Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in teenagers. What you need to know?

PCOS is a relatively common condition affecting 1 in 6 of girls between 10-19 years of age worldwide. It affects individuals differently and treatments need to be individualised to your needs. It is becoming more common due to sedentary lifestyle, stress, obesity, unhealthy eating habits.

What is PCOS?
• It is a condition which disturbs the mechanisms by which hormones are produced by the ovaries leading to hormonal imbalance.
• Ovaries increase in size and are filled with multiple tiny fluid containing cysts and give appearance of polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Symptoms of PCOS in teenagers
• Irregular periods
• Increased hair growth over the face and body
• Oily skin, Acne
• Weight gain
• Darkening of skin over neck crease, groin, axilla or underneath breasts
• Loss of hairs over top of scalp

If I have irregular periods, does this means I have PCOS?

As a teenager cycles may be irregular after first starting of periods for 3 years. Acne and oily skin are also common in this age group. You should seek care from experts if its persistent.

Emotional wellbeing and PCOS
• Girls with PCOS have a greater risk of emotional challenges such as anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• These may be due to a combination of hormonal influences and dealing with the symptoms of PCOS.
• Your emotional health may be improved with good social support, education about PCOS and appropriate treatment from experts

Treatment of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS can be treated. Treatment is based on your symptoms including:

Weight reduction:
Losing weight will help to improve symptoms. Even 5-10% reduction in body weight may help making menses regular and improving other symptoms.

Physical activity and exercise:
• Brisk walking 30-45 min/day.
• Cycling, rope skipping, swimming, taking stairs, yoga.
• Sit less move more.
• Reduce screen time

Diet:
• Fresh green leafy vegetables
• High fibre fruits like apple, grapes, plums etc
• Avoid soft, sugary drinks, canned stored products and junk foods
• Drink plenty of water.

Oral contraceptives: to control the symptoms like irregular periods and hair growth these medicines may be needed. But to be taken after doctor’s advice only.

Long term complications of PCOS?
PCOS has short and long term health impacts
• Difficulty in getting pregnant after marriage.
• If untreated there are increased chances of diabetes and heart disease in future more so in overweight and obese.
• Increased chances of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor body image.
• Increased chances of uterine cancer