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Doctors are observing a sharp rise in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among women in their reproductive years, especially between 15-30, with lifestyle and hormonal factors playing a major role. Timely diagnosis and management to improve long-term quality of life

Currently, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting a large number of women. PCOS is increasingly seen in the 15–30-year age group, which covers adolescence and early adulthood. This rise is linked to lifestyle changes, stress, and genetic factors. Hence, women should pay attention to early symptoms and seek medical help to avoid complications, improve fertility, and ensure a better quality of life.

PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones (androgens), and small cysts may develop on the ovaries. It leads to irregular periods, difficulty in ovulation, and several metabolic concerns. The causes can be attributed to hormonal imbalance, sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, family history of PCOS or diabetes, stress, and even obesity. The symptoms are irregular or missed periods, excess facial or body hair, acne and oily skin, weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and difficulty conceiving. It is the need of the hour to pay attention to PCOS in women and take prompt steps. This condition shouldn’t be neglected at all.

“Women in the 15–30 years age group are at the highest risk of developing PCOS because this is the reproductive age when hormonal changes are most active. Currently, 60% of women may be struggling with PCOS. In a month, 6 out of 10 women visit with symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, facial hair, and weight- issues during their teenage years and early adulthood. Diagnosis is made using blood tests and an ultrasound to check hormone levels and ovarian health. With timely treatment that includes lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight management, and sometimes medications, PCOS can be effectively managed. If left untreated, PCOS can increase the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and infertility in later life.It also has a major mental health impact like anxiety, depression , body image issues in young women.  Timely attention not only improves fertility outcomes but also reduces long-term complications, giving young women a better quality of life. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in young women, as irregular ovulation makes natural conception difficult. Advanced ART methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI) have proven to be a boon, helping many women with PCOS achieve pregnancy successfully. It is advisable to seek help without any delay to improve the quality of life, Timely attention not only improves fertility outcomes but also reduces long term health complications. PCOS is manageable and one should not loose hope. Early diagnosis is a must and is a proactive approach” said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar.

“PCOS is now common in women aged 15–30 years due to hormonal imbalance, poor lifestyle habits, obesity, and stress. 50% of women aged 15-30 are battling PCOS silently. Monthly, 5 out of 10 women are presenting with irregular periods, weight gain, and excess hair growth, darkening of the skin, and hair loss, which should not be ignored. There is still a lack of awareness in women regarding this condition, and many often fail to seek treatment.  PCOS management involves a healthy diet, exercise, and weight control, along with medicines to regulate hormones. Timely treatment helps restore menstrual cycles, improve fertility, and prevent long-term complications like infertility, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even endometrial cancer. Women, exercise caution when it comes to your well-being and seek immediate help from an expert,” concluded Dr. Anagha Chhatrapati, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, Gleneagles Hospital.