MUMBAI: Every fifth woman in the reproductive age in the city could be at the risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a survey by a city laboratory has indicated. The condition is characterised by hormonal imbalance and is a leading cause of infertility among women.
The survey by Metropolis Laboratory this year checked levels of the male hormone, called testosterone, among 738 women and found 20% with elevated levels. There is no single test to diagnose PCOS; it is diagnosed by eliminating reasons for other diseases. Testing hormone levels in blood is one of the tests.
"The study points us to a trend of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in the 15-25 age group; out of 406 samples studied in this group, 28.48% indicates a high level of testosterone in the body," said the laboratory's Dr Sonali Kolte.
However, endocrinologists in the city felt the incidence could be higher. "Almost 30-50% girls aged 15-35 could be suffering from some form of PCOS," said Dr Archana Juneja, consulting endocrinologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Andheri.
Calling it a spectrum disorder, she said it affected three aspects of a woman's life. "It could affect the woman's reproductive health and cause infertility. It could affect her cosmetically as it results in acne and facial hair growth. It also can affect her metabolically, worsening her risk for diabetes," Dr Juneja added.
Studies across the globe have shown that lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and avoiding calorie-dense food can help reduce the effects of PCOS. "While PCOS cannot be eliminated, its effects can be reduced. But any slackening in lifestyle medications could result in symptoms flaring up again,'' said a senior doctor from a public hospital. Doctors said PCOS is probably linked to glucose intolerance.
Dr Nalin Shah, head of department of endocrinology at KEM hospital, said PCOS can be looked upon as a reflection of protest from the ovary against the increasing menace of metabolic syndrome (glucose intolerance).
The survey by Metropolis Laboratory this year checked levels of the male hormone, called testosterone, among 738 women and found 20% with elevated levels. There is no single test to diagnose PCOS; it is diagnosed by eliminating reasons for other diseases. Testing hormone levels in blood is one of the tests.
"The study points us to a trend of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in the 15-25 age group; out of 406 samples studied in this group, 28.48% indicates a high level of testosterone in the body," said the laboratory's Dr Sonali Kolte.
However, endocrinologists in the city felt the incidence could be higher. "Almost 30-50% girls aged 15-35 could be suffering from some form of PCOS," said Dr Archana Juneja, consulting endocrinologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Andheri.
Calling it a spectrum disorder, she said it affected three aspects of a woman's life. "It could affect the woman's reproductive health and cause infertility. It could affect her cosmetically as it results in acne and facial hair growth. It also can affect her metabolically, worsening her risk for diabetes," Dr Juneja added.
Studies across the globe have shown that lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and avoiding calorie-dense food can help reduce the effects of PCOS. "While PCOS cannot be eliminated, its effects can be reduced. But any slackening in lifestyle medications could result in symptoms flaring up again,'' said a senior doctor from a public hospital. Doctors said PCOS is probably linked to glucose intolerance.
Dr Nalin Shah, head of department of endocrinology at KEM hospital, said PCOS can be looked upon as a reflection of protest from the ovary against the increasing menace of metabolic syndrome (glucose intolerance).
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