High prevalence of PCOS among Pakistani women raises alarm

2026-02-04 - 15:06

An estimated 15 to 20 per cent of women of reproductive age in Pakistan, translating into roughly 8 to 10 million, may be living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Health experts warned that the rapidly growing condition was a largely underdiagnosed public health challenge, affecting young girls and married women across Pakistan. Speaking at the launch of “Discovering PCOS” at a local hotel on Wednesday, senior gynaecologists highlighted the rising burden of the disorder and the urgent need for early diagnosis and sustained awareness. PCOS has become one of the most frequently encountered hormonal disorders in clinics, particularly among adolescents and young women, yet many patients remain undiagnosed for years due to social taboos, lack of awareness and limited access to specialist care. Although Pakistan does not have a national registry for PCOS, hospital-based data and regional studies consistently suggest that between 15 and 20 per cent of women of childbearing age may be affected. PCOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition marked by irregular or absent menstrual cycles, excessive androgen levels, weight gain, acne, abnormal facial or body hair and cystic ovaries. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility, pregnancy complications, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk later in life. Speaking at the event, Dr Arshad Chohan suggested recognising PCOS as a lifelong metabolic disorder rather than a temporary reproductive issue. He said symptoms often begin soon after puberty but are frequently ignored or normalised, delaying diagnosis until women present with infertility or serious metabolic complications. Dr Rubina Sohail highlighted the significant emotional and social toll of PCOS on Pakistani women, particularly on married women, due to pressure to conceive. She said patients often face blame, stigma and psychological distress, adding that anxiety and depression are common but under-recognised aspects of the condition. According to Dr Shamsa Humayun, changing lifestyles, including sedentary behaviour, unhealthy diets, rising obesity and chronic stress, are contributing to the increasing prevalence of PCOS. She stressed that early screening, weight management, dietary counselling and timely medical treatment can significantly reduce long-term complications. Dr Shamila Ijaz Munir said awareness among patients and even primary-care physicians remained inadequate. She called for continuous medical education and stronger collaboration between clinicians and responsible organisations to promote evidence-based management of women’s health conditions. Sidra Iqbal, brand ambassador for the Discovering PCOS initiative, facilitated discussions on early warning signs, common myths and the importance of seeking medical advice rather than relying on unverified information. Mansoor Khan, Director Commercial at PharmEvo, said Pakistan’s healthcare system could not afford to focus solely on treatment while neglecting prevention. He pointed out that Pakistan spends around 2.6 per cent of its GDP on healthcare, while nearly 60 per cent of healthcare costs are paid directly by individuals. He said investing in disease awareness initiatives such as Discovering Diabetes, Discovering Hypertension, and now Discovering PCOS was aimed at reducing the long-term burden on families and the healthcare system. By promoting prevention and early detection, he added, better health outcomes could be achieved at a lower social and economic cost. Polio vaccination campaign to continue in Lahore during Basant