Is Instagram fuelling a rise in PCOS among teenage girls?

India Today

16 hours ago

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (hormone) levels, and multiple cyst in the ovaries.It is also linked to long-term risks like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.PCOS was once commonly diagnosed in older women, but doctors are now seeing a growing number of girls as young as 10 developing the condition.advertisement
A study published in peer-reviewed journal Reproductive Health found that high prevalence rate of 17.40% of PCOS among young adults in Delhi, NCR, and modern lifestyle shifts are largely to blame.The digital age has introduced new stressors, disturbed sleep cycles, and increased physical inactivity, all major contributors to hormonal imbalances. These lifestyle changes shaped by social media and technology are playing a critical role in this health crisis.THE STRESS FACTORWrapped in screen addiction, the teenage life of scrolling social media for hours at a stretch has become a common sight. While these platforms do offer entertainment and connectivity, they also expose users to perfectionist beauty ideals, constant comparisons, and the pressure to maintain a curated online presence.'Over the past few years, I've observed a steady increase in younger girls, some as young as 14, presenting with PCOS symptoms like irregular cycles and weight fluctuations,' said Dr. Ashwini Nabar, gynaecologist at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.advertisement"Social media contributes to subtle stress cycles, constant notifications, and overstimulation, all of which can impact hormonal health in developing adolescents," she added.Chronic stress caused by these factors leads to elevated cortisol levels, a hormone which disrupts the body's ability to regulate insulin, another hormone that regulates the blood sugar levels. This contributes to hormonal imbalances that increase the risk of PCOS.PHYSICAL INACTIVITYLong hours of scrolling promote inactivity, which is another significant contributor of PCOS.Many teenagers spend hours sitting, engaging in their devices, with little to no physical movement. This lack of physical activity results in weight gain and insulin resistance -- two major factors in PCOS development."It's a vicious cycle where inactivity and PCOS feed into each other, further exacerbating the condition," said Dr. Arpana Haritwal, Principal Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital.To break this cycle, exercise is essential. It not only helps in managing weight but also improves insulin sensitivity -- key to managing PCOS.Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and aerobics are often recommended for girls managing PCOS symptoms.SLEEP DISRUPTIONSleep is another critical factor in hormonal health. Late night social media usage disrupts natural sleep patterns, affecting the production of the sleep hormone, called melatonin. Blue rays emerging from screens interrupted with melatonin production, making it hard for individuals to fall asleep.advertisement'Disturbed sleep cycles cause hormonal imbalance. Ideally, seven to eight hours of sleep are necessary to maintain hormonal balance, but social media interrupts this critical rest period,' explained Dr. Haritwal.This hormonal imbalance again contributes to stress, weight gain and insulin resistance.Insulin resistance, a very common condition, happens when the body's cells don't respond to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter cells for energy. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to type 2 diabetes and other health issues.HARMFUL DIET TRENDSSocial media has become a breeding ground for unverified and extreme diet trends.Various online influencers without professional qualifications or credibility promote restrictive diets and dangerous, unhealthy eating habits, promising quick weight loss and body transformation.These trends can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and further exacerbate hormonal imbalances.The most common deficiencies observed in girls following such trends include vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron deficiencies. Such deficiencies weaken the body's ability to maintain hormonal balance and cope with metabolic changes.To counter these effects, Dr. Haritwal recommended a balanced diet: 'A high-fibre and high-protein diet, plenty of hydration, and a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables are crucial for managing PCOS.'advertisementIncorporating healthy fats and avoiding processed foods can also significantly improve overall health.ADDRESSING THE ISSUEDoctors suggested that parents, teachers, and medical professionals need to take the initiative to inform teenagers about how lifestyle habits affect PCOS.Encouraging activity that minimises screen use and promotes physical movement is a must. Whether through the introduction of hobbies, sport, or outdoor pursuits, such adjustments can counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.Physicians and nutritionists need to discuss the relationship between PCOS, lifestyle, and stress and provide personalised and integrated treatment plans.Besides this, there needs to be control of toxic content on social media, especially diet trends and unattainable beauty standards."Addressing these lifestyle factors sensitively and in balance, rather than restricting them, is crucial for long-term management and for empowering young girls to take charge of their health at an early age," emphasised Dr. Nabar.The dramatic increase in PCOS among young women highlights the necessity of dealing with lifestyle changes caused by the digital era. Social media is a central driver in this case, influencing stress levels, activity, sleeping habits, and nutrition.advertisementBy encouraging healthy along with maintaining a digital balance, society can empower young girls to take charge of their hormonal health early.Article by Arima Singh- EndsTrending Reel