Why PCOS Is Rising Among Women in India: Lifestyle Links, Early Signs, and the Role of Menstrual Tracking

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has become alarmingly common. According to reports, about one in five women in India suffers from the disease. That accounts for around 20% of all women having PCOS.

With sedentary lifestyles playing a big role, doctors are talking about it with more urgency. One of the key aspects of the disease is early diagnosis and treatment.

Read: PCOS Explained: Common Symptoms, Effective Treatments, and More

To understand what’s driving this steady rise of diagnoses, and how women can take charge of their health, we spoke to Dr. Irfana Shahul Hameed, obstetrician and gynaecologist with Plush.

Lifestyle Factors Behind Rising PCOS Cases

“PCOS is increasingly common among young women in India, and lifestyle factors play a major role in this rise,” explained Dr. Hameed.

She highlighted the main contributors to be

• excessive weight gain
• poor diet
• lack of regular physical activity
• modern sedentary lifestyles
• frequent consumption of processed foods
• irregular meal patterns

All of these factors, combined with the stress of the hustle of everyday life, contribute to hormonal imbalances that are usually the culprit that triggers PCOS.

Early Signs Every Woman Should Watch Out For

Because PCOS symptoms can vary, many women ignore or misinterpret the early signals. Early treatment can be a game-changer in managing PCOS.

“The early signs of PCOS can be subtle but are important to recognise,” said Dr. Hameed. “These include irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty losing weight despite efforts, premenstrual spotting, and sometimes heavy menstrual bleeding.”

She added that skin and hair changes are often overlooked. “Acne, hair fall, or baldness are linked to elevated androgen levels. Other warning signs include fatigue, stubborn weight, and changes in sexual drive. Recognising these signs early allows for timely intervention and better management.”

Why Menstrual Tracking is a Game-changer

Dr Hameed highlighted the role of menstrual tracking, which can help women track a lot more than just their cycles.

“Menstrual tracking has become an invaluable tool in recent years for understanding and managing PCOS. Beyond simply tracking the cycle, women can now monitor sleep patterns, heart rate variability, ovulation, and progesterone levels in the second half of their cycle,” she explained. “This real-time data helps women understand how their bodies function, identify trends, and make informed decisions about lifestyle, nutrition, and treatment.”

Understanding overall hormonal health is what can help women make better decisions and see a doctor when needed. It also helps to have data for healthcare experts to make more informed decisions. PCOS is a common but challenging health issue, and if you spot any signs of it, it's always best to consult a gynaecologist.

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