In a study conducted by consulting gynaecologists in Navi Mumbai, it was found that the incidences of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and young adults is a cause for concern today. Referred to as the common metabolic disorder in the reproductive age group, it occurs due to a hormonal imbalance in women.
A study on 100 patients, between the ages of 10 and 25 years, was done. Of these, 28 were between the ages of 10 and 18 years while 72 were between the ages of 19 and 25 years. The results from the patients revealed the common symptom of irregular mensuration followed by the appearance of PCO and obesity.
The conclusion, according to the gynaecologists, was that irregular mensuration is the earliest clinical manifestation of adolescent PCOS.
Dr Bandita Sinha, consulting gynaecologist at Fortis Vashi said that there are more adolescents walking into the gynaecology OPD with such menstrual irregularities.
“Obesity is a growing concern followed by unhealthy eating habits, sleep patterns, peer pressure, being conscious of one’s appearance, mood swings and lifestyle changes,” she said.
She added that chronic PCOS can lead to infertility at an early age and statistics show that 5-10% of women who cannot conceive suffer from this disorder.
Doctors say the symptoms of PCOS change with lifestyle, diet, medications and weight which often make it hard to diagnose.
“Diagnosis become difficult as the signs tend to overlap with the signs of puberty. Therefore awareness and early diagnosis is a must for young adults,” Dr Sinha said.
Dr Sukirti Jain, consulting gynaecologist, Vinamra Swaraj Hospital, Vashi said that an unhealthy lifestyle and a lack of exercise are the main reasons for an increase in the number of cases. The new generation opt to stay indoors instead of opting for outdoor sports. This leads to obesity, she said.
The trick is to adopt a more active lifestyle, she added.
“Walking, cycling, exercising and eating healthy are important. Making eating healthy a way of life can help dealing with the syndrome,” she said.
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