Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS is a common disorder that occurs in women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a muiltfactorial and complex endocrine disorder with several symptoms and signs. According to the World Health Organization WHO, there is an estimated number of 116 million (3.4%) cases of PCOS globally. The result of a research study carried out between April 1st 2009 and November 10th 2010 involving a cross section of women in Nigeria who attended fertility clinics in Benin state, Nigeria presented the percentages of 16.9%, 27.6% and 20.7% as the prevalence rate of PCOS in Nigerian women. WHO, PUB MED CENTRAL. The main objective of this article is to inform its audience whoever they may be, present the essential know about of the condition and examine areas such as treatment options and myths associated with the condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex disorder that can manifest in different ways. There are several types of PCOS and these types are drawn from the most exhibited symptom or the cause of this system. Some types of PCOS are insulin resistance PCOS as a result of over production of insulin, inflammatory PCOS characterised by low grade inflammation, pill induced PCOS which is from the effects of use of birth control pills, hidden cause PCOS where the cause of the symptoms are no known and lastly, postpartum PCOS whereby PCOS develops after child birth. HEALTH- E, INDRAIVF.
The causes of PCOS are still unknown. Research have pointed out some factors that can influence the development of PCOS. These factors include hereditary or genetic traits meaning that women with a family record of PCOS are at a higher risk of developing the condition, obesity, certain ethnic groups have also been linked to higher rate of PCOS prevalence, bad lifestyle choices like unhealthy diets, environmental factors whereby certain chemicals in the environment such as heavy metal can influence the development of PCOS, low grade inflammation which is a chronic stage of inflammation, over production of insulin in the body and excess androgens (a group of male hormones) in the body are the known ways that can kickstart the development of PCOS. MEDICAL NEWS TODAY, ME MEDICINE, HEALTHLINE.
The symptoms of PCOS can depend and vary in several cases and this contributes to the complexity of the condition. The main symptoms of PCOS include abnormalities in menstruation such as oilgomenorrhea (infrequent periods) and amenorrhea (total absence of periods), polycystic ovaries whereby there are cysts in the ovary or ovaries, increment of androgen levels causing hirsutism (excess growth of hair on the face and body), acne and aloepcia (male patterned baldness), pelvic pain and obesity and insulin resistance which are strongly interconnected symptoms of PCOS. MAYO CLINIC. There are other underlying symptoms which include high stress levels, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, skin allergies, acne, dandruffs, infertility, depression and low libido.
The criteria for diagnosing PCOS is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination and lab tests. Diagnosis can be made if two out of the three major symptoms which also acts as a diagnostic criteria is exhibited and all other options of other conditions have been ruled out. This diagnostic criteria is called the Rotterdam criteria and includes the symptoms of menstrual abnormalities, polycystic ovaries or ovary and hyperandrongenism (excess androgen in the body). If the possibility of other conditions cannot be ruled out, laboratory blood tests can be carried out to aid a correct diagnosis. MAYO CLINIC. Assessment of the patients medical history and record is also important.
When it comes to treatment for PCOS there is no one- size- fits- all medication. Treatments are usually personalized plans that focuses on treating individual symptoms and can come in three forms. The first treatment recommended is lifestyle modifications in a more healthy way such as healthy diet and regular exercises. Medications mostly consisting of birth contraceptives that can be used orally or hormonally and some injections may be prescribed to treat menstrual abnormalities, infertility problems, hirsutism and aloepcia.
Medicated creams can also be used to treat aloepcia and hirsutism as well as methods such as waxing or laser removal for the curbing of hirsutism. HEALTHLINE, MEDICAL NEWS TODAY. Surgical procedures like laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), cysts aspiration, oophorectomy among others can also be carried out. INDRAIVF. Invitro fertilization can also be used to treat fertility problems in cases of women with PCOS.
There are several unture myths that have been associated with PCOS and the individuals affected by it. For example, people with PCOS can't get pregnant, infertility is the only medical concern of PCOS, PCOS only affects overweight women among others. Although these myths may contain elements of truth, they are not completely right and this have been proven by research. ASPIRE HEI, PENN MEDICINE.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause several health complications. Some of these are type two or gestational diabetes, miscarriage and premature birth, psychological conditions, certain types of cancer and metabolic syndrome. PUB MED CENTRAL, JOHN HOPKINS MEDICINE. There are also some illnesses that can be mistaken for PCOS. Some of them are hyperprolactinamia, thyroid diseases, other endocrine disorders and ovarian hyperthecosis among others. HEALTHSHOTS, HEALTHLINE, MEDSCAPE.
As earlier stated, PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. But, the management and prevalence of PCOS is barely discussed in the Nigerian society. In an interview with 22years old Flora who have been diagnosed with the condition since she was 19years showed me a glimpse of what PCOS could do to a woman. "My boyfriend broke up with me after the hirsutism and acne worsened, I can't go out because people start to ask what is wrong with me, my self esteem has dropped and I am worried about not being able to have a baby as no man wants me in the first place". Two articles posted on the daily trust platform in June and September 2022 assesses the stories of several women with PCOS, their experiences, how they were managed by health practitioners, the cost of treatments and what they have to do to maintain their quality of life. On the other hand, there are some women who have battled PCOS and won. Most of these women actively share their stories as a motivation. Nigerian skit maker Glory Olorunto popularly known as Maraji, on air personality Stephanie Cooker and Juliana Oluyode known as Toyo baby for her role in Jenifa's dairy are women who have shared their journey of PCOS.
Showing support for PCOS affected women as a society and as individuals that belong to the society is very crucial. It empowers women with the condition and reduces stigma. Although some organizations like AVON medicals and Geranuel PCOS foundation have shown support in different ways, this is still not enough as several women are still being judged and blamed especially in the areas of infertility related to PCOS. Individuals can help PCOS affected women by making lifestyle changes together, providing emotional and motivational support, discussion among partners trying for a child and making donations to the cause of PCOS. The government can fund initatives that seeks to educate both the general public and even medical practitioners about the real deal of PCOS through different platforms and making donations. Already existing organization that are affiliated to PCOS should try to reach out more to women affected and organize fund raisers to enable more donations to be made in order to fund PCOS treatment for those who may not be able to afford it. The battle against PCOS should be one of the entire society.
-Aina Mary Ayomikun