Previously, it was known as PCOS. However, even after the name change, many people still consider it a disease related only to the ovaries. However, according to experts, it is actually a metabolic disorder that affects almost every system in the body. It impacts insulin control, fertility, heart health, sleep, mood, and mental health.
According to a report published in The Lancet, approximately one in eight women worldwide is affected by PMOS. The situation in India is said to be even more severe, with one in five women affected by this problem. Gynecologists believe that approximately one in five women under the age of 25 is affected by PMOS in some form, while globally this figure is between 8 and 13 percent.
According to them, a major reason for the high incidence of PMOS in India is the already high rates of diabetes and insulin resistance. Furthermore, rapid urbanization, increased consumption of processed foods, decreased physical activity, and ever-increasing stress are also contributing factors.
Why are cases of PMOS increasing at younger ages in India?
Experts say there could be several reasons for the increasing incidence of PMOS, one of which is that more women than before are now consulting doctors for period-related problems. Visiting a gynecologist is no longer considered as taboo as it once was. However, there is still a lack of awareness. Many women living in rural areas remain undiagnosed for years. Teenage girls rely on their mothers to seek solutions to their period-related problems, but even mothers often lack knowledge about the issue.
According to experts, India’s metabolic conditions also make women more susceptible to PMOS. If there is a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance, the risk of developing PMOS increases. According to doctors, the prevalence of PMOS in India may be around 10 percent, but in large cities, this figure can be as high as 25 to 40 percent. In cities, this may be due to the modern lifestyle, where sleep is limited and stress is high.
Why is early detection of PMOS important?
Early detection of PMOS can better control its symptoms and reduce the risk of many serious health problems in the future.
According to experts, these signs should not be ignored:
Irregular menstrual periods or the absence of periods for several months
Sudden weight gain without any apparent reason
Long-lasting acne
Excessive hair growth on the face or body
Difficulty conceiving
Signs of insulin resistance, such as darkening of the skin on the neck or armpits
PMOS should always be treated by a qualified gynecologist or endocrinologist. Symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and irregular periods do not always indicate PMOS.
Also Read – Blood Sugar Control: Does your blood sugar rise even if you don’t eat sweets? Learn 7 major reasons behind it.
Why is it important to raise awareness about PMOS?
Adolescent girls should receive accurate and scientific information about menstruation and hormonal health regarding PMOS. Parents should also openly discuss changes in their daughters’ bodies so that any problems can be identified early. Additionally, health workers, especially in small towns and rural areas, need continuous training to identify early symptoms of PMOS and provide timely treatment.