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NDTV
6 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Why PCOS Isn't Just A 'Hormonal Issue', It Wrecks Your Mental Health Too
Keeping up with the ebb and flow of your hormones is already a challenge. Add a bit of stress and a poor lifestyle, and you have a cocktail of problems. One possible consequence is PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, primarily causing irregular periods. For some, not having a period for a few months might seem like a relief until you know it's not good news. It can be worse when accompanied by weight gain, hair thinning, and unexplained fatigue. It's rarely just about missed periods. It's often the beginning of an internal war, with impacts that stretch far beyond physical problems - it affects your mental health too. Advertisement - Scroll to continue PCOS And Mental Health PCOS is a hormonal condition, but the weight of the condition is not just carried in the body but in the mind as well. While irregular periods are often the first red flag, many are unaware that mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue, can also be signs of PCOS. Kanan Verma, a 21-year-old college student, thought something was going on in her body when she started noticing the subtle changes. Sometimes, it was a missed period, and other times, a sharp pain in her right leg that made her uncomfortable. She consulted a doctor, and the ultrasound revealed that she had PCOS. Kanan was 19 at that time. What followed was a wave of unexpected changes in her body and mental health, such as facial hair, mood swings, constant fatigue, and aching joints. 'I didn't feel like doing anything. I just felt sad all the time,' she recalls. 37-year-old corporate professional Namita Narula Gandhi was diagnosed with PCOS during a routine check-up for a UTI. While she was already battling burnout from work and her condition, Namita found herself spiraling deeper when she experienced an ectopic pregnancy post her marriage. "I felt like I lost the battle," she recalls. Editor and marketing professional, Rumela Sen was too young when she was first diagnosed with PCOS. She was asked to take medications to manage the symptoms, but consistency wasn't easy amid a new city, academic stress, and a disrupted lifestyle. What followed was stress and anxiety. 'I'd gone from XS (size Extra Small) to L (Large) and didn't pause to question why. I thought I was just stressed or overworked. There were times I would get anxious over the smallest things,' she says. In the years since her diagnosis, she lost a close family member and tested positive for the BRCA 2 gene - an inherited mutation linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The lines between grief and chronic illnesses blurred, "I can't tell if PCOS impacted my mental health or if the grief did. But I know that stress makes PCOS worse and the corporate world doesn't exactly make stress optional.' The one thing common among all the women was the less talked about side-effects of PCOS - on mental health. Dr Payal Choudhary, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Rosewalk by Rainbow Hospital tells NDTV, "PCOS can significantly impact a person's mental health. Hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and symptoms like acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth can lead to low self-esteem and body image issues. Irregular periods and fertility concerns often cause emotional distress. Many women with PCOS experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and mood swings due to both physiological and psychological factors. The chronic nature of the condition adds to the emotional burden." How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health If You Have PCOS Eat A Healthy Diet: While there is limited data to support a specific diet that helps improve mental health in people with PCOS, studies have found that eating healthy can help you deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental effects of PCOS. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that eating a diet rich in vegetables and legumes, dairy products, and eggs, seems to have a positive effect on the mental health of women with PCOS. "Diet plays a crucial role in managing PCOS. Diets low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, and rich in fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve hormonal balance and support ovulation," recommends Dr Choudhary. This, in turn, may help you manage mental health symptoms as well. Exercise Regularly: A study published in the journal BMC Women's Health found that physical activity reduces the chances of depression in women with PCOS. Another study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that exercise may help improve the physical as well as mental well-being of women with PCOS. "Walking is one of the best exercises for managing PCOS. Combining it with strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga can offer more comprehensive results. The goal is consistency and enjoyment, making walking a great starting point. Overall, it's not the only exercise for PCOS, but it is a highly effective and sustainable choice for many," recommends Dr Choudhary. Try Complementary And Alternate Therapies: A strong support system and cognitive behavioural therapy may also help people with PCOS feel less anxious or stressed. "Mental health support is just as important as physical treatment in PCOS management, and early intervention with counseling, support groups, or therapy can greatly improve overall well-being," signs off Dr Choudhary. Share
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Groundbreaking new treatment for aggressive breast cancer has 100% survival rate
Hope is on the horizon for patients with aggressive, inherited breast cancers. A recent clinical trial, led by researchers at Cambridge University, explored the effects of combining chemotherapy with the targeted cancer drug olaparib before surgery. Every patient who received this protocol survived the critical three-year post-treatment period. Advertisement 3 BRCA cancers are notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat. Vasyl – The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests this preemptive, two-part approach could be the most effective plan of treatment for early-stage breast cancer linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Breast cancer or BRCA genes are present in every cell of the human body. When functioning, BRCA1 and BRCA2 repair DNA and prevent cancerous changes. However, when a mutation compromises these genes, cancer risk increases. Inheriting this damaged DNA can increase the risk for breast and ovarian cancer in women and breast and prostate cancer in men. Advertisement BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are more common in young women, and these mutations increase cancer risk by as much as 84%. Six percent of all breast cancer patients carry BRCA gene mutations, but in patients under 45, roughly 12% carry the gene. BRCA cancers are notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat. In 2013, Angelina Jolie, who carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, made headlines when she underwent a preventative double mastectomy. As a result of the procedure, Jolie, who lost her own mother to breast cancer, saw her chances of developing breast cancer drop from 87 percent to less than 5 percent. Advertisement The current protocol for treating BRCA cancers includes shrinking the tumour using chemotherapy and immunotherapy, before removing it through surgery. 