PCOS – WHAT HAPPENS?
Menstrual problems was there for Neha , a 20 year old College Student living in our Community who used to be a bubbly and chubby kid as she was growing up came to see me on a gloomy forenoon.
She was upset that she is not able to wear stylish dress and has to visit parlour frequently to remove her facial hair .She has lots of acne scars and has to spend hours on her makeover! She has a strong family history of Diabetes and she cannot live without chocolates and sweets!
I consoled her and explained that she is suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) , after a detailed history and evaluation. The basic problem is “INSULIN RESISTANCE”. Here, the body doesnot respond to circulating Insulin for glucose utilisation. So, there is increase in the secretion of Insulin since the brain misunderstands the problem as insufficient Insulin in the body. The brain now sends signals to increase Insulin secretion . This results in Weight gain and Fat accumulation leading to OBESITY.
There is also increased male hormones secretion (ANDROGENS) .This is the reason for Male pattern Hair loss termed as ALOPECIA. There is also excess hair growth in Androgen sensitive areas of body like chest, beard area, upperlip,abdomen and thighs known as HIRSUITISM. There is also ANDROGENIC ACNE with scarring.
The most important step in managing this PCO pathogenesis is Lifestyle Modification with nutritious but calorie deficient diet along with moderate exercise.This will result in weight reduction.A minimum of 5% to 10% weight loss results in significant improvement in her manifestations.This can be doubled up with medical management.
She understood the origin of her problem and felt funny about her previous dialogue
“I did so much dieting and workout but no improvement!”
She promised to be consistent in her efforts and go through the process of Weight Reduction with her cute smile.
Knowing about the scientific facts,She started calculating her daily energy requirement and the nutritive values of her diet !
Wishing Success to all the beautiful Nehas !
Sure , the smile will spread across!!!
