29% females in JK have signs of Ovarian Disorder
PCOD is a well-discussed issue world-wide and tremendous amount of literature is being generated about it.
Doctors have found 29 percent females in J&K having signs and symptoms of Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD). Experts are alarmed at the high incidence of this health issue in the state.
According to a team of doctors currently screening young female population in the city, details of the respondent group have revealed an alarming statistical probability of the disorder in 29 percent females. More than 3000 females that comprise students as well have been screened in the past week. PCOD is considered to be a health issue affecting the highest number of females worldwide.
The team of about 30 experts comprises doctors from AIIMS and SKIMS and is being led by Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, Senior Consultant Endocrinology and Metabolism at the AIIMS. Dr. Ganai also works as the coordinator for ICMR research project on PCOD.
Reportedly 4-6 percent women in USA, 17-20 percent in India and about 17 percent in some Arab countries are affected by this disorder. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has put a ‘task-force’ in place to study various aspects of PCOD. This project will include a PCOD centre in Kashmir among the 10 being set up all over India.
Dr. Ganai said, “Many of the cases that present as probable PCOD females may prove not to be affected by the disorder, but it can be assumed that the number stands more than 20 percent of the screened.”
PCOD is a well-discussed issue world-wide and tremendous amount of literature is being generated about it. However, Dr. Ganai feels that ‘a lot needs to be re-written in the text books’. “There is a need to re-visit literature.”
The team of experts is holding a series of awareness and diagnostic camps in schools and colleges to evaluate the problems affecting adolescents, with a special focus on endocrine functions.
Dr. Sobiya Nisar, a senior specialist accompanying the team, said, “There is a taboo associated with discussing issues such as menstrual periods, weight gain, unwanted facial hair etc., even with the doctor. Girls try to hide these problems instead of coming forward and seeking help.” She advocates greater participation and interest of gynaecologists, endocrinologists and dermatologists about PCOS and its manifestations.
“PCOD is not a cosmetic issue. It is a condition that can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart diseases and many more complications apart from bringing about undesirable physical changes,” Dr. Ganai said.
Doctors are pushing for building awareness about PCOS and other disorders associated with life-style. “Schools are the best place to start this,” a doctor at one of the health camps said. He added that there is a greater probability of passing on the message that is given in a friendly manner by the experts.
“We talk in a friendly manner about how diet and life-style has a bearing on health and even reproductive health,” Dr. Sobiya said. The camps, apart from lectures and discussion about PCOD, also involve physical examination, blood sugar levels, haemogram, uric acid, HBA1C, hormone profile, USG and other tests that may be required.