3 Angelina Jolie, who carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, underwent a preventative double mastectomy. Getty Images The first three years after surgery — when there is the greatest risk of relapse or death — are critical. The trial recruited patients from across the UK and aimed to test the efficacy of combining chemotherapy with olaparib before surgery and carefully timing when these treatments were administered. Advertisement 'It is rare to have a 100% survival rate in a study like this and for these aggressive types of cancer.' Professor Jean Abraham The study revealed that allowing a 48-hour 'gap' between chemotherapy and olaparib treatments led to more positive outcomes. Researchers believe this interval allows the patient's bone marrow to recover from chemo while leaving tumor cells receptive to olaparib. Olaparib, sold under the brand name Lynparza, is typically taken for 12 months post-surgery. However, trial patients took the tablets pre-surgery for a period of 12 weeks. The survival rate among the control group who received chemotherapy alone was 88%. Of these 45 patients, nine relapsed and six died within three years of surgery. In contrast, there was a 100% survival rate among the 39 patients who received chemotherapy followed by olaparib. Of this cohort, only one patient relapsed in the three years following surgery. 'It is rare to have a 100% survival rate in a study like this and for these aggressive types of cancer,' said trial lead Professor Jean Abraham. 3 Olaparib, sold under the brand name Lynparza, is typically taken for 12 months post-surgery. However, trial patients took the tablets pre-surgery for a period of 12 weeks. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Advertisement 'We're incredibly excited about the potential of this new approach, as it's crucial that we find a way to treat and hopefully cure patients who are diagnosed with BRCA1 and BRCA2-related cancers.' Compared to current care protocols, the two-pronged approach of chemo and olaparib pre-surgery offers a more cost-effective and less toxic treatment for patients. Abrahams and his team are planning the next research phase, which will aim to replicate their results in a larger study. Advertisement They are hopeful their findings can and will be applied to treat other cancers caused by mutated BRCA genes, including some ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among US women after skin cancer. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Though breast cancer starts in a localized part of the breast tissue, it can spread to other areas of the body, significantly decreasing rates of survival. Survival rates among breast cancer patients whose cancer is detected before it spreads are high, between 86% and 89%. Yet if the cancer is detected after the cancer cells have migrated, that number drops to 31%.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk' as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy
BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it? Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height? 9 Kara Tointon revealed she underwent a double mastectomy back in 2021 9 Former EastEnders star Kara bravely spoke out on her own experience to raise awareness of the disease Credit: Getty The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. She said: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer." The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018. Sadly, her mum died in 2019. After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts. "The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased." Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed. A tiny lump in my breast nearly killed me at just 31 - I felt 'amazingly healthy' If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP. She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing. "There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it. "Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test." Two risk factors that might surprise you BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control. Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you. Being tall 9 Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. "The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development. "These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). "IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer." High breast density 9 Having high breast density is strongly associated with the disease Credit: Getty Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue. "Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel. "Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify. "Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age." Other risk factors to be aware of While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk. Weight gain throughout adulthood 9 Weight gain through adulthood can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer Credit: Getty Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn. She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. "In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk." What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Alcohol consumption 9 Alcohol can raise levels of circulating oestrogen and raise the risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen. "It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. "Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause." What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you're aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they'll understand why you've started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. Smoking 9 Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent Credit: Getty Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked. Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked." What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service. Lack of exercise 9 Lack of exercise is a well known risk factor for breast cancer, as well as many other types of cancer Credit: Getty A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent. "Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight." What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated. As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...
