Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and poly cystic ovarian disorder (POD) are reproductive health conditions associated with the most common hormonal disorders prevalent among women. In Kashmir valley the reproductive disorders are on rise among females of reproductive age. The experts are attributing the aggravation of the same to transforming lifestyle over the years.
According to the health experts PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a medical condition wherein ovaries give out high levels of androgen which thwarts the development and release of the eggs. As a consequence some of the eggs develop into cysts, in the form of the little sacs filled with liquid. These cysts build up in the ovaries and at times are enlarged.
The gynecologists and health experts are of the opinion that at times the issues of infertility may be caused due to PCOS also.
However it is treatable. If women focus on health and food habits.
PCOS and PCOD is characterized by either irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovaries. These are often blamed for the aggravation of PCOS and PCODs as per the experts.
“PCOD means Polycystic Ovarian Disease while PCOS means Polycystic Ovarian syndrome. To draw a parallel between the two , this reproductive issue begins with a disorder that is PCOD. Once the problem sets in it may escalate further, it later turns into a syndrome that PCOS as it clubs with other issues,” Dr Nghat Firdaus , renowned gynecologist of Kashmir valley said.
Dr Nighat says that the underlying health issues such as hypertension, obesity add to the aggravation of the issue.
CAUSES
PCOS is caused due to multiple reasons including stress, sedentary lifestyle, interrupted sleep patterns and unhealthy eating habits. Though, there is a treatment for hormonal imbalance. However the major reason is the change in lifestyle.
“At the initial stage it is a disease and with other underlying issues and problems it becomes a syndrome. The symptoms include irregular periods, infertility, obesity, and hair growth.” Dr Nighat said.
Adding, “ We have seen a significant rise in these issues nowadays. The metabolic syndrome which is related to PCODs is also tremendously on the rise.”
Health experts assert upon lifestyle, eating habits, sedentary lifestyle. lack of exercise,lack of proper sleep, fatty liver, obesity as the major causes of PCOD and PCOS..
“These have become much more common in contemporary life. If we look down to twenty or thirty years back, there were no PCODs or PCOS like issues.” Dr Nighat said .
PCOS and PCOD is highly prevalent and comprises the most frequently encountered endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age.
The disorder can have a significant impact on the quality of life of women during the reproductive years. The condition also contributes to morbidity and mortality by the time of menopause.
“PCOD and PCOS are commonly found among teens . It begins at teenage only. Moreover, these are more prevalent in urban populations however now that lifestyle is undergoing a change across rural places also, We are seeing patients with PCODs and PCOS there also.” Dr Nighat added.
The Stigma and Taboo associated to PCOD , PCOS
PCOS, PCODS are like any other health related issues which can be treated and cured.
“There is a need to create awareness regarding this issue. It should not be stigmatised at all. There is no stigma attached to it, it is just like any other health problem. Moreover PCOds and PCOs are not always the reason behind infertility.” Says Dr Basheer Ahmad , senior gynecologist of the valley.
He says that PCOD, PCOS s is not a sinister disease it needs to be addressed. “For that we need to have awareness at school level, and leave a sedentary lifestyle.”Dr Nighat said.
She says though there is a lot of misconception spurred regarding these health conditions however the facts are averse as both are treatable
“There is nothing to panic or worry about these issues as it has preventive measures, it has a treatment. These are just like any other health issues that need to be addressed with timely intervention.” Dr Nighat said.
The experts believe that these issues should not be stigmatized but prevented and treated. They said even though there is not any disease specific treatment, it is treated by targeting separate and individual underlying conditions such as irregularity of periods, hypertension etc.
“There are several reasons that are to be blamed for the rise of reproductive health problems among women folk. . Metabolic syndrome of Polycystic ovarian disorders (PCOD) are increasing, PCOS have risen, Nowadays you see every second girl comes up with PCOD issues.” Dr Basheer Ahmad said.
Adding, “Over the years we are witnessing a complete transformation of lifestyle which is very prominent. Changing lifestyle has inflicted immense stress on our lives. Stress is a major reason behind so many health issues. Other changes such as lack of exercise , more inclination and dependence on junk food, Sleeplessness, which can be attributed to prolonged use of technology. etc have also added to the problems.”
