PCOS In India: Why More Young Women Are Being Diagnosed Than Ever Before; Know From Doctor

In recent years, India has seen a notable rise in the number of young women being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that once primarily affected women in their late twenties or thirties. Now, teenagers and women in their early twenties are increasingly showing signs of this condition, such as irregular periods, acne, weight fluctuations, and mood changes. According to the findings of a health report published in 2023 and also quoted in a 2023 Press Information Bureau story, the prevalence of PCOS among Indian women ranges from 3.7 per cent to 22.5 per cent, with significantly higher rates in urban populations. This growing trend isn't just due to better awareness or diagnostic tools, it reflects deeper issues rooted in modern-day lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and mental stressors.

The increase in the number of cases is more than a reflection of heightened awareness or diagnostic capabilities, it indicates underlying disturbances in lifestyle and environmental factors influencing hormonal well-being. Medical experts warn that PCOS is no longer just a gynaecological concern but a larger public health issue driven by factors such as sedentary routines, poor dietary patterns, disrupted sleep cycles, and chronic psychological stress. The constant exposure to refined foods, prolonged screen time, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products has created a perfect storm for hormonal imbalance. Left unmanaged, PCOS can lead to serious long-term health risks, including infertility, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Akanksha Khanduja (MBBS, DGO, DNB), Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orchid Clinic, Faridabad, Haryana, shares the key reasons behind the surge in PCOS cases among young Indian women and offers actionable advice for early intervention and holistic management.

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What Is PCOS?

Clinically, PCOS is defined by an irregular menstrual cycle, elevated androgen levels and the presence of multiple ovarian follicles. However, its effects are far-reaching beyond reproduction. Dr. Akanksha Khanduja states, “PCOS women are more likely to experience insulin resistance, obesity, acne, mood disorders and for many, higher long-term risks of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and childlessness.” Although there are still some issues with PCOS, like it being undiagnosed, with most young women attributing initial symptoms to normal irregularities.

Reasons Behind Surge In PCOS Cases Among Young Women

The reason for increase is not entirely genetic but more from contemporary lifestyle habits, like, sedentary lifestyle, eating habits and chronic psychological stress. These days, prolonged periods of study, work or screen time have decreased physical activity immensely. Dr. Akanksha Khanduja states, “At the same time, the trend towards high intake of refined carbohydrate, processed foods and low fibre diet has compromised insulin sensitivity, one of the major causes of hormonal imbalance in PCOS.”

Psychosocial stress has also emerged as a crucial, yet often neglected, element. Cognitive and professional stress, irregular sleep patterns, and virtual overstimulation interfere with the body's inherent circadian rhythm. Dr. Akanksha Khanduja adds, “Increased cortisol, a physical byproduct of long-term stress, disrupts reproductive hormones and increases PCOS symptoms.” In addition, the growing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in cosmetics, plastics, and city pollutants could further compound hormonal imbalance, especially during adolescence.

Reasons Behind PCOS In Young Women (Image Credits: Canva)

Interventions For PCOS

Although medication can provide temporary relief, effective results are based on treating underlying causes and embracing a long-term, lifestyle-oriented strategy. A regulated, balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and low glycaemic foods can stabilise blood sugar and curb androgen excess. Dr. Akanksha Khanduja says, “Consistent physical activities such as brisk walking, yoga, or weight training enhance insulin action and restore menstrual cyclicity.”

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Proper sleep and stress management are important as sleep deprivation and emotional burnout not only disrupt metabolic pathways but also compromise hormonal signalling. Interventions including digital detox, mindfulness and regular sleep hygiene can aid overall hormonal balance.

PCOS is no longer merely a gynaecological problem, but now it's a matter of public health influenced by the pace of contemporary living.

Early awareness, timely intervention, and multidisciplinary coordination are necessary to avoid long-term consequences. Through redirecting care towards preventive medicine, we can help young women take charge of their hormonal and metabolic health, well before PCOS dictates their destiny.