Bengaluru: Irregular periods, persistent acne or sudden weight changes in teenagers should not be dismissed as “just growing up,” says senior gynaecologist Dr. Vidya V. Bhat. She urges parents to start conversations about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) well before their daughters reach adulthood.
PCOS is no longer a concern discussed only when a woman faces infertility. Gynaecologists increasingly see younger girls with possible symptoms, though experts caution that not every irregular period signals PCOS. “We should not wait until a young woman is in her twenties and worried about fertility before we start talking about PCOS. The conversation needs to begin much earlier. A girl should understand that her periods are an important indicator of her health,” says Dr. Bhat, Medical Director at Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital & IVF Centre.
For adolescents, long academic hours, sedentary routines, increased screen time, irregular sleep and processed foods make maintaining healthy habits harder. Yet Dr. Bhat stresses that PCOS cannot be called a “lifestyle disease” and is not limited to girls who are overweight. “PCOS does not have one particular body type. I have seen young women with PCOS who are overweight as well as those who are lean. The important thing is to recognise the pattern of symptoms, not judge by weight.”
Parents should note persistent menstrual irregularities, prolonged gaps between periods, excessive facial or body hair, severe acne or other noticeable hormonal changes — though self-diagnosis should always be avoided. Dr. Bhat emphasises education over alarm: “Menstrual health is health. We need to make it normal for a teenage girl to talk about her periods, acne or unwanted hair without embarrassment. Early awareness does not mean labelling every girl with PCOS; it means knowing when something needs attention.”
PCOS can affect more than fertility and may involve metabolic concerns. Early guidance on nutrition, activity, sleep and overall wellbeing helps young women build healthier habits long before fertility becomes a focus. “PCOS should never make a girl feel something is wrong with her. With right guidance and care when needed, it is a manageable condition. Our responsibility is to identify those who need help and support them early,” Dr. Bhat concludes.
The takeaway: don’t panic over every irregular period, but don’t ignore persistent changes. Start the conversation early, listen without judgment and seek medical advice when concerns continue.