Dr Abayomi Ajayi, Managing Director and CEO of Nordica Fertility Centre, has expressed concern over the rising cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) being misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in Nigeria.
Dr Ajayi shared his concerns in a media chat in Lagos for PCOS awareness in the month of September. He attributes this to inadequate healthcare services and poor awareness among patients and healthcare providers.
According to him, 10-15% of women will encounter PCOS, but unfortunately, 50-70% of these remain undiagnosed. He emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis, highlighting that misdiagnosis often occurs when PCOS is diagnosed solely based on scan reports. Instead, diagnosis should be based on a combination of symptoms.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS is a prevalent hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, ranging from 15 to 44 years. It usually begins in adolescents, but symptoms might vary with time. PCOS can cause hormonal abnormalities, high androgen levels, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods, often with no ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. It is the leading cause of infertility.
Dr Ajayi explains that women with PCOS typically experience irregular menstrual cycles, often having less than eight or nine periods per year. This is due to follicles arrested at different stages of development, preventing ovulation and resulting in infrequent menstruation. Other symptoms include male pattern hair growth, oily skin, acne, and polycystic ovaries.
The condition is linked to insulin resistance, which leads to high male hormone levels. While the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, genetic linkage is suspected, as it tends to run in families.
To address PCOS-related infertility, Ajayi recommends a comprehensive evaluation, including semen analysis, scan, and hormone assessment. Treatment may involve ovulation induction with drugs, and if necessary, IVF.
Ajayi emphasizes that PCOS is a chronic condition with no cure, but symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments. He stresses the importance of awareness and accurate diagnosis to improve healthcare outcomes for women with PCOS.
Early detection and proper management can significantly improve quality of life for women with PCOS. Ajayi’s call to action highlights the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and the general public to tackle the growing issue of PCOS misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.
