurugram.

To commemorate 2 years of operation of Daffodils by Artemis Hospital, an awareness event on Women’s Health with special focus on PCOS PCOD and Breast Cancer was organized. Dr Amrita Vohra, Director of Education, GEMS India, Dr Jacqueline Jindal, Director Events and Campaign, India Ahead News and Ms Nidhi S Khurana, Founder, Enterprising DiVvaz were the guest of honor. The event was market with awareness sessions, cultural performance and other fun activities to celebrate and celebrate womanhood.