In today’s lifestyle scenario there is one endocrine and metabolic disorder becoming predominant among females all over the world ranging from 2.2% to 26%. Commonly found among women with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years.
A Study was conducted in India on 460 girls aged 15 to 18 years from a residential college in Andhra Pradesh, South India, who underwent clinical examination. Out of which 72 girls with oligomenorrhea and/or hirsutism were invited for biochemical, hormonal, and ultrasonographic evaluation for the diagnosis of PCOS by Rotterdam criteria.
PCOS was defined as the presence of any two of the three features:
(1) Oligo/amenorrhea: absence of menstruation for 45 days or more and/or ≤8 menses per year.
(2) Clinical hyperandrogenism: Modified Ferriman and Gallway (mFG) score of 6 or higher.
(3) Polycystic ovaries: the presence of >10 cysts, 2-8 mm in diameter, usually combined with the increased ovarian volume of >10 cm, and an echo-dense stroma in a pelvic ultrasound scan.
Out of 460 girls, one (0.22%) had oligo/amenorrhea with clinical hyperandrogenism, 29 (6.30%) had oligomenorrhea with polycystic ovaries, one (0.22%) had polycystic ovaries with clinical hyperandrogenism and 11 (2.39%) had oligomenorrhea with polycystic ovaries in the presence of clinical hyperandrogenism.
The prevalence of PCOS in Indian adolescents is 9.13%.
This clearly indicates an increasing need to spread awareness regarding PCOS on early diagnosis & treatment by holding seminars.
Lifestyle Management Tips
- Exercise, in the form of regular sports, is the best bet for teenagers with PCOS as this will help to regulate their menstrual cycle and lower blood glucose levels. Any sports activity or exercise stretching over a duration of 30-45 min can serve you well.
- Shift your diet to high-fibre foods to manage insulin resistance by slowing digestion and reducing sugar’s impact on the blood. Great options for high-fibre foods include broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts, red leaf lettuce, green and red peppers, beans and lentils, tomatoes, spinach, almonds and walnuts, olive oil, fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, and fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon.
- Include lean protein sources like tofu, chicken, and fish as healthy protein options for combatting PCOS.
- Aim for five small meals, which help metabolize food and in maintaining weight.
You can consult a gynecologist if the problem persists.