Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Recognized as Whole‑Body Metabolic Disorder

Experts at Sher‑i‑Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar say polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a systemic syndrome involving hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk, not merely a fertility issue. They stress early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and greater awareness to prevent complications such as type‑2 diabetes, fatty‑liver disease, hypertension and heart disease. “PCOS is a syndrome because it involves multiple interconnected disturbances, including hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction and reproductive irregularities,” said Dr Aafia Rashid.

A related overview notes that PCOS and endometriosis are chronic conditions affecting roughly 10‑20% and 11% of women respectively. Both can cause irregular periods and infertility, but PCOS is driven mainly by hormonal and metabolic factors (insulin resistance, high androgen levels), whereas endometriosis involves ectopic uterine tissue, inflammation and possible autoimmune mechanisms. Effective management requires individualized diagnosis and targeted treatment.