Polycystic syndrome rise worries doctors

The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a major underlying cause of infertility among almost 60 per cent women. Experts claimed that changing lifestyle, stress, unhealthy eating habits and obesity cause polycystic ovarian syndrome among urban women and this is one of the major underlying causes of rising infertility in Tier-I cities in the country.

“We receive as many as 60 per cent cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome on an average. Considering the single underlying reason for the infertility in women, the figure is certainly worrying. This clearly indicates a pressing need to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and body weight among people,” said head, department of IVF & endoscopy, Ridge Fertility Clinic, Dr Gouri Devi.

According to the experts, the syndrome is a condition in which the women have irregular periods, increase in male sex hormones leading to excess of body and facial hair and ovaries shows multiple follicles.

The doctors said that the cysts may not be harmful, but they lead to further hormonal imbalances in the body that affect menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function and even appearance. “Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a vicious cycle. Abnormal hormone levels lead to cysts in the ovaries and these further lead to more hormonal imbalance, obesity and problems linked with fertility,” added Dr Devi.

Studies show that women with diabetes or glucose intolerance in fertile age — between 20 to 45 years — are also at risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome. The experts, however, stated that the syndrome could also be indirectly associated with stress, obesity and unhealthy food.

“Obesity, may be a reason of PCOS directly, however, being a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, glucose intolerance and dyslipidemia, obesity is ultimately associated with an increased risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome and a poor response to infertility treatment and is likely to increase the risk of pregnancy complications in women,” say experts.

The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include excess hair on face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes, decrease in breast size, deeper voice, thin hair, acne, weight gain, pelvic pain, anxiety or depression, irregular menstrual cycle and infertility.