September is marked PCOS Awareness Month. PCOS stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome -- a disorder which all women should be aware of, especially as soon as their teenage years begin.
PCOS awareness is highly essential as this syndrome is the leading cause of female infertility. If left untreated or ignored, it can trigger other serious health complications in your body – such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.
So, in order to keep reproductive and overall health in a good state, girls and women should educate themselves as well as each other on how to take care of their health. According to Dr. Deepti Asthana, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, PCOS is the most common endocrine condition. Recent research has found that one in five Indian adolescents' girls have PCOS.
If you develop this condition, knowledge can help you to not panic, and seek proper medical assistance and treatment instead.
Identifying signs of PCOS in teens
First, Dr. Asthana explains how to know if you already might be having PCOS. "Diagnosis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome in teenage girls can sometimes be challenging due to the overlap of normal pubertal physiological changes, for example irregular menstruation or acne. If these are persistent symptoms, you should not ignore them, and it is important to visit a specialist."
However, the symptoms and effects differ from person to person. Moreover, treatment for most teenagers can get challenging "as this is the age when you like eating junk and avoiding workouts due to constant preparations for college and coaching classes," explains Dr. Ritu Sethi, Senior Consultant- Gynaecology, Cloud Nine Hospital and Apex Clinic, Gurgaon.
Stay active, stay healthy
Dr. Asthana explains that it is important to emphasise on incorporating a healthy lifestyle since teen years only. Kids should participate in regular physical activities in and outside their school. Consistent exercise should be an integral part of their daily activity.
"Coronavirus has changed our lifestyle into a sedentary one but I always tell my patients that (if unable to go outside) these girls should pick up any activity at home only like dancing, skipping, yoga, which can be done easily indoors. They should just be consistent and do them regularly at least for 30 minutes, five days a week."
Dr. Shilpa Agrawal, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, specialist High risk pregnancy and fetal medicine, Jaslok Hospital, explains that being fit does not necessarily mean you have to work out for hours at the gym. "It is not mandatory to join a gym for exercise, which usually is the answer in my OPD, you can do them at home or walk fast. Do some form of exercise daily. Any type of exercise is fine. Brisk walking for 30 minutes is also very helpful."
Watch what you eat
A big problem with teenagers is that most of their diet comprises junk food. Excessive consumption of "junk" meals causes a fluctuation in glucose levels and can lead to a hormonal imbalance. So, you have to take time out for yourself and your health, "watch what you eat," and start avoiding and eliminating anything that is packaged, processed and high on sugar, salt, cholesterol and trans fats.
This can happen by improving your relationship with food. Food can be nourishing and make you healthy, fit and glowing. Or, the wrong food can unravel some stressful diseases.
Dr. Agrawal shares, "Increasing obesity in peripubertal girls is the most important cause for increased incidence of PCOS in teens. I always ask them to “stop eating or reduce eating foods you like or love the most” as invariably they are unhealthy foods. Also, drink lots of water. Usually people who have PCOS tend to drink less water so the importance should be discussed with them."
She adds, "I insist that my patient should maintain 3 diaries - menstrual diary ,weight diary, and diet diary." Tracking and monitoring these can help to be more aware of your health and improve accordingly.
Stress and other important factors to check
Emotional well-being is a poorly evaluated area in adolescent girls with PCOS, says Dr. Asthana, emphasising on the need to focus on "emotional and behavior therapy" for teenagers.
"Stress is no longer seen in adults only, it is very common to find teens under stress which indirectly can cause excess eating and obesity.Teens should be taught ways to handle the stress. Counseling plays a very important role. Counseling of the parents also helps," explains Dr. Agrawal.
"Reduce your screen time and complete your sleep quota. It is very important to get in touch with your doctor for a complete check-up and medications," Dr Sethi signs off.
