Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) are no longer rare or unheard of. They are happening more frequently for young women across India.
From the sleepless nights thinking about an irregular period cycle, to unexplained weight gain and sudden mood swings, these disorders are quietly creeping into the lives of girls as young as fifteen. This happens mainly due to lifestyle factors, urban stress, and lack of awareness.
A study done by the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AIIMS, shows that approximately 20-25% of Indian women of childbearing age have PCOS. While 60% of women with PCOS are obese, 35-50% are seen to have fatty liver. About 70% have insulin resistance and 60-70% have raised androgen levels, and 40-60% are intolerant to glucose.
The prevalence of PCOS/PCOD in various regions of India ranges from 3.7% to a shocking 22.5%, and that is only increasing.
Now let’s discuss what is really happening behind this silent epidemic, what it is, how it would affect health, and what can be done about it.
Explaining PCOS vs PCOD
PCOS in India is witnessing an increase in awareness, but confusion still exists around the difference between PCOS and PCOD. Simply put:
- PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disorder) is a state where the ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs, leading to cysts.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is an even more serious metabolic disorder. It disrupts hormone levels and intensely affects ovulation, insulin, and overall health.
Symptoms of both often include irregular periods, acne, facial hair growth, cyst formation, weight gain, and unpredictable mood changes. If you’re noticing some of these signs, it might be time to pay attention.
Why the Rise?
The real question many are starting to ask is, why now?
The sharp rise in cases is being associated with an urban lifestyle: highly processed food, high stress levels, and low awareness. Our bodies are currently struggling to navigate fast-paced lifestyles and food that is loaded with chemicals.
New research shows Delhi is sitting at a prevalence of 17.4%, and research from Kashmir is reflecting upward trends as well.
The prevalence of PCOS, with an increase in the number of women and adolescent girls, has become so significant that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has decided to hold a nationwide survey. The reason it is dangerous is that it can cause infertility if left untreated or undiagnosed, and other long-term health problems.
This is not just a phenomenon experienced by the big metros; spikes are being reported in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, as well, especially in our school and college-aged girls. The shift in diet, stress levels, and sedentary professions suggests an expected lifestyle disorder India is currently facing.
Health Risks Ahead
While PCOS/PCOD may sound manageable at first, the long-term consequences can be serious. These disorders are linked to:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Infertility
- Mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The hormonal rollercoaster can deeply affect PCOS mental health, especially in young women navigating education, careers, and relationships.
There’s also emerging research that links PCOS with cancer risks, particularly endometrial and ovarian cancers. Clearly, this is more than just a menstrual issue. It’s a full-body, long-term health concern that needs early action.
Prevention & Management
The good news is that there are ways to manage it and even prevent it.
Lifestyle changes are your first line of defence. Follow a balanced diet, daily movement, reduce sugar intake, and stress control. These steps alone can regulate periods and reduce cyst formation in a lot of mild to moderate cases.
But in more complex cases, medical tools become essential. This includes:
- Regular screenings
- Hormonal therapy
- Blood tests
- Insulin-management
An early diagnosis of PCOS strategy can prevent the condition from escalating and reduce complications later in life. The key is not to ignore the signs or brush off hormonal imbalance as “normal stress.”
Empowerment through Awareness
Silence is the most significant gap in PCOD awareness. Many young women tend to suffer in silence with their period problems, thinking they just have to “deal with it.” The silence is being broken, and that is powerful.
We hope to break down barriers with regular check-ups, create safe platforms to talk, and use social media to share experiences, through Instagram reels, health forums, school seminars, etc. Awareness is beginning to spread, but it is only the beginning.
Conclusion & Call to Action
PCOS and PCOD aren’t going anywhere unless we talk about them more openly. We must highlight the importance of early detection, regular medical guidance, and mental health care. Whether you’re a woman facing these challenges or someone close to one, simply asking, “How can I help?” can mean the world.
So, here’s a gentle nudge: share your story, start that conversation with your friends, daughters, or sisters, and most importantly, listen without judgment.
The silent surge is only silent if we don’t speak up. It’s time we did.