PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) : The New Age's Silent Pandemic!
- The Introvert Bird
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
It doesn't define us; It's just a part of story, not the whole story.
Namaste.
Ladies, belt up for a long drive to the island of tiredness, worry, and pain - The PCOS! PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder for the women of reproductive age. One in ten women are suffering from this condition, which usually form cysts in ovaries, typically due to changes in lifestyle. It affects women of all ages, and it’s about time we unmask this silent epidemic.
Women with PCOS experience irregular menstrual periods, heavy bleeding, abdominal/pelvic pain, drastic hair fall, excess hair, acne, weight gain/loss, sleep disruption, anxiety, and depression. In addition, they are most likely to get cardiac-metabolic complications, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, infertility, miscarriage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea.
A new study in India has observed that PCOS in adolescents has reached 9.13% and rise up to 26% in adults. There are many factors that contribute to the development of cysts in reproductive organs, that eventually block the growth of healthy eggs and hence halting the ovulation. Hormonal imbalance might be the primary reason, however, it's due to constant exposure to stress, poor lifestyle habits, genetic predisposition, excess androgen, and specific hormonal medications.
Even though most women with PCOS are overweight or obese, it is important to acknowledge that underweight women can also be diagnosed with it. Up to 30% of women diagnosed with PCOS maintain a normal weight before and after diagnosis. Lean women still face the various symptoms of PCOS with the added challenges of having their symptoms properly addressed and recognized.
OZiva, a brand of plant-based wellness products, conducted a survey with 2,756 participants across India in September 2022, and the results revealed that more than half of the women polled were judged for being overweight, having facial hair and acne, and having difficulty in conceiving.
Though PCOS has no cure, there are ways to manage the symptoms so that affected women are able to improve their quality of life:
Accepting the fact that we have PCOS.
Regular gynecologist checkups,at least once in a year, regardless of having PCOS or not.
Adding more fruits and veggies, furthermore, cutting down sugars and carbohydrates.
It's important to have a balanced meal, and reducing the intake of fried foods, saturated fats, red meat, and gluten.
Regular physical activity of cardio, pelvic floor exercises, yoga, and meditation.
Medication for regulating periods, ovulation, and insulin resistance.
Cosmetic treatments for dealing external appearances of PCOS like facial hair.
Mental health support from the people around us and PCOS handling communities.
So, whether you’ve been personally touched by PCOS or you’re just learning about it for the first time, remember that you’re part of a sisterhood of warriors. Here’s to strong women, to all the PCOS warriors out there, and to a future where the silent epidemic is silenced once and for all.
PS: This article is not for diagnosis and treatment of any disease/condition. If you are facing any of the symptoms, please discuss with your gynecologist.
Happy Reading!
Jai Hind.
留言