Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, leads to irregular ovulation, menstrual irregularities, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
Many doctors attribute the primary cause of this disease to poor lifestyle choices, highlighting factors such as frequent consumption of packaged foods and sweets, soft drinks, obesity, elevated male hormones, and genetic influences as key contributors.
They further add that if left unchecked, PCOS can increase the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, uterine cancer, and infertility in women and young girls.
Dr. Mashal Bahar, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, attributes 70% of women and girls suffering from PCOS to factors such as the body’s resistance to insulin, heredity, obesity, and stress and anxiety. “Symptoms commonly associated with the condition include overeating or loss of appetite, hair thinning, increased body hair, irregular menstrual cycles, and the development of male-like characteristics.”
Similarly, Dr. Abeda Raha, another gynecology and obstetrics specialist, believes that lifestyle changes are key to preventing PCOS. She emphasizes that improving dietary habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress can significantly reduce the risk of developing the syndrome.
She adds, “When I see 10 patients with PCOS, all of them have fast food in their diet. The first step in treatment is changing their lifestyle and diet. They should switch to normal, natural foods, and secondly, they need to exercise to reduce their weight.”
Nadia, a 25-year-old from Balkh who suffers from PCOS, says after three months of experiencing symptoms such as weight gain, irregular periods, and psychological distress, she decided to visit a doctor. She recalls, “I was feeling very uncomfortable and my mood was very low. My weight kept increasing. My periods were completely irregular, and I was growing hair on my face and arms. I didn’t know I had PCOS until I went to the doctor, who diagnosed me with it.”
Similarly, Ayesha, a 21-year-old from Kabul, who developed PCOS after a year of poor dietary habits and stress, says the disease has significantly impacted her daily life and health. “My mood changed drastically and I became depressed. My hair color started to turn white and I had other issues as well. I went to the doctor, and she advised me to manage my stress and regularize my diet. Overall, this condition had a major effect on my life and I was struggling with depression.”
Sahra, a 21-year-old from Kabul, who has been married for two years and remains infertile due to PCOS, shares her concerns: “I feel very tired and weak, and I have no appetite. My blood pressure is low, and my menstrual cycle is irregular. I went to the doctor, and she told me I have PCOS.”
According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.5% of the adult population, or one in every six people, face infertility during their lifetime.
In recent years, due to poor lifestyle choices, the rate of infertility among women in Afghanistan has significantly increased.
