According to a study conducted Metropolis Healthcare, one in five Indian women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterised by hormonal imbalance. PCOS leads to difficulties in conceiving. The study states that women in the age group of 15-30 years were at high risk. Out of 27411 samples of testosterone from women over a period of 18 months, 4824 (17.60%) of the females face hormonal associated risk with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

It is a common misconception that PCOS is all about cysts but it is in fact a characteristic amalgamation of cosmetic, gynecological, and metabolic symptoms. Cosmetic symptoms include facial hair, thinning of the scalp, acne, and greasy skin. In an attempt to control these symptoms, women often try using products that combine natural ingredients such as saw palmetto, sesame seeds, etc. in the hopes that it will break the acne cycle. Coming to gynecological symptoms, this include irregular or scanty periods which are usually the first red flag in adolescents. But this can also cause extremely heavy flow on the occasions that they do get their period, causing them to sometimes require more than one ladies pad at one time. All these symptoms can create a lot of dysfunctions in the daily life of a woman, which is why they should be treated by a gynecologist.

What is Testosterone?

• Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is important for sexual and reproductive development.
• The testicles primarily make testosterone in men. Women’s ovaries also make testosterone, though in much smaller amounts.
• Testosterone belongs to a class of male hormones called androgens, which are sometimes called steroids or anabolic steroids.
• High testosterone levels can cause problems in women, including irregular menstrual cycles, increases in body hair and acne, and a deepening of the voice.
• Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have high levels of male hormones, including testosterone, which can be a cause of infertility.

Test Your Knowledge

Name the primary female hormone, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, control the development of female sex organs, and thicken the lining of the uterus to support pregnancy?

The International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed on