Thin Women can Develop PCOS, Fertility Expert Warns
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Women with a low body weight can also experience Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting fertility, according to Dr. Dr. Gita Pratama, Sp.OG, Subsp. FER., M.Rep.Sc, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. The condition, frequently enough associated with obesity, can manifest with less severe symptoms in those who are thin, a presentation known as “lean PCOS.”
PCOS impacts reproductive health and metabolic function, and this revelation challenges the common perception that it solely affects women who are overweight or obese.Understanding that lean women are also susceptible is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention, possibly preventing long-term health complications like diabetes. Approximately 50 percent of women with PCOS are estimated to develop diabetes before the age of 40, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare.
Dr. Gita explained that while women with lower body weights can maintain health through consistent exercise and a tailored diet,those with PCOS often experience easier weight gain and increased appetite,potentially leading to snack cravings. This can then contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
“So if obesity occurs, many patients then suffer insulin resistance or a condition that we can say is pre-diabetes,” Dr.Gita said.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin,making it difficult to regulate blood sugar levels. This underscores the need for increased public awareness, particularly among teenagers, to prioritize a healthy lifestyle and proactive uterine health management from a young age, according to Dr. Gita. The specialist emphasized the importance of education to empower women to recognize potential symptoms and seek timely medical attention.