Latest news with #PCOS-related
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Raising awareness on polycystic ovarian syndrome
PETALING JAYA: Despite affecting between 10% and 12% of Malaysian women of reproductive age, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often goes undiagnosed for years and is typically only identified when women encounter fertility problems. Universiti Putra Malaysia Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department clinical lecturer and specialist Dr Nurul Iftida Basri said most patients are only diagnosed three to five years after the onset of symptoms, noting a growing number of cases among girls aged under 20, driven by obesity rates. She said PCOS is a condition that disrupts normal ovarian function, leading to hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation, causing irregular menstrual cycles or, in some cases, amenorrhoea, in which menstruation ceases for over six months. 'Many patients only see a general practitioner once for menstrual issues. 'Diagnosis requires a pattern observed over time. One visit is not enough. That is why detection is often delayed.' She said women with the condition face a heightened risk of developing type-two diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Many are also overweight or obese, exacerbating physical and psychological burdens. 'They often suffer from excessive hair growth and acne, which could impact self-esteem and lead to depression or stress.' Among the most distressing effects of PCOS is infertility as hormonal imbalances disrupt ovulation, significantly lowering a woman's chances of conceiving. 'They also tend to have poorer quality oocytes (eggs) compared with their peers,' she added. While treatment options, such as hormone therapy, ovulation-inducing injections and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are available through public healthcare, long waiting times remain a major barrier. 'Treatment is affordable within government hospitals but assisted reproductive services, such as IVF, could take years,' she said. 'For menstrual regulation, the cost is usually reasonable.' The emotional impact of PCOS is also often underestimated. 'Although some women are not immediately troubled by irregular periods, the issue becomes more pressing when fertility is affected. For married couples, it is a source of stress and emotional instability.' Nurul Iftida said mental health support in PCOS care remains limited and understanding is low despite menstrual health education. 'Schools talk about periods and hygiene but not PCOS. We need more awareness so that women seek treatment early.' She said financial access is another hurdle because many PCOS-related treatments are not subsidised under national healthcare schemes. 'We need policies that offer financial support for long-term management, especially since PCOS is not curable, only manageable.' She also said the conversation around hormonal contraceptives is nuanced. 'While many women use them for non-contraceptive benefits, such as acne treatment or menstrual regulation, unsupervised use could carry serious risks. 'Improper use, especially without medical supervision, could result in serious side effects, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. 'Users should have annual reviews with a medical practitioner.' She clarified that combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) are a standard part of PCOS treatment and are safe when used properly. 'It is not harmful to start and stop them with proper guidance. They do not cause irregular cycles if taken appropriately,' she said. 'However, excessive use of emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, could disrupt menstrual patterns and complicate the diagnosis of other reproductive disorders.' Nurul Iftida called for a broader shift in Malaysia's approach to PCOS from clinical and public health perspectives. 'Medical treatment alone will not work. Women must be supported in making lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercising and managing weight, for treatment to be effective.' She urged policymakers to treat PCOS with greater urgency, and expand insurance coverage and government subsidies for its management.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Recommends The Integrated Approach To Deal With PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women during their reproductive years. It can cause things like irregular periods, extra hair growth, acne, weight gain, and trouble with fertility. While lifestyle changes like eating well and staying active help, nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee has shared a cool tip on managing PCOS with an integrated approach. She has posted a detailed video about it on Instagram. Anjali Mukerjee, in her caption, writes, 'When stress, high androgens, and insulin resistance collide, PCOS becomes a reality.' She shares that even young girls nowadays are contracting the ailment, leading to 'infertility, delayed periods, acne, and hair fall.' She claims that 'there's a way out'. Anjali Mukerjee's integrated approach is the solution to all these PCOS-related problems. 'Balancing nutrition, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes manages PCOS from the root,' assures the health expert. She emphasises the importance of consuming a 'high-fiber, antioxidant-rich diet', coupled with 'hormone-balancing supplements and personalised care' for better results. According to Anjali Mukerjee, the foods that are to be eaten must be rich in carbohydrates, fiber, protein and antioxidants. 'Once you do a combination of all this, along with exercise, you can manage your PCOS very very effectively,' she asserts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anjali Mukerjee (@anjalimukerjee) For proof, Anjali Mukerjee reveals that she has prescribed ultrasound tests to PCOS patients. Those who followed the integrated approach went from having 'multiple cysts to none, in just 3 months.' Previously, Anjali Mukerjee shared weight loss secrets for PCOS patients. The steps that she recommended to abide by were: Following a low glycemic index diet to keep blood sugar stable Taking supplements that help lower androgens Avoiding processed foods and choosing whole, nutrient-dense meals Increase protein and fiber intake for better satiety and metabolism Practicing portion control and slow eating to prevent overeating Managing stress with mindfulness, exercise, and quality sleep Read all about it here.
