Accra:Dr. Safia Abdallah Raabo, a Medical Doctor at the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital, has urged women to seek early medical attention for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to prevent complications, including infertility and other long-term health conditions. She emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment to enhance reproductive health and overall well-being.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Raabo made these remarks at a health seminar organized by the Greater Accra Chapter of the Ghana Muslim Mission Young Ladies Forum. She explained that PCOS, a hormonal disorder affecting menstrual cycles and ovulation, can manifest through symptoms such as irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, excessive facial and body hair, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. Menstrual irregularities often begin around puberty and may include the absence of menstruation, infrequent periods, or unusually frequent menstrual cycles.
Dr. Raabo noted that infertility associated with PCOS is commonly linked to anovulation, where the ovaries fail to release eggs regularly. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on the Rotterdam criteria, requiring at least two of three key features irregular or absent menstruation, clinical or biochemical evidence of excess androgens, and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. She stressed the importance of ruling out other medical conditions with similar symptoms before confirming a PCOS diagnosis. Investigations may include hormonal assessments, pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound examinations, and blood glucose tests, especially for women with obesity or a family history of diabetes.
Discussing management, Dr. Raabo highlighted lifestyle modification, particularly weight management, as a crucial first-line intervention for overweight and obese women with PCOS. Modest weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity, lower androgen levels, and help restore spontaneous ovulation and fertility in some patients. Hormonal contraceptives may be prescribed for those not planning a pregnancy soon, while progestin therapy could regulate menstrual bleeding and reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
For women seeking to conceive, Dr. Raabo recommended weight management alongside investigations to identify other infertility causes. Clomiphene citrate and letrozole are medications commonly used to stimulate ovulation, with treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Excessive hair growth management may involve medication and hair-removal techniques such as shaving, waxing, and electrolysis.
Dr. Raabo warned that poorly managed PCOS could increase the risk of severe health issues like endometrial hyperplasia, gestational diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. She advised women with persistent menstrual irregularities, unexplained hair growth, or difficulties conceiving to seek professional medical care rather than self-medicate. Counseling and continuous monitoring are essential components of PCOS management, helping to reduce long-term complications and improve patients' quality of life.