By: Patricia Kantoh

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide and also a major cause of infertility in women.

Despite PCOS being prevalent in our parts of the world it still remains a mystery to a lot of people which leads to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines PCOS as a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may change over time.

Patricia Kantoh

It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications and fertility treatment.

Some statistics

According to WHO, PCOS affects an estimated 8 to 13 per cent women of reproductive age. Out of the figure, about 70 per cent remain undiagnosed worldwide.

Globally, the prevalence rate of 5 to 10 per cent and 17 to 22 per cent of people between the ages of 9 and 19 have been reported to have been diagnosed of PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria.

In Africa, studies have shown that the prevalence of PCOS ranges from 16 to 32 per cent.

Risk Factors

According to WHO, all females have a high risk of contracting PCOS, especially, those with a family history of Type Two diabetes.

One’s ethnicity can also be a risk factor for developing PCOS if such groups have a history of the disease.

Also, obesity could be another risk factor. PCOS is common in women who are obese although the relationship between obesity and PCOS is not yet established medically.

An individual’s lifestyle can also pose as a risk factor in contracting PCOS . Someone who spends much time lying or sitting for long periods, while have unhealthy diets may lead to increase in insulin resistance which increases their risk of contracting PCOS.

Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of the PCOS disorder include; irregular menstrual periods or amenorrhea (no periods), weight gain or being obese.

Excessive hair growth on face, chest and back is also symptom for PCOS.
Further, infertility or difficulty in getting pregnant, mood swings, depression and anxiety are all symptoms associated with PCOS.

Risk Reduction

In order to reduce the risk of getting PCOS, experts advise that one must maintain a healthy weight. Managing your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise helps to reduce insulin resistance and androgen levels.

Scientists say getting enough sleep helps to reduce the risk of getting the disorder. Sleeping for 7 to 8 hours per night regulates hormones and metabolism.

Again, staying hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine, alcohol and junk foods could reduce the risk of developing PCOS.

Lastly including Omega 3 supplements in one’s diet helps to reduce androgen levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
Some recommendations

PCOS is very common in women, yet only a few know that such disease exists.

Therefore, to prevent the disease, there is the need for stakeholders to intensify public health education about the disorder to improve awareness among women of the signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Public Education also needs to be combined with health workers education about the signs and symptoms of early symptoms of PCOS so that they can be referred for treatment when the need arises.

Lastly we should encourage women to consult health professionals when they start noticing any of these signs and symptoms.

By: Patricia Kantoh
Faculty of Journalism- University of Media Arts and Communication-Institute of Journalism
mspatriciakantoh@gmail.com