PCOS cases rising; lifestyle modifications key to manage condition: Experts

As September marks PCOS Awareness Month experts have voiced concern over its growing prevalence and impact on womens health especially as stigma and lack of awareness delay diagnosisGlobally polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS affects 626 per cent of women and in India nearly 1 in 5 young women Despite being among the most common hormonal disorders it often goes undiagnosed Alarmingly nearly 70 per cent of cases remain unidentified experts saidPCOS is a hormonal disorder causing irregular periods weight gain acne excess hair growth and infertilityOften marked by fluidfilled sacs on the ovaries it extends beyond reproductive issues increasing risks of insulin resistance type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease and even endometrial cancerDr Yashica Gudesar Director and unit head Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Max Super Speciality Hospital in Dwarka said that PCOS is one of the most widespread endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age In India stigma and lack of awareness delay diagnosis she saidWith early screening and timely lifestyle interventions many severe complications can be prevented Dr Gudesar underlinedPCOS has strong links to lowgrade inflammation along with genetic environmental and lifestyle factors she saidWhile family history raises susceptibility poor diet inactivity stress and obesity can trigger or worsen symptomsTreatment is always tailored to the individual since not all women with PCOS need medical therapy In many cases lifestyle modification alone can be transformative while medications are used only when specific symptoms such as infertility irregular cycles or excess hair growth need to be addressed Dr Gudesar statedDr Swapnil Agrahari a gynaecologist at Silverstreak Multispeciality Hospital said PCOS needs a multipronged approach medical care alongside lifestyle changes like exercise diet and stress management It should be seen not just as a reproductive disorder but as a chronic condition with wideranging health impactsExperts emphasise that beyond physical health PCOS also exerts a toll on mental health leading to anxiety depression and social stress The stigma surrounding womens reproductive health in India further delays conversations and diagnosisDr Astha Dayal Director Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon said As a gynaecologist practising in Gurugram I see PCOS rising sharply among young women especially in metros due to stress poor diet and sedentary lifestylesEarly awareness and lifestyle changes not just medication are key to preventing longterm complications and protecting womens healthAs India already battles the burden of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension the growing prevalence of PCOS poses a serious public health challengeDoctors and health advocates are calling for greater awareness campaigns nationwide screening programmes and integrated treatment approaches that address physical emotional and lifestyle dimensions of the disorderExperts urged the women to seek timely medical advice break the stigma around reproductive health and adopt preventive measures earlyOnly through awareness early diagnosis and holistic care can India effectively address the growing PCOS burden they saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever