A study led by the University of Birmingham has stated that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a greater risk of contaminating COVID-19.
The study has found out that women with PCOS are usually at an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease, all of which are significant risk factors of COVID-19.
PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects women in their reproductive age. Women with PCOS may suffer from irregular menstrual periods, develop small follicles in the ovary and fail to ovulate.
Although the exact cause of PCOS is not known, the following are considered to be the risk factors of the condition.
1. Heredity – Research suggests that genes might be linked to PCOS.
2. High insulin level – Insulin allows cells to allow sugar, the primary source of the body’s energy. The cells of women with PCOS become resistant to insulin. As a result, the body might produce excess insulin and the sugar levels may rise. A high level of insulin causes difficulty in ovulation. (
3. High level of androgen – All women make androgen (male hormones) in a small amount. But women with PCOS have more male hormones than normal. Excess androgen prevents the ovaries from ovulation and causes excess body and facial hair.
21,292 women with PCOS and 78,310 women without PCOS were studied for the above-mentioned research, and the results showed that women with PCOS have a 51% increased risk of contaminating PCOS, as compared to those without PCOS. The incidence of COVID-19 in women with PCOS was twice that in women without PCOS. The author of the study, Anuradhaa Subramanian, University of Birmingham, said, “Given the high prevalence of PCOS, these findings need to be considered when designing public health policy and advice as our understanding of COVID-19 evolves.”
Dr Micheal O’Reilly, co-author of the study explains, “Before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, women with PCOS consistently reported fragmented care, delayed diagnosis and a perception of poor clinical understanding of their condition.”
“One in every ten women in India has PCOS and six out every ten women are teenage girls. But the problem is the awareness of PCOS is still very minimal. Most women do not recognise the signs and symptoms and tend to think that bodily changes are normal. On a very basic level, PCOS can be identified if a woman regularly has irregular periods, have too much hair on the body and face, experiences drastic weight gain has skin darkening in neck creases and the groin area or has too much acne on the face. Women with PCOS are at risk of not just COVID-19, but also at risk of diabetes, sleep apnea, unhealthy cholesterol, anxiety and depression, and endometrial cancer. It is important for women to stay more informed about PCOS,” says Pristyn Care gynaecologist.
The gynaecologist at Pristyn Care also adds that no women should delay undergoing treatment if the symptoms strongly point toward PCOS, and that during the current time, women with PCOS should remain more alert in taking all necessary medications and lifestyle modifications. “There is no sure shot treatment PCOS. But, being aware of the what’s and why’s about the condition goes a long way. Surely, the pandemic has brought in a tough time, and possibly it will stay for a long time. But, the right treatment for PCOS at the right time can prevent you from feeling lost among all the symptoms that often become hard to fight.”
Pristyn Care is one of the top-notch healthcare organisations where PCOS treatment is provided by some of the best gynecologists in the country. They do a thorough examination to identify the root cause of the syndrome in a woman and then plan the treatment way forward.
Women with PCOS need medical care, emotional support, and lifestyle guidance almost every day, the best of which can be provided by Pristyn Care gynaecologists.
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