Latest news with #PolycysticOvarySyndrome
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Study finds 17.4% prevalence of PCOS in Delhi's college-going women
A study of 1,164 college-going women in the age group 18-25 years in Delhi shows a 17.4% prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the second-highest in the country. Partly funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the study was published recently in the peer-reviewed journal, BMC Health. It comprised a cross-sectional survey, and a systematic review which analysed similar studies from 2010 to 2024 across India in similar age groups. The study notes that PCOS, the endocrinologic disorder affecting females in the reproductive age, characterised by menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity, is 'prevalent yet under-researched'. It states that the pooled prevalence of previous studies in similar age groups, using the same criteria, across various regions in India, stood at 8.41%. In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology had stated that India has a PCOS prevalence of 3.70%-22.50%. The prevalence of PCOS can vary between rural and urban areas, socio-cultural settings, and age groups. In previous studies, Lucknow reported the lowest prevalence of 3.70%, while Mumbai reported a prevalence of 22.50%. Another study found that the prevalence can go up to 36% in adolescents. Higher prevalence of PCOS in urban areas A higher prevalence of PCOS has been noted in urban areas with heterogeneous populations, with many women moving for academic opportunities and work, the study notes. 'This displacement causes psychological stress, disrupted sleep routine, and poor dietary habits resulting from competition for education and jobs, and juggling responsibilities of home and work, that could possibly be associated with rising rates of PCOS,' the researchers stated. The research was conducted by Apoorva Sharma, Naorem Kiranmala Devi, and Kallur Nava Saraswathy from the Department of Anthropology, Delhi University; and Dr. Yamini Swarwal, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. 'There are few studies focusing on this age group in India. We took ethical clearances from Delhi University to conduct the field work, which took us about two years,' Prof. Saraswathy said. She added that the majority of women sampled had already been diagnosed, while the researchers had arranged for undiagnosed women experiencing symptoms to undergo ultrasound testing. Of the 1,164 women surveyed, 70.30% had already been diagnosed, while 29.70% were newly diagnosed during the study. Socio-demographic factors Women from the upper class, and upper middle class, according to the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale on socio-economic status, are at an increased risk, the study found. It notes that higher disposable incomes had contributed to a 'nutrition transition', with increased consumption of fats, oils, processed foods, mixed carbohydrates and sugar, as well as eating out, becoming integral to urban Indian culture. 'Increased access to labour-saving devices and cars has reduced physical activity, leading to rising prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity, which are all associated with PCOS pathogenesis,' the study adds. The study also found that the highest prevalence of PCOS is seen among the Scheduled Tribes (21.40%), followed by the General Category (19.90%), in comparison with Other Backward Classes (OBC) and the Scheduled Castes. It noted that this finding might reflect 'broader societal disparities and variations in access to healthcare and resources among caste groups', underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
The gut-hormone connection: Understanding how digestive health impacts female hormonal balance
The human gut, housing approximately 40 trillion microbes, serves as far more than a digestive organ—it functions as a complex ecosystem that fundamentally influences hormonal health, particularly in women. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This intricate relationship between gut health and female hormones creates a bidirectional pathway where imbalances in one system significantly affect the other, impacting everything from menstrual cycles to mood regulation. The Science Behind the Gut-Hormone Axis At the heart of this connection lies the estrobolome, a specialized collection of gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogens. These bacteria produce β-glucuronidase, an enzyme that determines whether estrogen is recycled within the body or properly eliminated. When gut bacteria become imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—this delicate process becomes disrupted, potentially leading to excess estrogen or estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance manifests in various ways, contributing to common conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Additionally, chronic gut issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or leaky gut syndrome can trigger systemic inflammation and elevate cortisol levels, further disrupting the delicate balance between progesterone and estrogen. How Gut Issues Affect Hormonal Health Several gut-related conditions directly impact hormonal regulation. Leaky gut syndrome allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that disrupts hormone production. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) interferes with nutrient absorption and hormone detoxification processes. Perhaps most significantly, constipation prevents proper estrogen elimination, causing the hormone to be reabsorbed and potentially leading to estrogen dominance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Reverse Effect: How Hormones Impact Digestion The relationship works both ways. