Bridging the Knowledge Gap on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in India: Prevalence, Awareness, and Resolutions

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder of reproductive age. It affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of female infertility. Symptoms may include irregular menstrual cycles, excess facial or body hair growth, acne, and weight gain. The incidence of PCOS is increasing in the adolescent age group of 13-19 yrs. old. However, the knowledge and awareness of the entity remains very low in the young women group itself. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, resulting in potential long-term health complications. It is important for healthcare providers to increase their knowledge and awareness of PCOS to provide early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This narrative presents an evidence-based approach to close the knowledge gap among youth by highlighting the current state of knowledge on PCOS in India and throughout the world.