South is india’s, healthiest zone

Increasing incidents of diseases related to blood conditions and hormone levels, among men and women has been a cause of concern for many. Statistics for two separate zonal studies conducted for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and anaemia reveal startling numbers in East India. While the numbers for South India are a welcome relief for health practitioners, the gravity of the situation leading to these conditions and its impact on health must be addressed by doctors and patients alike.

1 in 5 women affected by PCOS

A recent study conducted by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd among young women in India, it was revealed that one in five women are affected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Metropolis conducted the comprehensive pan India study on 27411 samples of testosterone over a period of 18 months. Out of 27411 samples, around 4824, (17.60 per cent) of the females face hormonal associated risk with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The increasing trend of PCOS, which is the most prevalent reproductive disorder and the leading cause of infertility among women, is predominantly seen in the age group 15 to 30 years.

Among the samples tested East India shows alarming levels of 25.88 per cent women affected by PCOS, followed by 18.62 per cent in North India, which can be largely attributed to lack of awareness among young women and ignorance. South India recorded least cases, with 18 per cent.

Commenting on the study Dr Sonali Kolte, General Manager – Medico Marketing, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd said, “Undiagnosed PCOS can lead to infertility and in long term can cause several health complications; which can be attributed to other factors as well.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent health related problems.” Explaining the details of the condition, she adds, “It is a common misconception that PCOS is all about cysts but it is in fact a characteristic amalgamation of cosmetic, gynecological and metabolic symptoms.”

Cosmetic symptoms include facial hair, thinning of the scalp and acne. Gynecological symptoms include irregular or scanty periods which are usually the first red flag in adolescents. Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss affects the women in the reproductive age.

Awareness and accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing PCOS in a way that it improves quality of life of the patient. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collection of fluids called cyst. The cysts are not harmful, but can lead to hormonal imbalances.