Lockdown affects hormone levels, causes PCOS

Chennai

The pandemic has affected the overall wellness, especially in the case of women for whom the increased stress levels are affecting their hormones, which in turn disrupts menstrual cycle causing predisposition to other diseases.

“PCOS is associated with multiple follicles developing in the ovaries and thus causing a spectrum of menstrual irregularities like delayed or absence of menstruation. The changes in hormonal levels predispose the women to other symptoms like acne, male pattern of hair growth, hair loss, dysmenorrhea, bloating, etc.,” said Kanchan Naikawadi, managing director and preventive healthcare specialist, Indus Health Plus.

PCOS is also associated with other health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hypothyroidism, and can lead to a cycle of stress, depression and anxiety which can have very adverse outcomes in such cases, she added.

Doctors added that awareness about the symptoms was important. Its symptoms should be observed closely as maintaining a healthy lifestyle is extremely important to manage issues like obesity and other health complications.

“As routine visits to hospital pose the risk of COVID, online or tele-consultations for follow ups should be considered. PCOS can have a significant impact on the reproductive health during the child bearing years, amplifying the need for women to go for preventive healthcare and take steps to address them,” said Dr Akhila, physician at Medall Diagnostics