Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on the rise: Why Gen Z women are getting diagnosed earlier

PCOS has been one of the most frequently discussed health concerns for women in recent years, and it seems to be becoming more common among Indian women in their late teens and early twenties. The number of young females between the ages of 18 and 21 who are diagnosed with PCOS and seek help from their doctors for symptoms that started before they reached this age has rapidly increased, whereas previously it was likely that the condition would have developed in the mid-to-late 20s.One reason for this rise is the significant change in lifestyle habits. An atmosphere where hormonal imbalances are more likely to arise has been created by high screen time, irregular sleep schedules, long periods of sedentary work or study, and considerable academic and professional demands. Also, many young women are eating more processed meals, prepackaged snacks, and refined sugars, all of which can lead to insulin resistance, one of the main causes of PCOS. The growing incidence of early diagnoses is mostly due to the growing understanding of the effects of environmental variables such as urban pollution and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastic items and cosmetics, as well as the decline in physical activity. From a gynecological standpoint, Gen Z has received far more education on reproductive health than any other generation before it. Due to social media exposure, continued education through school systems, and increased internet access, doctors are treating symptoms associated with problems like irregular menstruation, acne, recent weight gain, and excessive facial hair earlier than they were in previous generations. Patients are seeing doctors before their diseases deteriorate due to a greater knowledge of potential health issues.Nowadays more youngsters are developing hormonal and metabolic imbalances earlier than ever before. The increase can be linked to severe dieting tendencies, weight changes in relation to ovarian function, high levels of stress, and a lack of a balanced diet in high school. Also, a growing percentage of teenage girls are undergoing ultrasound scans due to these complaints of irregular menstruation or acne, which leads to a more advanced diagnosis of polycystic ovaries. The clinical and hormonal assessments are required to diagnose PCOS, and the existence of polycystic ovaries alone does not constitute a diagnosis.Early-onset PCOS increases a woman's risk of long-term reproductive system complications if treatment is not received. Apart from increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues like high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, or endometrial cancer, uncontrolled PCOS can make it more difficult for women to conceive. It is important to understand the early detection of PCOS helps women to maintain their metabolic health and hormonal levels, which can reduce the chance of experiencing infertility later in life.Specific treatment plans are necessary for women with PCOS to effectively manage their condition. Most women with PCOS will react effectively to lifestyle modifications like eating a balanced diet, controlling their weight, and engaging in regular exercise. Women with PCOS often receive hormonal replacement therapy and insulin-sensitizing medications to assist in controlling their menstrual cycles and managing any metabolic or endocrine changes.let me aware you,these treatment options are temporary and until you won’t follow lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions it won’t help in long run to balance PCOS.Women who desire Fertility supportive treatment, Laparoscopic Ovarian drilling (LHRH) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to induce ovulation in women with PCOS who do not respond to medications. Although laparoscopic ovarian drilling isn't usually the main treatment for women with PCOS, it can be beneficial for certain women, especially those who intend to become pregnant.PCOS can be on the rise, but its long-term effects can be greatly diminished with earlier intervention, preventative care, and easily available treatment.Dr. Swatee Gaggare, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune