Busting some common myths about PCOS in women and its impact on women’s health –
Myth: PCOS is a rare condition.
Fact: PCOS is one of the most common hormone and endocrine disorders, affecting nearly 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Studies suggest that about 20-25% of Indian women suffer from the condition. It is also one of the most common causes for female infertility.
Myth: PCOS only affects women who are overweight.
Fact: While excess weight and obesity are usually considered symptoms of PCOS, the disorder can affect those in a healthy BMI and weight range as well. Lean PCOS accounts for nearly 20-30% of cases diagnosed and can sometimes be tougher to detect.
Myth: If your periods are irregular, you have PCOS.
Fact: PCOS is just one of the many causes for irregular periods, and irregular periods are just one of the PCOS signs and symptoms. Menstrual health can be affected by various factors such as thyroid disorders, viral illnesses, weight loss or gain, medications, stress and lifestyle factors, to name just a few! If your period cycle has been irregular, you have missed more than one period or notice changes in menstrual flow, it’s always a good idea to consult your gynecologist at the earliest.
Myth: PCOS and PCOD are the same thing.
Fact: Although, the terms are often used interchangeably, and the symptoms of PCOD in females can mirror those arising due to PCOS, they are not exactly the same thing. Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD, as its name suggests, is a disease while PCOS is a syndrome. In PCOD, the ovaries release eggs that are immature or partially mature (as opposed to mature eggs released during a normal menstrual cycle), which may develop into cysts and cause swelling of the ovaries.
Myth: All women with PCOS develop abnormal or excessive hair growth i.e hirutism.
Fact: Although not physically harmful, abnormal or excessive hair growth on the face, back, etc. can definitely affect one’s self esteem! Hirutism and male-pattern hair growth is a common sign of PCOS in women, however, not all women affected by PCOS will have this symptom. Ethnicity, age, skin type and certain comorbidities are some of the factors that affect prevalence.
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