An expert explains why handling the occurrence of PCOS should begin in the early adolescent years

"Children and parents must be educated about the problems associated with being overweight and the health issues that can occur as a result of an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise," says a doctor.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a common health problem that affects many women. In the urban population, the incidence is around 20% to 25%, and in the rural population, it is about 11% or less. It can affect young girls and women in their thirties and early forties.

Despite this, there is no known cause for its occurrence. 

Instead, it is thought to be a hormonal imbalance, which can cause symptoms such like irregular periods, weight gain, rised facial hair or hair in other parts of the body (hirsutism), acne on the face also other parts of the body, difficulty conceiving, and, later in life, diabetes and hypertension.

One way to combat this is to educate and sensitize young women, which should begin in school, according to Dr. Prathima Reddy, director, and lead consultant, department of obstetrics and gynecology, SPARSH Hospital for Women and Children.

"Children and their parents must be educated about the problems associated with being overweight and the health issues that can arise as a result of an unhealthy diet and a lack of exercise." It has been discovered that eating an unhealthy diet combined with a lack of exercise leads to excessive weight gain, which can then aggravate polycystic ovarian syndrome."

Even though there is no clear treatment for PCOS, the mainstay of treatment is weight management, a healthy diet, and exercise. In addition, according to Dr. Reddy, medication can be prescribed for symptoms such as heavy or irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and laser treatment, "but these are not long-term solutions."

Even for fertility issues, the doctor recommends losing weight because it helps reorganize the hormonal milieu in the body, which "increases the chances of ovulation every month and increases the chances of pregnancy." The main issue in PCOS that leads to fertility issues is a lack of ovulation every month. So, an essential treatment would be to alter your lifestyle by paying attention to your diet, exercise, and overall healthy body weight."