News18
29-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
Last Updated: Cosmetic surgery in India is no longer about vanity it's about agency, healing, and the right to feel whole. For decades, cosmetic surgery in India has existed in a strange paradox widely sought after in whispers, yet shrouded in societal judgment. Despite the millions who undergo aesthetic procedures globally, the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery in India remains deeply entrenched in cultural, historical, and spiritual narratives. But change is in the air. Dr. Debraj Shome, Director of The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) and Co-Founder, Esthetic Centers International Pvt. Ltd., is at the forefront of this transformation. A Diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shome is a globally renowned facial plastic surgeon whose work is as much about restoring confidence as it is about reshaping features. In a candid conversation, he deconstructs the persistent stigma, uncovers the deeper motivations behind cosmetic procedures, and offers a humane, ethical lens on the future of aesthetic medicine in India. 'India's hesitation around cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome explains, 'is rooted in a complex interplay of cultural conditioning and historical scarcity." In a society shaped by colonial trauma, post-independence austerity, and conservative spending patterns, investing in one's appearance has often been seen as indulgent or worse, vain. Spiritual philosophies, too, have played a role. Many Indian traditions emphasize antarmukhi (looking inward) over bahirmukhi (external focus), associating concern for appearance with ego (ahankar). As a result, aesthetic enhancements have long been viewed as superficial or even morally suspect. But things are changing. 'Today's India is younger, wealthier, and more globally connected," says Dr. Shome. 'People are realizing that taking care of how they look is not vanity it's agency. It's self-respect." At The Esthetic Clinics, the focus is on emotional well-being just as much as physical transformation. 'A tired-looking face might not match the energy of a dynamic professional. Or someone who has been teased for a facial feature might carry that burden into adulthood. In such cases, surgery becomes a way to reclaim one's sense of self." Far from being frivolous, cosmetic surgery can have profound ripple effects boosting self-confidence, restoring dignity, and opening doors to professional and personal growth. Some of the most powerful outcomes, Dr. Shome shares, are not about glamour—they're about healing. He recounts the journey of a 26-year-old woman with PCOS-related hair loss, whose social life had collapsed under the weight of her self-esteem issues. With targeted treatments, her confidence was restored and so was her presence in the world. Then there's the 52-year-old breast cancer survivor. 'After her mastectomy and chemotherapy, she didn't recognize herself. Reconstructive procedures gave her a renewed sense of femininity and wholeness." But perhaps the most soul-stirring transformations are those of acid attack survivors. 'These are not just medical cases," says Dr. Shome, 'they're emotional and social recoveries. Surgery allows these individuals to reclaim public space, move without fear, and live with dignity." Celebrity Silence: A Barrier to Awareness In an age where celebrities shape beauty standards, their refusal to acknowledge cosmetic procedures has serious repercussions. 'When a 60-year-old celebrity credits flawless skin to yoga and green juice without mentioning aesthetic work it perpetuates myths and fuels insecurity," notes Dr. Shome. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, 'Honest conversations by public figures could normalize cosmetic surgery, eliminate shame, and help people make informed choices. In a media-driven world, honesty is no longer optional, it's critical." The Ethics of Saying No: Where Responsibility Meets Empathy At TEC, ethical boundaries are sacred. 'Roughly 10% of our consultations are redirected to psychological counseling," reveals Dr. Shome. From body dysmorphia to emotionally charged requests, the team prioritizes patient mental health over profit. 'When someone walks in asking to look like a celebrity, or wants multiple procedures that distort their natural aesthetic, we engage in gentle but firm conversations. Surgery should never be a Band-Aid for deeper emotional wounds." This compassionate approach reinforces one of Dr. Shome's core beliefs, 'Cosmetic surgery should heal, not harm. Enhance, not erase. The goal is to help people feel like the best version of themselves—not someone else entirely." The Road Ahead: From Stigma to Self-Respect India is at the cusp of a new era, one where self-care includes the right to feel good in one's own skin, without judgment. 'As India evolves, so must its understanding of cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome reflects. 'This is not about chasing perfection. It's about choosing agency, dignity, and alignment. When done with empathy and ethics, aesthetic medicine becomes a tool for healing." top videos View all At The Esthetic Clinics, the mission is clear: to empower individuals to make informed, guilt-free choices supported by science, compassion, and the belief that beauty is deeply personal. Because at the heart of every successful procedure lies something profoundly human: the desire to feel whole. First Published: May 29, 2025, 07:44 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Mom's Hormone Levels While Pregnant Linked to Kids' Physical Activity