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle directly affect gut motility and sensitivity. During the luteal phase, elevated progesterone slows digestion, often causing bloating and constipation. Major hormonal transitions like pregnancy and menopause can alter gut microbiota composition, affecting both digestion and inflammatory responses. PMS and the Gut Connection For women experiencing PMS, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in symptom severity. Dysbiosis can lead to estrogen dominance, triggering mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and heavy periods. The gut's role in neurotransmitter production is equally important—approximately 90% of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. A disrupted microbiome can reduce serotonin levels, contributing to PMS-related mood symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and depression. PCOS: A Complex Gut-Hormone Interaction Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) demonstrates another dimension of the gut-hormone relationship. Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, which gut dysbiosis can worsen by increasing systemic inflammation and impairing glucose metabolism. The condition is also associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, where a disrupted gut barrier allows endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, exacerbating PCOS symptoms and contributing to elevated androgen levels. Practical Strategies for Supporting Gut and Hormonal Health Supporting both systems requires a comprehensive approach focusing on nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, oats, flaxseeds, and berries help regulate blood sugar while supporting beneficial gut bacteria and assisting in excess estrogen elimination. Fermented foods including yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi boost beneficial bacteria, while anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, and fatty fish help reduce systemic inflammation. Magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds and spinach support mood regulation, reduce cramps, and promote bowel regularity. Prebiotic foods including garlic, onions, and bananas fuel beneficial gut bacteria, while limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates helps reduce inflammation and support insulin sensitivity. Beyond nutrition, lifestyle factors play crucial roles. Regular exercise, particularly resistance training and moderate cardio, improves insulin sensitivity and gut motility while supporting hormone regulation. Adequate sleep supports both hormone balance and gut healing, while stress management through practices like yoga and meditation helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. The gut-hormone connection represents a fundamental aspect of women's health that extends far beyond digestion. By understanding this relationship and implementing targeted dietary and lifestyle strategies, women can support both their digestive and hormonal health, potentially reducing symptoms of PMS and PCOS while improving overall quality of life. The key lies in recognizing that optimal health requires nurturing this intricate ecosystem through consistent, holistic care. ( Dr. Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah, Sr. Consultant - Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta )
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Recommends The Integrated Approach To Deal With PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women during their reproductive years. It can cause things like irregular periods, extra hair growth, acne, weight gain, and trouble with fertility. While lifestyle changes like eating well and staying active help, nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee has shared a cool tip on managing PCOS with an integrated approach. She has posted a detailed video about it on Instagram. Anjali Mukerjee, in her caption, writes, 'When stress, high androgens, and insulin resistance collide, PCOS becomes a reality.' She shares that even young girls nowadays are contracting the ailment, leading to 'infertility, delayed periods, acne, and hair fall.' She claims that 'there's a way out'. Anjali Mukerjee's integrated approach is the solution to all these PCOS-related problems. 'Balancing nutrition, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes manages PCOS from the root,' assures the health expert. She emphasises the importance of consuming a 'high-fiber, antioxidant-rich diet', coupled with 'hormone-balancing supplements and personalised care' for better results. According to Anjali Mukerjee, the foods that are to be eaten must be rich in carbohydrates, fiber, protein and antioxidants. 'Once you do a combination of all this, along with exercise, you can manage your PCOS very very effectively,' she asserts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anjali Mukerjee (@anjalimukerjee) For proof, Anjali Mukerjee reveals that she has prescribed ultrasound tests to PCOS patients. Those who followed the integrated approach went from having 'multiple cysts to none, in just 3 months.' Previously, Anjali Mukerjee shared weight loss secrets for PCOS patients. The steps that she recommended to abide by were: Following a low glycemic index diet to keep blood sugar stable Taking supplements that help lower androgens Avoiding processed foods and choosing whole, nutrient-dense meals Increase protein and fiber intake for better satiety and metabolism Practicing portion control and slow eating to prevent overeating Managing stress with mindfulness, exercise, and quality sleep Read all about it here.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can you inherit Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? Understanding the genetic linkage behind PCOS
