AIIMS Delhi screening finds up to 5% of teen girls may have PMOS

A screening program conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has found that between 3% and 5% of adolescent girls screened may have polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

Formerly known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the condition has been renamed PMOS to better reflect that not all patients experience ovarian cysts. The disorder is characterized by higher than normal levels of androgens and may involve insulin resistance. Symptoms can include irregular periods, weight changes, acne, hair loss, and excess hair growth.

The AIIMS program has screened over 4,000 children across seven government and private schools in Delhi since 2023. Experts noted the difficulty of diagnosing the condition in teenagers due to the overlap with normal adolescent hormonal fluctuations. Dr. Rajni Sharma, a professor at AIIMS, emphasized that the condition affects the endocrine and metabolic systems, requiring a holistic approach to patient care rather than focusing solely on menstrual irregularities.

Global estimates from the World Health Organization suggest that 10% to 13% of people with ovaries are affected by this condition.