ITV News
4 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
The 'Viking' DNA screening saving lives in Scotland's most remote islands
Words by Louise Scott & Stephanie Docherty When John Arthur volunteered to take part in a local study over a decade ago, he never thought it could end up saving his life. The 63-year-old fisherman just wanted to know if he had Viking ancestry, so he donated blood to a University of Edinburgh study, after hearing a talk in his local village. Ten years later, a letter came through the door which potentially saved his life. John carried a variant of the BRCA2 gene which puts him at a much higher risk of developing cancer. After receiving the letter, he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. 'If I had not done the study and put these things together, I would never have gone to the doctor in the first place," John told ITV News. 'I thought I better go and get tested and get the [prostate] test done to find out more about it. 'I wouldn't have even thought about going to the doctor about it, to tell the truth." After his early diagnosis, in February this year he underwent a successful operation to remove his prostate and is already back to work with the all clear. He now believes everyone should have access to these types of tests to prevent serious health conditions from developing in the first place. John Arthur is one of more than 60 volunteers who were sent letters last year after contributing to the study which found that those from Shetland, or with ancestors from the islands, are at a much greater risk of carrying genetic variants which can cause a number of life-threatening conditions. These include the BRCA2 gene which causes breast, ovarian and prostate cancer and the KCNH2 gene which causes fatal heart rhythms. Plans have now been unveiled for a groundbreaking genetic screening programme to provide another 5,000 Shetlanders the opportunity to find out if they are carriers of these variants. Professor Jim Flett Wilson from the University's Usher Institute visited Lerwick to announce the £1 million fundraising campaign. 'I've been studying the genetics and the health of the people of Orkney and Shetland for over 20 years now," Professor Wilson said. "When I started this, there wasn't all that much that we could do and now we can read all of the DNA of everyone for a reasonable price so we can learn enormous amounts. 'The first one we noticed was the breast cancer variant. Of course, you find these things in London and Edinburgh, but they're rare. Whereas here we were seeing it in remarkable numbers of people. And when we looked further, we found this wasn't the only case. There were other examples, different genes, different diseases. All of them had become a whole lot more common than we would have expected. 'It's because a lot of people from remote communities have been marrying locally for many years, so many of them come down from one ancestor. But if that ancestor had a mutation, had a change in his or her genes, then it would have come down the generations all the way down to today. 'This happens everywhere on Earth, but people spread all over the world. They're mixed up there in Yorkshire and America. And here obviously some people have left, but there's still a concentration, a core of local people. And we see this this increase in frequency and having these genes, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have cancer or that they have a rare condition." The screening will focus on 50 genetic variants that have 'actionable findings', meaning that they can be treated through NHS to manage the condition. Volunteers in the programme will be notified of their genetic findings and be advised on the appropriate NHS pathway of care. 'The NHS is great as it stands, but it really works in a reactive mode. It only tries to fix people when they're broken, and I think we want to turn this around," Professor Wilson said. "This is a great example of preventative medicine, and we want to start in Shetland because it has the greatest need. And it's also an opportunity. "It's not that big a number of genes that we need to look at. So there's a sort of cost effectiveness argument here as well. It helps to save lives." The Jewish community in England have recently been given access to a similar screening programme, because of the greater levels of the BRCA genes found within their community. The Viking Genes study believes it is only fair to roll this out to other remote communities, like the Scottish islands. The screening will be designed for people over the age of 16, from anywhere in Shetland, by a DNA saliva collection kit. The new screening project will in time identify those individuals who may not be affected themselves, but who carry an elevated risk of passing on certain genetic conditions to their children. The campaign says it could take around one year to lay the 'ground work' for the project before screening commences.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was left devastated when I found out what my unexplainable pain really was'
