Zulekha Hospital hosts top-tier specialists at Symposium on hormonal imbalance

More than 150 professionals in gynaecology, infertility, urology, internal medicine and pathology attended the high profile symposium held on 1 March.

The Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services designated three credit hours for the educational programme.

Dr Alan DeCherney, Chief of Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Washington; Dr. Gautam Chaudhuri, Executive Chair and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA; and Dr. Firuza Parikh, Director of Reproductive Gynaecology at Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah were among the specialists who chaired the symposium.

Discussing recent advances in hormone modulation, Dr Firuza Parikh said: 'Hormone imbalance can wreak havoc causing infertility, ovulation, menstrual and cosmetic problems. Amongst women who are above 40 years, such conditions can also lead to cardiovascular illnesses and osteoporosis.

Hormone therapy, combined with lifestyle and diet modifications can control some of the problems associated with the disorder.'

Highlighting distinct areas of hormonal modulation, specialists at the symposium elaborated on the symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), while suggesting preventative treatments for ovulation problems, infertility and cardiovascular risk that are commonly associated with the syndrome. The panel also addressed the paradox surrounding hormonal replacement therapy and heart diseases.

In his presentation, Dr. Gautam Chaudhuri said: 'Studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women protects them from heart disease. Some studies, especially the Women's Health Initiative Study conducted in the US, have shown that the timing of the treatment is extremely vital, and benefits can be gained only if the treatment is started at the onset of menopause.'

However, it is paradoxical that while certain studies have shown hormone therapy to be protective, it is also proven to increase cardiovascular disease in other groups of women.

Evidence was presented at the symposium to demonstrate the beneficial effects of oestrogen for preventing early changes in the blood vessels.

The symposium came as part of Zulekha Healthcare Group's concerted effort to deliver better care and usher in global standards in the UAE through bringing together top tier medical professionals and raising awareness on latest treatment procedures.