www.womanthismonth.com 95 May 2015 showcase Many women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). So, what exactly is the condition? Royal Bahrain Hospital’s (RBH) internal medicine (endocrinology & diabetes) consultant Dr Hecham Harb explains. It is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid, called follicles, located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam. “PCOS signs and symptoms often begin soon after a woman first starts having periods (menarche),” says Dr Harb. “In some cases, PCOS develops later during the reproductive years, for instance, in response to substantial weight gain. “Irregular periods are the most common characteristic. On the other hand, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne and male-pattern baldness.” Causes of PCOS are unknown but many factors may play a role. For example, excess insulin might affect the ovaries by increasing androgen production, which may interfere with the ovaries' ability to produce eggs. “Another factor is heredity, if your mother or sister has PCOS, you might have a greater chance of having it too,” explains Dr Harb. “Having PCOS, especially if obesity is also a factor, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities, fatty liver, infertility, cancer of the uterus and mood disorders.” PCOS treatment generally focuses on management of the main concerns like infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. The first step is to look at weight loss through a special diet combined with moderate exercise activities. It is also possible that many medications might be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulate ovulation and to reduce excessive hair growth. Call RBH on 17 246-800 for more information. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common disorder affecting women either in their adolescence or later in life and can be a cause of distress for many. ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL WHAT IS PCOS? Dr. Hecham Harb down I go. heart pounding. wind rushing past. my bike and I: one unit. right behind mohamed. this is not a race. it’s pure fun. and this morning’s joint pain? left it in the valley. after a burst of for up to eight hours*. I’m ready to keep going. the guys won’t get away. we are in this together. like every weekend. out on the trails. exploring. jumping. riding. fast. up. down. faster still. over the rocks. over the bumps. shaking off the week. forgetting the stress. nothing to stop us. it’s pain out, life in. for the long run. down I go. WHEN PAIN IS GONE LIFE TAKES ITS PLACE THE UNIQUE BI-LAYER TABLET FOR FAST RELEASE AND LONG LASTING RELIEF GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Arenco Tower, Media City, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: +971 4 3769555 Fax: +971 4 3928549 P.O. Box: 23816 For reporting any adverse events or side effects of any GSK product, please contact us on [email protected] For complete product information, please refer to the product leaflet and consult your healthcare professional. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist. Item Code: CHSAU/CHPDL/0010/15 Preparation date: March 2015 *When used as directed Adults and Children aged 12 years and over: 2 tablets every 8 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours Contains Paracetamol 665mg
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