the monster.. PCOS

my friends always asked me...." how does it feel, to grow up in a house full of medicines...?", my parents are doctors, dad a cardiologist and mom a gynaecologist.  well the only way to answer them was this, "i am very health conscious".  this was one myth i believed until the day i was diagnosed with PCOS( poly cystic ovarian syndrome).

along with me there are thousands of women out there who are unaware of a silent threat to their fertility. due to the increasing stress of their careers, the first thing that women compromise with is their health. ungodly hours, unhealthy food- believe me , these are a sure shot recipe for disaster.

my mother would come back home every day, tired and saddened by the increase in this deadly disease. her worst fears came true, when i was diagnosed with it. she was heartbroken but i was determined. the first line of treatment, is a rapid chenge in lifestyle. this meant a change in diet and trips to the local gym. the food that i was now being given was tasteless to say the least, and the exercise regime was excruciating..

but every day i lost the desire to follow the diet chart, my mom reminded me of the one thing i valued more than the cadbury bars.. babies.

so she told me a horror story about a monster called, PCOS,

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can also be known as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a condition that affects the ovaries.
The ovaries are found in women, and consist of a pair of glands which are either side of the uterus (womb). The ovaries produce ova (eggs) which are released into the uterus one a month, during the menstrual cycle. Each ovum develops in the ovary from a small swelling called a follicle. Usually, several of these follicles develop each month, but only one will produce a full matured ovum.
The ovaries also produce a variety of hormones including the main female hormone, known as oestrogen. The ovaries also produce small amounts of androgens, such as testosterone, which are sometimes called male hormones.
When a person has polycystic ovary syndrome the ovaries are affected in at least two of the three following ways:

1. Each month at least 12 follicles develop on the surface of the ovary. This is more than usually. The follicles are also known as cysts, and this how the disease gets its name: Poly (means many) Cystic (referring to the follicles) Ovary Syndrome. The cysts on the ovaries in PCOS are fluid sacs and are completely benign (they are not related to cancer).

2. Although there are many follicles, they do not mature fully so no ovum is released. When ovulation does not occur, the woman will not have a period. In some people this happens every month meaning that they never ovulate. In some women ovulation occurs sometimes, leading to irregular periods.

3. The balance of hormones released by the ovaries gets affected. Usually the ovaries produce higher levels of testosterone that normal.

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed?

Polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be diagnosed by a single test. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and carry out a range of tests to try and establish if your symptoms are being caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Some of these tests may be carried out by a specialist such as an endocrinologist, who is a specialist in hormonal problems, or a gynaecologist, who is a specialist in women’s reproductive health.
Common tests for polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Blood tests. These are used to measure levels of hormones, including testosterone and luteinising hormone. This can also help to rule out alternative hormone problems that might cause periods to stop.

• Ultrasound scan. This scan is done to look at the surface of the ovaries. This will show whether the ovaries are enlarged and polycystic.

i was terrified when i entered the diagnosis clinic, and the few minutes that i spent having the ultrasound scan.. is one of the longest 10 minutes of my life. but i was nothing if not strong, i vowed, that like my childhood stories, here too the good will triumph over the evil.

and i began following the remedial measures,

The most important thing a individual can do if they have polycystic ovary syndrome is to try to lose weight. Weight loss helps relieve symptoms by reducing the high levels of insulin in the body. Reducing insulin levels will lead to a reduction in testosterone and this will help to reduce the symptoms of the condition. Weight loss also helps to reduce the risk of developing other conditions in later life such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Weight loss can be difficult for people with polycystic ovary syndrome. It is best achieved by healthy eating and regular exercise. If you are finding it difficult to lose weight, seek advice from your doctor or practice nurse. They may also be able to refer you to a dietician.
Even if you lose weight, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, and to give up smoking if you currently smoke.

i lost around 13 kgs after almost 5 months of rigorous exercise and controlled diet. and i can happily say that i am currently in the safe zone..

i found the power within me to change my lifestyle, to keep my focus... and i didn't need a knight in shining armour to rescue me from the monster.. i found the power within me....