As the pandemic races past us even this year, false claims around the vaccine does not seem to be falling behind. While we understand the uncertainties for an illness that’s still showing its colors but spreading false information is a habit that’s too common for comfort.
Since the whole vaccination drive began in January, there have been many speculations concerning women getting vaccinated. Honestly, goddesses never have it easy! Primarily, we came across this speculation that taking the vaccination during your periods will lead to lower immunity, excessive bleeding, and acute pain. It was later contested by health experts and the government to be a false claim.
Did you come across the new gossip in the market though? They say women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) should think about it before taking the vaccine. Yet again, our beautiful ladies fell prey to another dubious dilemma. For those of you who don’t know, polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common condition that is identified by irregular periods, excess facial or body hair, weight gain, and more.
It is a condition that one in every ten women suffers from at the onset of their puberty. This condition has been misunderstood and under-researched for a long time, leading to all kinds of speculations around it. Women, young girls, and older women suffer from the symptoms of it even when it is treated well.
Unfortunately, women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome are highly susceptible to Type-2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure. Which makes them even more at risk to contract Covid-19. Some small studies have confirmed that people with PCOS may have a higher risk of getting Covid-19, thus, it is advisable to get the jab at the earliest. The question of “should you?” has already turned the table towards “you should”.
The vaccination does not entirely hinder the virus contraction, it will mellow down the symptoms and avoid hospitalizations. We are already struggling with poor health care facilities and people dying left, right, center. You want to play domino or what?
The European Journal of Endocrinology shows the incidence of Covid-19 in women with PCOS was almost twice the rate than in women without PCOS. Why women with PCOS are more prone to Covid-19 is due to several reasons :
- Pro-Inflammatory Conditions
- Insulin Resistance
- Androgen Axis (Hyper- Androgenemia)
Thus, these cardio-metabolic risk factors play a role in increasing the susceptibility rate in PCOS women. Furthermore, the lockdown has added the concerns for delayed diagnosis and less activity, which also can be proved to be risky.
The after-effects of the virus may vary depending upon the human body, slight pain and tenderness in the injection spot are normal. These symptoms are present in the body for not more than one to three days. If they persist for a longer time, you are advised to consult your doctor and get checked.
The specific relationship among PCOS and COVID-19 has not been seen at this point. However, it is important for you all to take good care of yourselves in case you contract the virus.
In the interim, ladies with PCOS, you can keep a check on your health through these steps:
- Consumption of a healthy balanced diet
- Working out daily because even the slightest amount of weight shed can lift you up from the risk pool of PCOS and manage it better.
- Grab all the Vitamin D you can.
- Keep taking your prescribed medication for your irregular periods and the others, in case you have been taking one.
More studies are under investigation at this point to understand the exact connection between Covid-19 and PCOS. Till then, take care, follow the social distancing norms, keep your masks on, and have a healthy diet. The vaccination drive is at its full force and all of you should get your shots as and when you get slots. These are difficult times and we have no time to attend to all the false claims going around us.
Citations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcLwx_TwQLI
https://www.apollo247.com/blog/article/pcos-and-severe-covid-19-there-link
