Doctor Shares Why PCOS In Your 20s Deserves More Attention

When you're in your 20s, life often revolves around newfound independence, career exploration, relationships and figuring out who you are. Fertility and long-term health may not be top of mind, but your body may already be dropping subtle hints that deserve attention. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects many women in India, often begins in the late teens or early 20s, yet it frequently goes undiagnosed until fertility becomes a concern. This silent disruptor can do far more than throw off your period; it can impact your skin, mood, metabolism and future reproductive health.

A recent BMC Health study revealed that 17.4 per cent of college-going women in Delhi had PCOS. This is not merely a women's health issue; it's a generational wake-up call. What makes PCOS especially important to address early is that it’s both treatable and manageable, with the right information and proactive care. Catching PCOS early not only helps protect your fertility but also reduces the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health struggles. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Nidhi Gohil, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Sushant Lok, shares why PCOS deserves more attention in women’s 20s.

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Why It Matters

In your 20s, fertility might not be on your radar yet. But this is the very decade where PCOS quietly begins to affect it. Dr. Nidhi Gohill states, “Because when your hormones go off balance, primarily due to insulin resistance, your ovulation cycles become irregular.” That means your body may not release an egg each month. Over time, this can lead to difficulty conceiving, even if everything else looks ‘normal.’

But fertility is not the only issue. PCOS may be accompanied by persistent acne, excess facial hair, thinning scalp hair, weight gain, and emotional turbulence. And if left untreated, it can contribute to pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Why PCOS In 20s Matter In Long-Term Well-Being (Image Credits: Canva)

What You Can Do About It

Begin with screening. A couple of quick blood tests and an ultrasound can tell you about your hormone levels and ovarian reserve. More importantly, these tests give you clarity and time – two things all young women deserve regarding her reproductive health.

There's no magic pill that 'fixes' PCOS but changes in lifestyle are miracles. Even a 5-10 per cent drop in weight can restore ovulation. Dr. Nidhi Gohil mentions, “Routine exercise, healthy meals, and improved sleeping habits can rebalance insulin and hormone levels.” Additionally, regular check-ups and medication can help to regulate periods and reduce the risk of fertility-related challenges later in life.

Thinking Ahead

You may not be planning a pregnancy right now and that’s okay but but monitoring your fertility indicators, such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and AFC (Antral Follicle Count) will enable you to make informed decisions in the future. Dr. Nidhi Gohil says, "If life or professional plans are likely to postpone pregnancy into your late 30s, then egg freezing is a proactive alternative worth exploring."

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PCOS isn’t just a physical condition; it can silently impact your confidence, bring in anxiety or make you feel unlike yourself. Support from trusted healthcare providers, open and honest communication, and regular care can help you feel heard and understood.

With early diagnosis, the proper care, and personalised planning, PCOS does not have to define your fertility journey; it can simply be a part of it.