Maharashtra launches specialised PCOS clinics for women's health
Mumbai- Taking a significant step towards strengthening women's healthcare services, the Public Health Department of Maharashtra has begun setting up specialised clinics for the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This is a common hormonal disorder that affects 10-13% of women of reproductive age.
On Tuesday, the name of PCOS was changed globally to Polyoendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). The renowned medical journal *The Lancet* published a global consensus statement renaming this condition to PMOS. This was done to reflect that it is not merely a reproductive issue, but rather a complex, whole-body metabolic and hormonal disorder.
Speaking to TOI in this regard, a senior doctor from the Health Department said, “We started setting up clinics from May 6 onwards, with an aim to set them up at district hospitals, general hospitals, women’s hospitals, 100-bed sub-district hospitals as well as municipal corporation hospitals.”
These clinics will operate every Wednesday, alongside the existing Menopause OPDs that began in January. It is designed to provide a holistic approach to managing PCOD through a variety of specialised services, i.e. Expert Screenings, Pathological Testing, Integrated Treatment, Mental Health Support and Lifestyle Guidance.
According to State Minister Meghna Bordikar, PCOS/PMOS clinics in the state will help improve early screening, treatment, and counselling for women.
PCOS causes problems such as irregular menstruation, weight gain, excessive body hair growth, acne, and infertility. Studies have shown that women suffering from PCOS may be at a higher risk of developing certain specific health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Due to changing lifestyles and rising mental stress, the prevalence of PCOD among young women is on the rise. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, this condition can be effectively managed.
Therefore, the doctor hopes that this change will help reduce stigma, improve diagnosis rates, and highlight the fact that many patients do not have ovarian cysts.
