Better management of insulin resistance needed for UAE women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

ABU DHABI, UAE - Oct. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female hormonal disturbances in the Middle East. The relationship between PCOS and insulin resistance is particularly important here in the UAE where 1 in 5 of the female population suffer from type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Professor Samia Farghaly, Head of Academic Department, Primary Healthcare, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE, will be addressing the issue of ‘Investigation and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ at the Family Medicine Conference held at the Abu Dhabi Medical Congress & Exhibition from 27-29 October 2013 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

According to Professor Farghaly, “The incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome in a multitude of studies has ranged from as low as 10% to as high as 21% of the fertile female population. Having this condition could lead to a number of physiological, physical and psychological changes. Particularly, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes of the female population of the UAE and its relation to PCOS is well known.”

Women who suffer from PCOS show a variety of symptoms. According to the most widely used diagnostic criteria (Rotterdam Criteria for Diagnosis of PCOS), at least two of the following need to be present to confirm a diagnosis (after excluding other causes): oligoovulation and/or anovulation (associated with irregular (or cessation of) menstruation), hyperandrogenism (demonstrated clinically by increased body hair, and in more severe cases, hair loss), and polycystic ovaries, with the exclusion of other aetiologies.

“For many of the patients that visit my practice here in Dubai, PCOS is a common issue. We have cases coming in ranging from adolescents suffering from irregular periods, to married women suffering from infertility. Also, genetically, there is an association between the syndrome and insulin resistance which can even be evident in females who, at times, have lean bodies,” says Dr Farghaly.

There are other symptoms that women may experience related to PCOS which are metabolic and psychological. Weight gain and obesity are also common, along with a disturbance in the lipid profile of women with PCOS, typically demonstrated with blood tests. Psychological symptoms of PCOS include several conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and psychosexual dysfunctions. Mood swings, accompanied with sleep irregularities and an abnormality of social interaction and personal motivation are also common for this condition.

According to Dr Farghaly, the best first-line treatment for PCOS is a lifestyle modification that involves exercise and a balanced diet. Managing the patient’s BMI (body mass index) is key to resolving PCOS, and reducing the BMI to <30 kg/m2 has been beneficial for most patients, especially regarding fertility, because infertility is significantly higher in patients with a BMI of more than 30 kg/m2.

Organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, the Abu Dhabi Medical Congress & Exhibition is the region’s key healthcare event, bringing together leading international healthcare companies showcasing their latest products and services within the emergency, primary healthcare, patient safety, nursing and rehabilitation sectors, as well as being a platform for scientific exchange via the accompanying multi-track conference programme dedicated to these healthcare sectors. The event has expanded to 10,000sqm, with more than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries, 11CME-accredited conferences, and an estimated 6,000 attendees.