Why Are More Indian Women Living With PMOS? Understanding the Rise of a Growing Health Concern

For years, conditions affecting women’s reproductive health were often misunderstood, overlooked, or discussed only in private conversations. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), now increasingly described by some experts as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is one such condition. Once considered mainly a problem linked to the ovaries and irregular periods, medical understanding has evolved. Experts now recognise it as a broader metabolic and hormonal disorder that can influence several aspects of a woman’s health.

Recent discussions around PMOS have highlighted a concerning trend: nearly one in five Indian women may now be living with the condition. Globally, The Lancet has reported that PMOS affects approximately one in eight women, making it one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age.

The rising number of diagnoses in India reflects a combination of improved awareness, changing lifestyles, and underlying health risks that may make Indian women more vulnerable.

A condition that goes beyond irregular periods

PMOS is often associated with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty with ovulation, acne, unwanted hair growth, and weight changes. However, doctors emphasise that the condition is much more complex.

It is closely linked with insulin resistance, metabolic health, hormonal imbalance, fertility challenges, sleep problems, and an increased risk of long-term health concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

For many women, the first signs appear during adolescence. However, a lack of awareness among families, communities, and sometimes healthcare providers can delay diagnosis.

The experience of 22-year-old Anushka Gaikwad from Goa reflects this challenge. At the age of 16, when she stopped getting her periods, she visited a clinic near her village. Instead of investigating hormonal causes, she was initially asked to take a pregnancy test. Concerned, she and her mother later consulted another doctor in Panaji, where a sonography helped identify the actual cause: PMOS.

“Later, I realised how little people, including healthcare providers in smaller towns, understood women’s health problems,” she says.

Her experience highlights a larger issue: many young women continue to struggle for years before receiving the right diagnosis.

Why PMOS cases are increasing in India

Doctors say the increase in PMOS numbers is linked to several factors.

One important reason is that more women are now seeking medical advice for menstrual problems. Conversations around reproductive health have become more open, encouraging women to visit gynaecologists instead of ignoring symptoms.

“Women are more comfortable discussing menstrual health today compared to earlier years,” doctors say. However, awareness remains uneven. Many women, especially in rural areas, may continue to live with symptoms without knowing that they could be related to PMOS.

Another challenge is that symptoms are often normalised. Irregular periods, sudden weight changes, or excessive hair growth may be dismissed as temporary issues rather than signs requiring medical evaluation.

India’s metabolic health challenge

Experts believe India’s existing metabolic health concerns may contribute to the higher burden of PMOS.

Insulin resistance and a family history of diabetes are considered important risk factors. Since India already has high rates of diabetes and metabolic disorders, many women may have increased susceptibility to developing PMOS.

Dr Anshumala Shukla, head of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, has highlighted that factors such as urbanisation, increased consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and rising stress levels may be contributing to the growing impact of PMOS among Indian women.

Modern lifestyles have changed rapidly. Long working hours, reduced movement, irregular sleep patterns, and increased dependence on convenience foods have all affected metabolic health.

The role of urban lifestyles

While PMOS affects women across different backgrounds, doctors have observed higher rates in urban populations.

Cities often bring greater exposure to sedentary routines, stress, disrupted sleep schedules, and lifestyle patterns that can affect hormonal balance.

Dr Meenakshi Ahuja, principal director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fortis La Femme, Delhi, has noted that increased awareness has helped more women seek diagnosis, but lifestyle-related risks continue to remain a concern.

Urban women may have better access to healthcare, yet they may also face higher exposure to factors linked with metabolic imbalance.

Why early diagnosis matters

Early recognition of PMOS can help women manage symptoms and reduce future health risks.

Doctors recommend paying attention to warning signs such as:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Sudden unexplained weight gain
• Persistent acne
• Excess facial or body hair growth
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Signs of insulin resistance

However, diagnosis should always be made by qualified healthcare professionals. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and not every woman with irregular periods has PMOS.

A personalised approach involving lifestyle changes, medical treatment where required, and regular health monitoring can help many women manage the condition effectively.

The need for greater awareness

The growing discussion around PMOS is not only about increasing numbers but also about improving understanding.

Young girls need access to accurate information about menstrual and hormonal health. Parents should feel comfortable discussing changes in their daughters’ bodies. Healthcare providers, especially in smaller towns and rural regions, need continued training to identify symptoms early.

Reducing stigma is equally important. Menstrual health and hormonal disorders should not be topics surrounded by embarrassment or silence.

Conclusion

The rise of PMOS among Indian women reflects a larger public health challenge involving hormonal health, metabolism, lifestyle, and awareness. While better diagnosis has helped identify more cases, the condition continues to be misunderstood by many.

Recognising PMOS as a complex metabolic disorder rather than only an ovarian problem is an important step towards better care. With timely diagnosis, informed medical guidance, healthier lifestyle choices, and increased awareness, women can manage the condition and protect their long-term health.

Sources

• The Lancet: Research and global estimates related to polycystic ovarian syndrome prevalence.
• Expert comments from Dr Anshumala Shukla, Head of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
• Expert comments from Dr Meenakshi Ahuja, Principal Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme, Delhi.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. PMOS symptoms and treatment needs vary between individuals. Readers experiencing health concerns should consult a qualified doctor or healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and personalised guidance.