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How PCOS Impacts Women at Different Life Stages – From Teens to Motherhood

  • September 01, 2025
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How PCOS Impacts Women at Different Life Stages – From Teens to Motherhood
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has quietly become one of the most common health challenges
faced by Indian women today. Studies show that its prevalence varies widely—from as low as 3.7%
in some reports to as high as 22.5% in others. The National Health Portal of India recorded a 22.5%
frequency rate in Maharashtra, while recent research showed that nearly 17.4% of college-going
women in Delhi live with PCOS. A pooled analysis of Indian studies published in 2022 put the
prevalence at 11.3%. What is worrying is that awareness remains low, especially in rural areas, even
though one in every five young Indian women may be silently coping with this condition.
While numbers give us scale, they don’t capture the personal impact. PCOS isn’t just a single health
problem; it is a condition that evolves with a woman’s body, often changing its face as she
transitions from teenage years to adulthood, and then to motherhood. Understanding how PCOS
affects women differently at these stages is key to early detection, better management, and a
healthier future.
What Exactly is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of androgens,
the so-called “male hormones.” This disrupts ovulation and leads to a cascade of health concerns
ranging from irregular periods and infertility to weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
Many people often confuse PCOS with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). While both conditions
involve cyst formation in the ovaries, they are not identical. PCOD is more of a lifestyle-driven
condition where ovaries release immature or partially mature eggs, often reversible with lifestyle
changes. PCOS, on the other hand, is an endocrine disorder with deeper hormonal imbalances that
can affect multiple systems in the body.
Why Does PCOS Happen?
The exact cause of PCOS remains complex and multi-layered. Genetics play a strong role—if your
mother or sister has it, your risk is higher. Insulin resistance is another critical factor. When the body
doesn’t use insulin effectively, it leads to excess sugar in the bloodstream, pushing the ovaries to
produce more androgens. Lifestyle factors like lack of physical activity, poor diet, and chronic stress
amplify the problem.
Women with PCOS often experience irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth, persistent
acne, sudden weight gain around the abdomen, thinning scalp hair, and fertility struggles. But the
symptoms go beyond the physical—mood swings, anxiety, and even depression are commonly
reported, making it a condition that touches nearly every aspect of health and well-being.
PCOS Across Different Life Stages
Teenage Years – The Silent Starter
For many girls, PCOS quietly begins in adolescence. The signs are often dismissed as typical teenage
problems—irregular cycles, acne flare-ups, or weight gain that doesn’t respond easily to diets.
Because the teenage years are already marked by body changes and social pressures, these
symptoms may go unnoticed or unaddressed. Unfortunately, this is also when the first seeds of
insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance take root.
The emotional toll can be heavy. A teenager struggling with excessive facial hair or persistent
breakouts may face bullying or isolation, leading to low self-esteem. Early diagnosis and intervention
 
at this stage can make a world of difference, but the stigma of reproductive health issues often
keeps families from seeking timely care.
Young Adults – Careers, Relationships, and Hidden Struggles
In early adulthood, PCOS tends to reveal its impact more strongly. Menstrual irregularities become
more noticeable, fatigue is harder to ignore, and sudden weight fluctuations can affect confidence.
This is also the stage when women are building careers, forming relationships, and stepping into new
responsibilities. The combination of external pressures and internal health struggles can create
overwhelming stress.
For some women, this is the period when PCOS-related insulin resistance begins to show up as
prediabetes, or when they start noticing long-term effects on skin, hair, and metabolism.
Unfortunately, many still suffer in silence, normalizing their symptoms until fertility challenges or
worsening metabolic issues push them toward a diagnosis.
Reproductive Years and Motherhood
When women begin planning families, PCOS often takes center stage. It is one of the leading causes
of infertility worldwide. Because ovulation is irregular or absent, conceiving can be difficult without
medical support. For some, lifestyle changes and medications may restore ovulation; for others,
assisted reproductive techniques become necessary.
Even during pregnancy, PCOS poses risks. Women with PCOS are more prone to gestational
diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm delivery. This means pregnancies need closer monitoring
and medical support to ensure both maternal and child health. But with timely intervention and
good care, most women with PCOS can and do have healthy pregnancies and fulfilling motherhood
experiences.
The Bigger Picture Beyond Motherhood
Although the focus of PCOS is often limited to fertility, its influence extends much further. Women
with PCOS carry a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and
metabolic syndrome. The condition doesn’t disappear after childbirth or menopause; it changes its
form, demanding lifelong awareness and regular health monitoring.
Managing PCOS & Preventive Tips
 Balanced Diet
Choose whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and nuts. Avoid sugary drinks, refined carbs,
and processed foods to control insulin resistance.
 Stay Active
Combine strength training, cardio, and yoga. Just 30 minutes a day helps regulate hormones
and support weight management.
 Sleep Well
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep. Stick to a routine and limit screen time before bed.
 Manage Stress
Try meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies. Lowering stress reduces cortisol spikes that
worsen PCOS symptoms.
 Maintain Healthy Weight
 
Even 5–10% weight loss can improve cycles, fertility, and insulin sensitivity. Focus on gradual
lifestyle changes.
 Track Cycles
Use an app or journal to monitor periods and spot irregularities early.
 Support Mental Health
Don’t ignore mood swings or anxiety. Therapy, support groups, or open conversations can
help.
 Regular Screenings
Monitor glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Early checks prevent long-term
complications.
 Consult Specialists
See gynecologists, endocrinologists, or nutritionists for personalized care instead of relying
only on home remedies.
PCOS is not a short-term health concern but a lifelong condition that wears different masks as
women move from their teens into adulthood and motherhood. For teenagers, it may begin with
acne and missed periods. For young adults, it can interfere with confidence, careers, and
relationships. In motherhood, it may manifest as fertility struggles or pregnancy risks. And even
beyond, it continues to influence long-term health.
But PCOS is also a condition that can be managed effectively with awareness, lifestyle changes, and
medical guidance. The earlier it is recognized, the better the outcomes across every stage of life.
Regular check-ups, open dialogue, and a proactive approach transform PCOS from a life-disrupting
disorder into a manageable part of a healthy journey.
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