PCOD/PCOS- A NEW GYNAECOLOGICAL EPIDEMIC

PCOD is a term that is known to everyone from young age girls to mid 30–40’s women. Its now become a gynecological epidemic because 1 in every 7 women are suffering from it. And the fact is 50% of these women are unaware or undiagnosed of the disease. These are ALARMING statistics.

PCOS is a harmonal disorder in which ovaries are enlarged with multiple small cysts on the outer edges associated with obesity, acne & hirsutism.

PCO-Polycystic ovary.

PCOD-When the disease is limited to ovary.

PCOS-Along with ovary when the disease affects the other organs of the body & leads to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc.

CAUSES:-

• The exact cause of PCOS is idiopathic.
• H-P-O axis disturbance which leads to elevated LH levels causing PCOS
• Genetic & Affected families.
• Insulin resistance 70%-80% cases.
• Higher levels of male harmones androgen prevent ovaries from functioning properly.
• Sedentary lifestyle & diet pattern.
• Obesity & lack of workout.
• Stress.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF PCOS:-

1. Menstrual irregularities.
2. Difficulty in conceiving due to anovulation.
3. Hirsutism usually on the face, chin.
4. Acne or oily skin.
5. Thinning of hairs or male pattern baldness.
6. Obesity-wt. gain
7. Acanthosis Nigricans-pigmentation over nape of neck, axilla region.
8. Mood swings normally depression.

REMOTE COMPLICATIONS:-

• Subfertility or infertility
• Recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Systemic long term increased risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypercholesteromia
• High prevalence of anxiety & depression.

To my opinion, one should need to ponder or concentrate on the below points-

• Why our mom’s or grand mom’s did not suffer from these disease?
• Why the women from lower social economic strata or the labourers / maids are not facing PCOD / PCOS?