A study of 1,164 university women in the age group of 18-25 years in Delhi shows 17.4% prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the second highest in the country. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/Istock
A study of 1,164 university women in the age group of 18-25 years in Delhi shows 17.4% prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the second highest in the country.
The study was partially financed by the Indian Council for Medical Research and was recently published in the BMC Health magazine. This included a cross -sectional survey and a systematic overview that analyzed similar studies between 2010 and 2024 in India in similar age groups.
The study notes that pcos, endocrinological disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne and obesity, is “predominant but still insufficiently explored”.
It states that the combined prevalence of previous studies in similar age groups using the same criteria in different regions in India was 8.41%.
In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology said India had PCOS prevalence 3.70%-22.50%. PCOS prevalence may vary between rural and urban areas, socio -cultural environments and age groups. In previous studies, Lucknow showed the lowest prevalence of 3.70%, while Mumbai showed a prevalence of 22.50%.
Another study has found that prevalence can increase up to 36%in adolescents.
Higher PCOS prevalence in urban areas
In urban areas, higher PCOS prevalence with the heterogeneous population has been reported, with many women moving for academic opportunities and work, remarks the study. “This displacement causes psychological stress, disrupted sleep routine and poor eating habits resulting from competition on education and jobs and juggling home and work responsibilities that could be associated with increasing PCOS,” scientists said.
Waste Research Kiran Devi. and Dr. Yamini Sfandarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
“There are few studies focused on this age group in India. We have used an ethical permit from Delhi University to do field work, which took us about two years,” said prof. Saraswathy.
She added that most women’s samples have already been diagnosed, while scientists have arranged undiagnosed women who experienced symptoms to undergo ultrasound testing.
Of the 1,164 women respondents, 70.30% were already diagnosed, while 29.70% were newly diagnosed during the study.
Socio-demographic factors
The study has found that high-end women and upper middle class are, according to a modified scale of Kupppuswamy, a socio-economic state of increased risk. It notes that higher disposable incomes have contributed to the “nutrition transition”, with increased consumption of fats, oils, processed food, mixed carbohydrates and sugar, as well as eating and an integral part of urban Indian culture.
“Increased access to equipment and cars with savings in work has reduced physical activity, leading to increasing prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity, which are all associated with PCOS pathogenesis,” the study adds.
The study also found that the highest PCOS prevalence is observed between the planned tribes (21.40%), followed by a general category (19.90%), compared to other back classes (OVC) and planned castes. He noted that this finding could reflect “wider social differences and differences in access to health care and sources between castes”, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Published – 31 May 2025 9:04
