Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. It is a disease of metabolic disturbance.

Usually, the ovaries make an egg which is released in a healthy menstrual cycle every month. 

With someone having PCOS in that scenario the egg may not develop or may not release as it should during ovulation. These causes irregular menstrual periods or the periods are completely missed.

The irregular periods lead to the development of cyst in the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary.

Dr. Farzana, 58, a gynecologist at a government hospital says, “Mostly one in 10 women of my patients in the childbearing age are affected by PCOS. It is actually the disease of an unhealthy lifestyle. There is a need to limit junk food and avoid binge eating junk foods. It can trigger binge-eating episodes in some women, especially when they are stressed or emotional. ”

The doctor explained that women with PCOS may ovulate occasionally or not at all, so periods may be too close together, or more commonly too far apart.

Some girls may not get a period at all. Once other conditions are ruled out, you may be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms.

PCOS tends to run in families. Women whose mother or sister has PCOS or type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS. It is linked to the development of other medical conditions, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Najma Tauheed, 5, a housewife, at the age of 32 was diagnosed with severely symptomatic PCOS and had fibroids in her uterus. She was advised by the doctor to go for a hysterectomy and had to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries and uterus.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that PCOS has affected 116 million women (3.4%) worldwide in 2012. Globally, prevalence estimates of PCOS are highly variable, ranging from 2.2% to as high as 26%.

“PCOS affects over 7 million people. That’s more than the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus combined,” wrote Louis Chang MD of PCOS Awareness Association on their website.