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mother's hormones during pregnancy can negatively affect her child years later, a new study has cautioned. Boys whose mothers had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or elevated testosterone levels during the third trimester of pregnancy appear less physically active by age seven. The effect wasn't seen in girls, but girls exposed to higher testosterone levels in the womb were found to have lower muscle strength at age seven. The study, led by researchers at Odense University Hospital and the University of Southern Denmark, analyzed data from 695 pregnant women and their children. Using an accelerometer—a device that tracks changes in movement—the team measured the physical activity of the seven-year-olds and discovered boys born to mothers with PCOS were less active, particularly on weekends, compared to their peers. Relaxed boy lies on couch playing online virtual video game, use app on internet on smartphone. Relaxed boy lies on couch playing online virtual video game, use app on internet on smartphone. Dima Berlin Additionally, this reduced activity wasn't due to factors like birth weight or the mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Instead, it seems directly tied to higher maternal testosterone levels—a hormone that typically spikes during pregnancy and is even higher in women with PCOS. Camilla Viola Palm, the study's lead author, explained that while previous research often relied on questionnaires to gauge child activity, this study's use of objective movement tracking makes its findings especially compelling. "Maternal pre-pregnancy health conditions, like PCOS, may transgenerationally affect the physical activity of boys," she said. Palm also warned that a drop in physical activity, especially on weekends when children have more free time, could set the stage for future obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in these boys. For girls, higher testosterone exposure during pregnancy didn't impact their activity levels but did result in lower muscle strength, which may also have long-term health consequences. This is the latest in a series of findings by the team, which previously showed that boys exposed to higher prenatal testosterone had more body fat by age seven and lower grip strength by age five. The researchers are now planning to follow these children into adolescence to see if the effects persist, potentially impacting obesity, blood pressure and type 2 diabetes risk. "There is only little data on boys regarding PCOS-related metabolic and CVD risk, as PCOS is a female condition by definition," Palm said. The research also suggests the effects of PCOS and the hormone imbalances it causes, may extend to the next generation. The research was presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about PCOS? Let us know via science@ Reference Palm, C. V., Grøntved, A., Christesen, H., Glintborg, D., & Andersen, M. (2025, May 10–13). Habitual activity and muscle strength in children of mothers with, or without, polycystic ovary syndrome. [Conference presentation]. Joint Congress of ESPE and ESE 2025, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Weight loss coach breaks down different types of belly fat and ways to tackle them: From stressed to alcohol belly
Belly fat is often seen as a stubborn and frustrating issue, but did you know that not all belly fat is the same? Understanding the different types of belly fat, what causes them and how they behave can make a big difference in how you approach your fitness goals. Anushi Jain, certified nutritionist and weight loss expert, says in her April 30 post, "Not all bellies are built the same, and it's not always just fat! From stressed belly to alcohol belly, each tells a story your body's been holding on to." She further explains the different types of belly fat and shares practical tips on how to address each one effectively. (Also read: Fitness coach shares 10 filling foods to eat if you want to burn belly fat without starving: Berries to cottage cheese ) A post shared by Nutri Maven | Weight Loss & Gut Expert | Jain (@ Caused by: High cortisol levels Solution: Green tea rich in L-Theanine helps promote calmness and reduce stress levels. Caused by: High insulin levels Solution: Cinnamon tea can help lower blood sugar levels, aiding in managing PCOS-related belly fat. Caused by: Low thyroid hormones Solution: Coriander seeds tea, which is rich in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation and support thyroid health. Caused by: Decrease in estrogen and increase in insulin Solution: Peppermint tea aids in reducing bloating, calming inflammation, and supporting digestion during menopause. Caused by: Hormonal imbalances (often linked to estrogen decrease) Solution: Peppermint tea, known for its digestive benefits, can reduce bloating and ease digestive discomfort. Caused by: Impaired detoxification Solution: Ashgourd juice helps flush out toxins from the kidneys and liver, supporting better metabolism and digestion. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