After experiencing unexplained abdominal pain for months, Emma received a shocking diagnosis aged 39 during a visit to A&E - something she says resulted in her life taking an 'unexpected and transformative turn' A woman who endured months of unexplained discomfort has taken to social media to share her health journey after receiving a shocking diagnosis. Speaking through the charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK on TikTok, Emma disclosed how her life took an "unexpected and transformative turn" in April 2024 at the age of 39 following a trip to A&E. "Tests confirmed a rare form of pancreatic cancer, inoperable due to its location," she sadly recounted. "As I wrestled with the diagnosis, another layer of complexity emerged: I carry a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene, which heightens my risk of developing several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer." Courageous Emma posted a series of photos pre and post-diagnosis, illustrating her year-long struggle with the disease and what it means for her future. While her genetic mutation provided some insight into why she developed pancreatic cancer, she noted that it also offered "guidance" on potential beneficial treatments. "Chemotherapy became the gruelling cornerstone of my initial treatment," she detailed. "Despite its challenges, follow-up scans indicated that it was slowing the tumour's growth. "The next stage was radiotherapy, which like chemotherapy, is a waiting game. Its effects often persist after the treatment has concluded, meaning the impact wouldn't be clear until my next scan, three months later." Emma described the agonising wait for her medical results as a blend of hope and anxiety. She elaborated: "On one hand, I hold on to the possibility of good news. On the other, I must prepare for the possibility that the cancer has progressed. The uncertainty is challenging, but it has taught me to live more in the present, cherishing moments with my loved ones and finding joy in small victories." Currently, Emma is considering irreversible electroporation (IRE) as a potential treatment option, which might pave the way for surgery down the line. She shared: "The thought of another intensive treatment is daunting, but if the tumour responds well to the treatments I've had, it could bring us a step closer." And she reflected on her journey, noting that battling cancer involves both physical and emotional struggles. Emma expressed: "Cancer is not just a physical battle; it is an emotional one as well. The diagnosis brought an overwhelming wave of fear. At the same time, I've discovered a resilience that I never knew existed. Support from my family, friends, and medical team has been invaluable, providing strength and encouragement when I've needed it most. "I am filled with a mix of emotions - hope, apprehension, and determination. The road ahead is uncertain, but I am committed to fighting this disease with everything I have." Moved by her tale, one TikTok user responded with a touching comment: "I'm sending you lots of positivity and hope that you beat this horrible disease." Whilst a second person encouraged Emma: "I lost my late husband to this disease, your story is an inspiration, keep fighting." Meanwhile, after reading Emma's story, many others were eager to learn more about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. You can find comprehensive information on Pancreatic Cancer UK's website. What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Indigestion which is a painful, burning feeling in your chest, upper tummy or throat Tummy pain or back pain are common symptoms. The pain may start as discomfort in the upper tummy and spread to the back Changes to poo, including diarrhoea (runny poo), constipation (when you find it harder to poo) and pale, oily, smelly poo that's hard to flush (steatorrhoea) Unexplained weight loss – losing a lot of weight without meaning to Jaundice, which causes yellow skin and eyes, dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin Losing your appetite Recently diagnosed diabetes, which is a condition where the amount of sugar in the blood (blood sugar level) is too high Problems digesting your food, which causes bloating, lots of wind, burping, and feeling full up quickly Feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting) Blood clots in a vein (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) Fatigue, which is feeling very tired all the time, even if you rest Less common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include fever, shivering, and generally feeling unwell, and depression or anxiety without any obvious cause The charity adds: "If you have jaundice, go to your GP or A&E straight away. If you have any of the other symptoms and you don't know why you have them, go to your GP or contact NHS 111."
