Kamal Ghorui
Across clinics today, more young women are reporting a similar set of symptoms, feeling lightheaded while standing, struggling with constant fatigue, finding it hard to focus, or noticing a sudden drop in stamina despite being otherwise healthy. Such symptoms are usually dismissed as stress, fatigue, or even a “burnout” related to one’s lifestyle. However, in a small percentage of people, the underlying reason for these symptoms could be more serious, related to how the body controls even basic functions such as heart rate and blood flow.One such underlying condition is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that is increasingly being recognised, especially among young women. The condition affects how the body responds to changes in posture. When a person stands up, their heart rate increases abnormally without a corresponding decrease in blood pressure. As a result, one feels dizzy, fatigued, suffers from brain fog, and has poor physical endurance.This pattern was seen in a recent case involving a 23-year-old woman cricketer who began experiencing repeated dizziness and declining performance on the field. Despite being physically fit, she found it difficult to maintain stamina and concentration. All the routine investigations were normal, but the further investigation showed that her heart rate increased significantly on standing, which is one of the major symptoms of POTS. With the right kind of treatment and a few lifestyle changes, the symptoms cleared up in a matter of days, and she was ready to go back to her sport.What makes POTS complicated is that it goes undetected most of the time. Routine health checks may be completely normal, even at rest. Many young women continue to push through their symptoms, assuming it is just fatigue or stress, without realising that their body’s internal regulation system may be out of balance.There are also physiological factors that explain the preponderance of women with POTS, especially among the younger age groups. Hormonal factors, volume of blood, and autonomic nervous system functioning are also responsible. Symptoms can vary and are usually pronounced when standing for long periods of time, engaging in physical activities, and sometimes when going through emotionally taxing times.The good news is that POTS can actually be managed. Drinking more fluids, increasing salt intake, circulation, and, in severe cases, medication can help reduce symptoms. Early detection is crucial in preventing long-term discomfort.The larger message, of course, is that when people experience dizziness, fatigue, or trouble concentrating, and it affects their daily lives, it is crucial that they pay attention to these signs. What may seem confusing and overwhelming may, in fact, be a situation that is easily diagnosed and treated, so that people can resume their lives in a confident manner.(This is an authored article by Dr. Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central)
