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Irregular periods, acne, weight gain- normal teenage changes or signs of PCOS? Cases among teenage girls are rising fast. Here’s what PCOS really is, why it’s showing up earlier, and when parents should stop ignoring the warning signs.
PCOS increasing in teenage girls
New Delhi: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is emerging as one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting teenage girls today. Once considered an adult condition, doctors are now diagnosing PCOS at increasingly younger ages, raising concerns about long-term health and awareness gaps.
Here’s a simple explainer on what PCOS is, why it’s affecting teens, and how it can be managed.
PCOS is a hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This imbalance can disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. Some girls may also develop multiple small cysts in the ovaries, though cysts are not required for diagnosis.
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In teenagers, PCOS can be difficult to identify because many symptoms overlap with normal puberty-related changes.
Doctors point to lifestyle shifts as a major reason behind the rise in teenage PCOS cases. Reduced physical activity, increased consumption of processed foods, irregular sleep patterns, and high stress levels contribute to hormonal imbalance.
Genetics also plays a role. Girls with a family history of PCOS, diabetes, or obesity are at higher risk of developing the condition.
The most common red flag is irregular or absent periods two years after the onset of menstruation. Other symptoms include severe acne, excessive facial or body hair, unexplained weight gain, hair thinning on the scalp, and darkened skin patches around the neck or underarms.
Because these signs are often dismissed as “normal teenage issues,” diagnosis is frequently delayed.
Untreated PCOS can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and fertility problems later in life. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and body image issues are also common among teenagers with PCOS.
Early intervention can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.
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There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be effectively managed. Doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes as the first step—regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles or control acne and excess hair growth.
Experts stress the importance of open conversations about menstrual health at home and in schools. Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice without stigma can make a lasting difference. from Syria and 6 other nations; Full list here
