India May See 30–50% Jump in PCOS Cases Among Teenagers

NEW DELHI: About 8 to 20% of teenagers are currently diagnosed with PCOS in India, with higher incidence found in urban areas due to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating habits, stress and irregular sleep patterns.

This number has steadily risen over the span of the last decade and is expected to substantially increase further in the coming 10 years. This was said by Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, Associate Director - Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, during the ongoing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month.

Said Dr. Shweta Mendiratta: “Over the span of the last decade, we have witnessed an increase in the incidence of PCOS in teenagers not only due to more awareness and screening for the disease, but also due to higher rates of obesity, earlier start of menstruation, increased digital screen time, lack of sleep and mental health issues.

We are also seeing a disturbing pattern in younger girls of increased rates of insulin resistance and Insulin dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels). PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance.”

She added: “If present conditions do not change and urbanisation continues at the current rate, an increase of 30-50% in PCOS cases among teenagers in urban areas is expected over the coming decade.

There are many causes for this health disorder. Lifestyle factors include lack of physical activity, too much time on digital screens, lack of sleep, high-glycaemic snacking, and insufficient protein and fibre consumption.

Rising body weight is also an issue, as weight gain worsens androgen excess, a defining characteristic of PCOS, where the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Early puberty and prolonged academic stress can also affect hormonal balance.”

PCOS has long-term health implications, according to the doctor. Apart from infrequent menstruation and concerns with skin and hair, adolescent PCOS can give rise to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. There is also psycho-social suffering, including anxiety, depression, and negative body image.

Said Dr. Shweta Mendiratta: “The good news is that with timely and consistent care, the outlook for PCOS management is highly positive. Lifestyle modifications such as a 5-10% reduction in body weight (if the individual is overweight) often lead to restoration of normal menstrual cycles and improvement in acne and hirsutism.

Other treatment options include oral contraceptives, metformin and anti-androgens. In all cases, initiating medical therapy early is the key. Equally important is structured nutritional planning, which supports both metabolic health and mental well-being.”

The doctor said that teenagers can take several precautions against PCOS. These include regular exercise, cutting sugary drinks, including more fibre and protein in the diet, avoiding crash diets, getting sleep of 8-9 hours daily, limiting screen time, and regular check-ups for vitamin D and iron deficiency.