Jakarta: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) had become trending on Twitter a while ago. For this reason, a lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine Airlangga University (Unair) Dr Sri Ratna Dwiningsih dr SpOG (K) provided education about definitions, symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
“PCOS or in Indonesian is known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that is commonly found in women of reproductive age. The prevalence of PCOS is estimated to be 4 to 12 percent in women of reproductive age,” explained Sri as quoted from the Unair website, Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Furthermore, he explained, PCOS can increase the risk of endometrial cancer, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
PCOS symptoms
Sri explained that the criteria for diagnosing PCOS itself actually varied. For example the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS in adult women, the 2006 AES criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescent women, and so on.
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However, in general there are some signs of PCOS. The first is marked by menstrual disorders to fertility disorders. The second is the high androgen hormone.
The high androgen hormone, said Sri, has several characteristics. The first is hirsutism or excessive fine hair growth on the hands or feet.
The second is the growth of a mustache or beard. The third is the number of small egg cells on the edge of the ovaries that look like a pearl necklace when doing a transvaginal ultrasound examination
Causes of PCOS
“Until now the exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Some sources say that PCOS occurs due to the interaction between genetic and environmental factors,” explained Sri.
Factors that are at risk of causing PCOS include obesity, lack of physical activity, family history of PCOS, to intra-uterine exposure in the womb. In addition, chemicals in the environment such as bisphenol A, dioxins and triclosan are thought to interfere with the endocrine system and have a risk of causing PCOS.
PCOS Treatment and Prevention
Sri explained that the principle of PCOS treatment is to regulate menstruation and induce ovulation. Inducing ovulation is done if pregnancy is desired and prevents the long-term effects of PCOS.
The principle of PCOS treatment can be done in several ways. The first is to improve your lifestyle by increasing fiber foods, limiting consumption of fatty and high-sugar foods, and exercising regularly. The second is hormone therapy, for example by using the contraceptive pill. Third, if necessary, insulin sensitizing drugs can be given.
Finally, Sri explained how to prevent PCOS. “PCOS can be prevented by improving your lifestyle and avoiding chemicals that are thought to have effects on the reproductive endocrine system, such as bisphenol A, dioxins, and triclosan,” said Sri.
(CEU)
