Hyderabad: Conservative estimates in 2013 in Indian cities say that 9.13 per cent of women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS. Factors like diet, lifestyle and stress are the leading causes.
Once PCOS sets in, both medicines and appropriate changes in the lifestyle are required to correct it completely. Experts urge that women must not take PCOS lightly for if it is not treated properly it can lead to infertility, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
The interplay of stress, pollution, diet and other environmental factors are leading to an increase in the number of young girls with PCOS. The pressure to perform in exams and excel in highly competitive fields leads to highly stressful conditions affecting their bodies adversely and making menstrual cycles irregular. Moreover, the lethal combination of junk foods and no exercises affect even those whose families have no history of PCOS.
Dr Manjula Anagani, gynaecologist with Beams Hospital explains, “The beginning of menstrual cycle in itself is a delicate interplay between central, adrenal and ovarian hormones. When stress increases in the body, stress hormones are released. Due to this the release of ovarian and thyroid hormones is inhibited decreasing their action. This is the beginning of PCOS.” There are two types of PCOS – lean and obese.
PCOS obese is very common in Indian women. In this type of PCOS there is a vicious cycle of hormonal disarray wherein small cysts develop in the ovary and contain more than normal levels of androgenic hormones. Due to this reason teenagers complain first of acne, abnormal hair growth on the sides of the face, chin and back and also weight gain. Women have to be very vigilant and ensure that the treatment is properly followed as once insulin resistance sets in and is not controlled, it can lead to diabetes. Foods low in fat, low in glycaemic carbohydrates but high in protein, must be consumed.
Besides medications, 50 per cent of the treatment is the patient’s dedication towards lifestyle modification. This is because the built-up stress in the body has to be released. Exercises like aerobics, gym exercises, skipping and cycling can help to correct the menstrual cycle.
There are also 12 holistic forms of yoga for this condition but they must be practised under supervision and after checking the patient’s height and weight. Dr Saroja Koppala, infertility and ART consultant at Nova IVI Fertility Clinics, explains, “The treatment now being prescribed is very holistic in nature. In addition to medicines women are asked to exercise. Obese women are counselled to opt for weight management, dietary changes and also behavioural interventions. It has been seen that a weight loss of 5-10 per cent has helped to achieve resumption of ovulation.”
Physical activity helps to lower depression in women with PCOS. Customised sets of physical activities are prescribed to women with PCOS as the effects of specific sets of exercises may differ from person to person. Changes in exercises must be guided by a qualified person.
Medication helps
On the bright side, statistically 20 per cent of women, who have polycystic ovaries, may not have problems in ovulating or conceiving. Also, with the help of medication nearly 60-70 per cent women achieve ovulation and 40 per cent of these conceive over the first three attempts. It is advisable to stop the treatment if there is no response to it or if 6-10 cycles of medications do not help.”
Yoga exercises focused on the abdomen region can help. But they have to be done under supervision as suitability depends on body type and also the kind of problem. Kriyas, pranayam and medication are some of the measures which can help to rectify the cycle. Yoga teacher Chandra Kanth says, “Exercise must be done for 45 minutes every day. It must not be skipped. Very busy women can opt for a 15-20 minute regime that can help keep the body in the right mode. A regular regime helps to get the cycle back to normal. Once it bounces back, a separate set of exercises is suggested so that the cycle continues and does not get irregular.”
Fact File
* PCOS if not treated properly can have long-term metabolic effects including the development of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hyper lipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases.
* PCOS Patients suffer from infertility issues. Ten to 15 per cent of women in their reproductive age suffer from this disorder. In this condition, the eggs produced do not complete the period of ovulation, leading to infertility.
* Causes for concern are the infrequent flow of menstrual blood leading to less than 12 cycles in a year.
