Periods and PCOS Connection: Usually, menstruation starts in girls between the ages of 12 and 13, but due to today's changing lifestyle, poor eating habits, etc., the age of menstruation has come down to 9 to 11 years. Most of the parents nowadays are very worried about this. They feel that periods at such a young age are not a serious problem. Is it Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? In such a situation, along with most parents, teenage girls are also becoming more cautious about the symptoms of PCOS and are reaching out to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Regarding this growing concern, experts are warning 13 to 14-year-old girls and their parents about the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS before it's too late.

The average age of menstruation has already decreased.
According to a news published in TOI, according to doctors, the average age of menstruation has come down from 12-13 years to 9-11 years. This early onset of menstruation means that irregular cycles, acne, and hair growth are normal in the first few years, but these are often mistaken for PCOS. According to gynaecologists in Bangalore, early onset of periods does not necessarily mean that there is polycystic ovary syndrome. In Bangalore in particular, at least 10-15 such cases are being seen every week. Sometimes it is normal for menstruation to become irregular soon after it starts.

But now, even if light hair is seen above the lips or on the chin, parents start worrying about PCOS. They do not understand that many types of hormonal changes occur in the body during adolescence, which can sometimes look like symptoms of PCOS. Do not make the mistake of thinking that it is PCOS.

According to doctors, social media has increased this concern further. Today, most teenage girls consider themselves to be patients of PCOS. They get worried if they see small hairs on their face. After watching online videos and talking to their friends, they talk to their parents about getting treatment.

In an interview with TOI, gynecologist Dr N Venkatesh said that skin problems like acne and hair fall bring adolescents to the clinic. They demand to get tested for polycystic ovary syndrome. In such a situation, we have to get an ultrasound done. This is where the problem of overdiagnosis begins. Sometimes, radiologists declare just one or two follicles or slightly thickened ovaries as PCOS. This also makes parents worried.

How to confirm PCOS

Doctors insist on clear criteria to confirm PCOS, including the presence of at least 20 follicles at a particular stage of menstruation. However, its overdiagnosis among adolescents and parents is a matter of concern. Doctors believe that lifestyle factors are actually promoting the early symptoms of PCOS. Consuming too much sweet and processed foods, obesity, inactive lifestyle, stress are often the main causes of this.

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