Dr. Vaishali Joshi, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, sheds light on the confusion between PCOD and PCOS diagnoses among young women due to unverified symptoms. She addresses the prevalent misconceptions and realities surrounding PCOS.
Dr. Vaishali Joshi, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, highlights the prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a common hormonal concern in women. Startling statistics reveal that three out of 10 women experience PCOS, with an even more concerning six out of 10 cases being teenage diagnoses. Dr. Joshi underscores that PCOS is a lifestyle-related condition encompassing issues like irregular periods, acne, excess body hair, and weight gain.
It also involves Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) detected through sonography and hormonal imbalances. The challenge lies in distinguishing PCOS from PCOD, as misdiagnosis often occurs due to inadequate investigations. Clarifying the myths and facts surrounding PCOS is crucial in addressing this health issue.
Dr. Joshi debunks common myths surrounding PCOS:
– Myth: PCOS only affects young women in their early twenties to thirties.
Fact: PCOS can develop between the ages of 18 and peri-menopause, extending beyond this age group.
– Myth: All women with Polycystic Ovaries (PCOD) have PCOS.
Fact: Around 20% of healthy women may exhibit polycystic ovaries, while not all PCOS cases show PCOD ovaries on sonography.
– Myth: PCOD ovaries cause abdominal pain.
Fact: PCOD ovaries consist of small (< 10mm) cysts at the ovary’s periphery, which don’t cause discomfort. Painful ovarian cysts are larger (3 cm or more) and aren’t typical in PCOS.
– Myth: Irregular or scanty periods lead to weight gain and PCOS.
Fact: Weight gain contributes to hormonal imbalance and PCOS development. Irregular periods hinder cleansing and fat accumulation.
– Myth: PCOS exclusively affects overweight women.
Fact: While 80-85% of PCOS women are overweight, it can also affect those with normal weight, especially with a family history.
– Myth: All women with irregular periods have PCOS.
Fact: Thyroid disorders, hyper-prolactinaemia, eating disorders, and exercise-induced hormonal conditions can cause period irregularity.
– Myth: Acne always results from PCOS.
Fact: Acne has various causes, including skin issues, allergies, and dandruff, with PCOS being one of them.
– Myth: All PCOS women struggle with conceiving.
Fact: PCOS can lead to inconsistent and delayed ovulation, allowing natural conception. Some remain unaware of pregnancy due to irregular periods.
– Myth: Medicines can cure PCOS.
Fact: Medications manage symptoms and related conditions, but lifestyle changes, exercise, diet, and weight loss are necessary for management.
– Myth: Weight loss fully cures PCOS.
Fact: PCOS is lifelong. A 10% weight loss can alleviate symptoms by reducing insulin levels and excess male hormones, but sustained lifestyle changes are needed.