Diet, lifestyle crucial in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome – Dr. Padi Ayertey
By Daniel NONOR, Accra
A distinguished gynecologist and women’s fertility specialist, Dr. Padi Ayertey has underscored the pivotal role that diet and lifestyle choices play in managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
In an insightful interview on Zed FM’s Zed in the Morning show, Dr. Ayertey highlighted how these factors significantly influence the symptoms and severity of PCOS, a condition that affects many women worldwide, often leading to fertility challenges and other health complications.
“PCOS is a lifelong condition, but its manifestations can be significantly influenced by diet and lifestyle choices,” Dr. Ayertey noted. He emphasized that poor dietary habits can worsen the symptoms, whereas a healthier diet can mitigate or even eliminate some of the manifestations. He also explained that lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, are integral to managing PCOS effectively.
Dr. Ayertey drew attention to the variability in how PCOS manifests, even among women with the same genetic predisposition. “Siblings may have the same genetic predisposition to PCOS, but if one has a better diet and lifestyle than the other, the severity of their symptoms can vary greatly,” he explained. This highlights the importance of individualized care and the impact of lifestyle on health outcomes.
The gynecologist also discussed the critical connection between PCOS and fertility, explaining how the condition disrupts the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular or absent periods due to the ovary’s inability to release eggs regularly. “PCOS significantly affects fertility,” Dr. Ayertey stated, noting that women with PCOS may have fewer opportunities to conceive due to irregular ovulation, and even when pregnancy occurs, the risk of miscarriage is higher, particularly within the first five months.
Moreover, Dr. Ayertey addressed the emotional and mental health challenges faced by women with PCOS, including mood swings and depression, often linked to the hormonal imbalances caused by the condition. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical procedures like ovarian drilling. However, he cautioned that managing PCOS is a lifelong commitment, requiring ongoing management and adherence to treatment plans.
“Patients need to understand that PCOS doesn’t go away. It’s a condition that requires ongoing management, including consistent medication and lifestyle adjustments,” he emphasized. Dr. Ayertey also expressed concern about patients who prematurely discontinue their treatment, thinking they are cured once their periods become regular. He advised women with PCOS to take dieting seriously, stating, “Diet and lifestyle are crucial. If you want to manage this condition effectively, you need to make permanent changes. It’s not just about taking medication—it’s about changing how you live.” Dr. Ayertey’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of lifestyle and diet in managing PCOS and the need for women to commit to long-term, sustainable changes to improve their health and quality of life.
