Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, now also called PMOS) is not only a problem of conceiving: from adolescence on it can affect a woman's physical and mental health for years, specialists said at a round table held at Samakal's office on 22 September, organised with Planetary Health Academia with Renata PLC as scientific partner. September is observed worldwide as PCOS awareness month. The doctors urged integrated, affordable treatment that takes account of hormones and metabolic health.
Chairing the meeting, Professor Dr Firoza Begum said PCOS affects 10 to 15 percent of women in South Asia and 6 to 8 percent of adolescent girls. Many take the wrong treatment for lack of awareness, she said, while early weight control, exercise and dietary change can often bring symptoms under control. She warned that long gaps between periods in the reproductive years can raise the risk of cancer of the womb lining, and that diabetes risk grows with age.
Professor Dr Rowshan Ara Begum said PCOS cannot be treated as an ovarian problem alone; in rural areas it is sometimes mistaken for a tumour, leading to needless treatment or surgery. The belief that a woman with PCOS cannot have children is wrong, she said, as pregnancy is possible with proper care. Girls embarrassed by unwanted facial hair, acne and skin marks need counselling.
Professor Dr Sayeba Akhter called PCOS a public-health problem and urged a government strategy and a national registry like those kept for cancer and diabetes. Seeing several specialists drives up patients' out-of-pocket costs, she said, and PCOS advice could be added to the government's adolescent health corners. Professor Dr Musarrat Sultana Sumi called for a referral system and national guidelines, and said a PCO corner is planned at Dhaka Medical College.
Professor Dr Sheikh Zinnat Ara Nasreen said PCOS is lifelong, and that in some patients even small doses of fertility drugs can over-enlarge the eggs and cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a dangerous side effect that sends about 1 percent of patients to intensive care. Dr F M Enamul Haque also warned against buying ovulation-inducing drugs or injections from pharmacies without a doctor's advice.
Moderator Dr Sharmin Abbasi said it is a misconception that irregular periods or cysts seen on an ultrasound confirm PCOS and rule out children, and that simple, accurate information must reach women in villages. Professor Dr Kohinoor Begum, Dr Tasbirul Islam and Dr Shakil Farid also spoke.
Photo: Anne Mousse / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Source: Samakal
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