Puberty is already a journey of many fluctuations, where the body and emotions of girls change every day. But amidst those seemingly normal upheavals, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can appear silently, causing long-term consequences if parents lack information and are reluctant to talk.
According to Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, obstetrician and gynecologist, Yatharth Hospital (Faridabad, India), PCOS is a common endocrine disorder, affecting about 1/10 of women of reproductive age and can start in adolescence. “Many families only pay attention when their children have prolonged miscarriages or rapid weight gain, while warning signs have appeared early,” she said.
When menstrual disorders are no longer a big deal, it will be okay
In the early stages after menstruation, irregular periods can be a physiological phenomenon. However, if menstruation is irregular and erratic for more than two to three years from the first period, parents need to be careful. According to Dr. Mendiratta, this may be a manifestation of endocrine imbalance related to PCOS.
Not only stopping at menstruation, PCOS also leaves clear marks on the skin and figure. Prolonged acne, not responding to conventional care measures; a lot of hair growing on the face, chest, abdomen; gradually thinning hair; unexplained weight gain, especially abdomen... are all signs that should not be ignored. Some children also have dark skin patches on the neck and armpits - manifestations of insulin resistance, a condition often accompanied by PCOS.
What is worrying is that many of these symptoms are easily underestimated or attributed to puberty and unscientific eating. This subjectivity makes diagnosis and intervention delayed, increasing the risk of complications later.
Not just hormones, but also self-esteem.
Teenage years are the period when children begin to see themselves in the eyes of society. When the body does not keep up with popular beauty standards, girls with PCOS are prone to feelings of inferiority, anxiety, and even depression. Dr. Shweta Mendiratta cited a study published in the journal Medicine showing that adolescents with PCOS are at high risk of mental health problems and a tendency to withdraw from society.
During examinations, mental health is often neglected, while this is an inseparable part of treatment," she emphasized. According to experts, psychological support, listening to and recognizing children's emotional difficulties is no less important than hormone control or weight.
In the long term, PCOS not only affects fertility but also increases the risk of obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Early detection in adolescence allows doctors and families to adjust their lifestyle, minimizing the risk of complications in adulthood.
PCOS management does not mean that medicine must be used immediately. According to Dr. Mendiratta, many cases improve significantly thanks to balanced eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress control. Medicine is only considered when lifestyle changes are not effective enough, and treatment needs to be individualized for each child.
Above all, what parents can do today is speak up. When menstruation is no longer a taboo in the family, girls will easily share, be supported and less have to "go alone" on their journey to adulthood with PCOS.