When 32-year-old Aisha noticed her periods were irregular and painful, she shrugged it off as normal. Yet her mother, Meera, had faced the same symptoms at her age—long, heavy cycles and severe cramps. Meera grew up believing, 'Pain is normal for all women' But Aisha wondered: 'What if this is a medical condition that runs in my family?' Let's uncover the facts behind hereditary fertility issues and empower women across generations with the awareness of PCOS. Why PCOS Matters Across Generations? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects every aspect of a woman's life: metabolism, hormones, appearance, and fertility. It's not just an individual diagnosis, it can even tend to go on from one generation to the next. Research findings suggest that 4 out of 10 women who have a mother or aunt diagnosed with this endocrine female condition are at a significantly higher risk of getting PCOS themselves. Hereditary Risk: Daughters of women with PCOS are six times more likely to develop the condition themselves (source: Human Reproduction Update) Underdiagnosed: Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, mistaking symptoms for 'bad periods' (WHO) The Triple Threat: Obesity, Hirsutism, and Infertility PCOS manifests in visible and invisible ways—some women struggle with weight, others with excess hair, and many with difficulty conceiving. 1. Obesity & Metabolic Risks: Among Indian women with PCOS, 32% are overweight and 11% obese under WHO cut-offs 43% obese using Asian BMI standards (source: JAMA Network Open) 2. Hirsutism (Unwanted Hair Growth): 70–80% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism compared to 5–10% in the general population (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism). 3. Infertility's Hidden Toll: Almost 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with PCOS. It actively contributes to approximately 30–50% of infertility cases (ASRM). Most of these symptoms surface over a period of time. They are over and above the symptoms of painful periods that are non-negotiable in most cases. Diagnosis Delays & How to Avoid Them? The risk of PCOS is hereditary, but poor lifestyle choices fuels its fire. Excess weight, sedentary habits, and insulin resistance worsen symptoms and reproductive outcomes. While your metabolic legacy can set the stage for PCOS to be triggered, healthy choices can still rewrite the story. Women report symptoms 7–10 years before a correct PCOS diagnosis, often because cramps and weight gain are dismissed as 'normal' . Misguided treatments—like magical herbal concoctions from village hakims—delay proper care and deepen frustration. Don't wait for a 'miracle cure'—demand medical answers.' Too many women get lost in myths: 'It's just teenage acne.' 'You'll outgrow the cramps.' 'Diet pills will solve it.' Early signs to watch for: irregular periods, severe cramps, sudden weight gain, excess hair, and skin tags. Tracking cycles and symptoms on an app can provide clarity when consulting a doctor. Action Plan: Five Steps To Manage Risk of PCOS Get Screened: If someone in your family also has irregular cycles or infertility, schedule a PCOS work-up by age 25 . Track Your Cycle: Use apps to log periods, moods, and symptoms—insight is empowerment. Tackle Weight Thoughtfully: Even 5–10% weight loss improves ovulation and hormone balance. Address Hair & Skin: Medical hair-removal and dermatology consultations can manage hirsutism and acne. Lean on Experts: Endocrinologists and fertility specialists who offer personalised care to facilitate early detection and proper management. Can Early Intervention Prevent PCOS? 'Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted condition that not only affects hormonal balance but also has significant implications for fertility,' says Dr. Prachi Banera, Senior Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF. 'Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are crucial to ensure comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of PCOS early on in life. Our dedicated PCOS Clinic provides personalised treatment plans, to effectively help women take control of their reproductive health.' Birla Fertility & IVF offers a dedicated PCOS Clinic that provides personalised treatment plans, including tailored diet and nutritional guidance, to effectively manage PCOS and improve overall well-being. When Should You Consult a Fertility Expert? Recognising the right time to seek professional help can make a significant difference in managing PCOS and its impact on fertility. Consider consulting a fertility specialist if you experience: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles: This may indicate ovulatory dysfunction, a common issue in PCOS. Difficulty conceiving after 6-12 months of unprotected intercourse: Especially if you're under 35 and have been trying for a year, or over 35 and have been trying for six months. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism: Such as excessive hair growth, acne, or hair thinning. Early consultation allows for timely intervention, which can include lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, or assisted reproductive technologies, depending on individual needs. Knowledge is power! Hereditary fertility challenges don't diminish the beauty of motherhood - they deepen it. By breaking myths and sharing knowledge, daughters and mothers can transform burdens into bridges of understanding and support. By breaking the silence around hereditary fertility issues and tackling myths head-on, daughters and mothers can foster healthier futures in the long run. Share this article with the women you love, start the conversation today, and celebrate the true beauty of womanhood - in all its strength, diversity, and resilience.
