Rakshitha Dheenadhayalan | Contributor
Featured Image: Polycystic ovarian syndrome may affect five to 10 per cent of women of reproductive age. | Courtesy of Pixabay
The reproductive system in women tends to vary, as do the conditions that affect it. Some women begin developing symptoms early, which are related to health issues they may not have even known existed. A late diagnosis can be attributed to a lack of knowledge or awareness, or belief that the issue will correct itself over time, and eventually go away.
One such health issue that tends to go undiagnosed is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as the silent disorder. It is believed that one in 10 women has PCOS; which is a hormonal disorder that affects periods, fertility, hormones, and some aspects of appearance.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is uncertain, it can be diagnosed if any two of the following criteria are met: irregular or infrequent periods (or no periods at all); an increase in facial or body hair, and/or blood tests that show higher testosterone levels than normal; and ultrasound scans that shows polycystic ovaries.
Shanmathi Padmanabhan, a York alumna who majored in psychology, believes PCOS should not be considered a disease. “It should be seen as any genetic condition or trait that you live with. It requires certain lifestyle changes to keep health in check. Just like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, you need to be cautious of building excessive body fat which poses a threat to your well-being, especially as you age.”
Fatema Remtulla, an applied mathematics student at York, shared her experience with PCOS. “I found out about having PCOS when I was 14. I was suspected of having it since my older sisters have it. Living with PCOS has affected me in a lot of ways, especially related to my physical appearance; for example, I’ve experienced excess hair growth on my face and thinning hair on my scalp. However, I don’t think it has crippled me in any way, it is just like having another health issue.”
This condition can cause severe, long-term problems if left untreated. It can cause insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, erratic mood swings, depression, obesity, and can also lead to endometrial and breast cancer. Dr. Shravani, who is training to become an obstetrician-gynecologist in India says: “It’s more prevalent now because of changing lifestyles, changing food habits and with an increase in incidence of diabetes causing insulin resistance.”
However, PCOS can be treated with medicine as well as through surgery with recent developments, such as laparoscopic ovarian drilling. This has made the lives of women living with PCOS better. Although, it is strongly recommended to adopt healthier lifestyles such as exercising regularly, adopting a regular sleep schedule, and eating a balanced diet.
“The key to living with PCOS is to be active and eat right. Most people are unaware that it’s easier than they think. Moreover, the social stigma doesn’t enable us to normalize PCOS and its effects. So the more we talk about it, the more we create a medium for everybody to share and accept PCOS as a common condition,” says Padmanabhan.
