Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, and its sister facility, Healthpoint, a multi-speciality hospital in Abu Dhabi, are joining forces to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with an integrated multi-disciplinary approach delivered by the first-of-its-kind clinic in the UAE.
Located at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, the new clinic will give patients the opportunity of receiving diagnosis and treatment from endocrinology, dermatology and gynaecology in liaison and under one roof.
PCOS occurs due to the presence of elevated androgens (male hormones) in women. Signs and symptoms can include irregular or no menstrual period or heavy periods, excess body and/or facial hair, acne, pelvic pain, difficulty in getting pregnant, as well as patches of thick, darker and velvety skin. It should be noted, however, that PCOS can be present without any of the obvious symptoms.
While science is still seeking an effective cure for this condition, there are many ways of decreasing or eliminating PCOS symptoms including fertility treatments to minimise the effects and help the patient lead a normal life. Addressing oligo/amenorrhea, hirsutism/acne, and obesity/metabolic syndrome are some of the additional measures that can support patients in managing PCOS.
Dr Safdar Naqvi, Medical Director and Consultant Physician & Endocrinologist at ICLDC said: “With PCOS being increasingly recognised by the medical profession as a syndrome affecting a growing number of women around the world, this clinic will provide a significant value addition to ICLDC’s ability to provide care and comfort to our patients.
“The new clinic will also strengthen the growing synergy between ICLDC and our sister facility Healthpoint towards providing advanced comprehensive care for our patients in Abu Dhabi. By combining our efforts and expertise to help those affected by this condition in the UAE, we can harness the latest research on PCOS to provide a variety of innovative treatments.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, Acting Medical Director, Public Health Specialist at Healthpoint, said: “As leading medical practitioners, our key focus is to provide the best possible care and outcomes for our patients. Given the high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in the UAE, we are delighted to work hand in hand with ICLDC on a holistic approach and integrated programme to provide our patients with full-cycle care in one place. Patients suffering from PCOS now have the chance to consult with our world-class team of gynecologists, endocrinologists, dermatologists and diabetes management experts who will accompany them on the journey to recovery.”
It is estimated that worldwide, PCOS can affect up to 20 percent of women in the 18-44 year age group. In 2014, Khaleej Times reported the increased incidence of PCOS in the MENA region, particularly in the UAE where a study by Dr Pankaj Shrivastav at a gynaecology and fertility hospital in Sharjah examined 501 women of South Asian, Gulf Arab and Caucasian ethnicities and found 42.5 per cent of the South Asian group, 39.9 per cent of the Gulf Arab, and 23.5 per cent of the Caucasian group impacted by the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