Graziadaily
3 days ago
- Health
- Graziadaily
My PCOS Diagnosis Changed How I See My Body
For thirty years of my life, it's felt like I don't know my body. It does things I can't control, that are often painful, with no warning signs. My body is not a car that flashes lights when petrol is low, or emits steam from its bonnet. It is a human thing – flesh, organs, hormones, skin and bones – that I do not fully understand. Heavy, painful periods have stopped me in my tracks or pressed pause on my life again and again. I have hunched over on busy London streets, cramping to a state of disarray, feeling more like a bag of potatoes than a person. I've looked different from week to week, puffing up like rice some days, only to wake up faced with a version of myself I'm more familiar with. I've held my rock-hard, bloated stomach and watched it change shape like a moon eclipsing, depending on the time of day or month. My body has often felt like something that was happening to me, rather than with me. A recent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosis showed me that, despite always feeling like I should understand more, this confusion isn't my 'fault'. It's actually reality. It's not that I'm mistreating myself or misunderstanding something. Science doesn't know why I have this condition either, or why anyone who has it does. As the NHS website reads: The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. And that, strangely, has been liberating. It's difficult to know exactly how many people have PCOS, with data varying and The World Health Organization estimating that up to 70% of women affected remain undiagnosed worldwide. But it's thought to be very common, affecting about 1 in every 10 women in the UK. If you do get to the diagnosis stage, things don't look much brighter: 2 in 5 people (39%) receive no treatment after their initial consultation, and 56% find more success in self-managing their symptoms than with GP-prescribed care. Earlier this year, I became one of those statistics. After more than 15 years of questioning, half my life, I was casually told that my blood tests and other investigations pointed towards PCOS. For a long time, I'd assumed I had endometriosis. My symptoms aligned, and I knew something wasn't right, but I'd received no medical support and had self-diagnosed. While endometriosis hasn't been ruled out, a conclusive PCOS diagnosis came as a surprise. I don't even have two of the most 'well known' symptoms: excess androgen or polycystic ovaries. What PCOS is, why people get it, and how it manifests are far harder to define than buzzy TikToks and search-friendly blogs would have you believe. Broadly, the NHS outlines the three main features as: irregular periods (when your ovaries don't regularly release eggs), excess androgen (higher levels of "male" hormones, which may cause things like facial or body hair), and polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries with many fluid-filled sacs, or follicles, around the eggs – though despite the name, you don't actually have cysts). You need to have at least two of these to be diagnosed. PCOS is also linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and long-term health issues, and is associated with hormonal imbalances, including high insulin. I'm not a medical professional, but through personal research and speaking with many other women, I've learned how varied PCOS is, and how painfully limited our collective understanding of it remains. The lack of research, awareness and treatment is, many argue (myself included), a direct result of medical misogyny. Just look at endometriosis (a condition often grouped with PCOS despite being fundamentally different) – it's less studied than male balding. It's only been a few months since I was diagnosed, and although I was hurried away by overstretched NHS staff with no follow-up or treatment plan, the experience hasn't been all bad. In fact, it's fundamentally changed how I feel about myself, and more specifically, how I feel about my body. After leaving the consultant's office, I spent hours, then days, then weeks, researching. I already knew a fair bit about PCOS thanks to my job as a journalist focused on women's lives. But the more I read, the more I felt vindicated. Vindicated that my painful periods weren't 'normal'. But also, and this is harder to explain, vindicated in my appearance. That felt uncomfortable, even toxic at times. But it was also deeply validating. At 22, I came off contraception and quickly gained two stone. In the eight years since, my weight has steadily increased, even as my lifestyle has stayed largely the same; if anything, I've focused more on health and wellbeing as I've gotten older. But as a journalist who happens to be a woman, and someone with a public social media presence, I've received countless comments about my body – from the mildly offensive to the downright abusive. Those messages got into my head, alongside body-shaming remarks from family and former friends. Even though I've spent a long time in body-neutral and positive spaces, and therefore logically know that fatness isn't shameful and that health isn't something you can see, I still internalised the belief that I was somehow doing something wrong. My PCOS diagnosis shifted that. It gave me answers. From insulin resistance and the role of nutrition, to medication for heavy periods, and, more importantly, a renewed sense of self-empathy. Weight and PCOS is a complex, contradictory topic. Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOS, but we're told one of the best ways to manage the condition is to lose weight. Weight gain happens quickly with PCOS; weight loss happens slowly, if at all. Still, you're encouraged to try. And it runs deeper. Many women in larger bodies are dismissed outright by medical professionals, with weight becoming the sole focus of their care. More than half have reported experiencing medical fatphobia, including inappropriate, unsolicited weight-related comments and being denied treatment. So, while weight gain is a symptom, it's also part of why so many women go undiagnosed in the first place.
