Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 1: Director SKIMS Soura, Prof Mohd Ashraf Ganie on Saturday presented a study revealing that nearly one in five women in India is affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
During the “Research Dissemination Meet”, he presented findings from a PCOS Task Force study, revealing that approximately 19% of Indian women suffer from this metabolic disorder, which is closely linked to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
According to reports, SKIMS Soura launched a new monthly feature dedicated to disseminating research findings to promote awareness and share research insights with the community. This initiative began with the results of an ICMR-supported Phase 1 study on PCOS.
The study, which was cross-sectional and involved 9,824 women aged 18 to 40 across India, found that the prevalence of PCOS varied depending on the diagnostic criteria used.
According to the NIH 1990 criteria, the prevalence was 7.2%, while the AE-PCOS 2009 criteria showed a prevalence of 13.6%, and the Rotterdam 2003 criteria indicated a rate of 19.6%. Phenotype C was identified as the most common, accounting for 40.8% of cases.
The study also highlighted significant metabolic comorbidities among women with PCOS; 43.2% were obese, 91.9% had dyslipidaemia, 32.9% suffered from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and 24.9% had metabolic syndrome. Additionally, 3.4% had diabetes, and 8.3% experienced hypertension.
PCOS is characterised by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Beyond its reproductive implications, it is associated with various metabolic conditions, underscoring the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches.
The findings suggest a high prevalence of PCOS among Indian women, with many affected by one or more metabolic disorders. Regional variations in prevalence are influenced by factors such as ethnicity, diagnostic criteria, and assessment methods.
The nationwide study spanned five zones of India, including eight states, and recruited participants between November 2018 and July 2022 through voter lists to ensure a representative sample of women aged 18 to 40. Participants underwent questionnaires, ultrasonography, and hormonal evaluations, with diagnoses based on NIH 1990, Rotterdam 2003, or AE-PCOS 2009 criteria. Out of 12,100 women approached, 8,993 participated in the study.
The prevalence of PCOS was highest in Central and North India, and it decreased with increasing age. Urban areas showed slightly higher prevalence rates compared to rural areas.
The study highlights the significant burden of PCOS among Indian women, many of whom also suffer from associated metabolic complications.
The health experts said these findings are crucial for integrating PCOS screening and management into national health programmes to improve both reproductive health and overall well-being for women across the country. (KNO)
