A CSR Initiative By Metropolis Healthcare Ltd To Help Women Overcome PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder affecting about 12-18% of women in the reproductive age. PCOS causes irregular periods, excessive male-type hair growth (hirsutism), thinning of scalp hair, male-type baldness, acne, obesity, difficulty in losing weight, dark patches of skin and infertility.

The exact cause of PCOS is not known. However, it is speculated that the syndrome occurs because of interplay of genetic and environmental factors which hinders with the regular functioning of hormones in the body. Insulin resistance is believed to be the culprit. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows our body to use sugar (glucose). Insulin resistance means that the normal levels of insulin are creating sub-normal effects, resulting in excess insulin being released. Excess insulin might affect the ovaries by increasing male hormone (androgen) production, which may interfere with the ovaries’ ability to release eggs/ovulation.

Why CONQUER PCOS?

Internal data studies by Metropolis show that 1 in 10 women suffer from PCOS. Conquer PCOS is aimed at women with PCOS and help them take control of their health and well-being. Since PCOS is a complex syndrome, most women suffer in ignorance for years before they get diagnosed because of lack of awareness. Early diagnosis goes a long way in help improving the quality of lives of these patients and prevent life-long complications. Conquer PCOS is a CSR Initiative by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd and the program is executed along with PCOS Society of India.

“The main challenge with PCOS is that there is a general lack of awareness regarding the condition in India and it often remains undetected for years. Many aspects of the disorder are not understood properly as its symptoms and severity vary greatly”, says, Ameera Shah, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

“PCOS not only affects reproductive health of women but also leads to mental health issues like depression, anxiety and mood changes due to PCOS complications like obesity, irregular periods, acne and alopecia. A holistic approach is needed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome. Assurance to the patient that their issues can be very well treated and educating them about their problems will help in preventing anxiety and depression”, states Dr. Duru Shah, Founder President, PCOS Society.

Objectives of CONQUER PCOS

• Spread awareness about the condition
• Get more women diagnosed
• Offer support for women with PCOS
• Create a forum where women with PCOS can talk to each other
• One stop information solution
• Expert solution from Doctors

How does CONQUER PCOS work?

• Accurate medical information using PCOS tracker
• Medical assistance for those who need help to cope up with the symptoms
• 100+ PCOS diet recipes and extensive exercise regimen to help women maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Expert advice through live sessions with experts on Instagram

CONQUER PCOS Impact

Through our multiple online and offline awareness programs we have reached out to over 70,000 plus women and girls from 115 cities. We have conducted 82 offline workshops in colleges and institutes across India. We have conducted 36 online webinars and counselling sessions so far where young girls can directly speak to our experts regarding their health concerns. We have had 100+ experts who have participated in these sessions to provide timely guidance.

Conquer PCOS site is a one stop solution for women with PCOS – right from diet interventions, exercise, dealing with anxiety and depression and with multiple other manifestations of PCOS.

In the month of September that is observed globally as the PCOS awareness month, we have conducted sessions on Male Pattern Baldness, Infertility, Skin Pigmentation, Mental Health in PCOS, Diabetes during pregnancy in PCOS women, Lean PCOS and Severe Obesity through our social media platforms. These sessions are held every week on Friday evenings and the information about the same can be accessed through our Instagram page.