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Rachel V Thomas

PCOS in Teen Girls: Facial Hair and Irregular Periods—When to See a Doctor

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/pcos">PCOS</a></span>), now renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (<span>PMOS</span>), can begin during adolescence and affect metabolic health, fertility and mental health, AIIMS experts said.

Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, the experts discussed PCOS risk factors, diagnosis in teenagers and the role of lifestyle management.

<span>Obesity</span> and sedentary habits can increase risk, but irregular periods or polycystic-looking ovaries on ultrasound do not automatically mean PCOS. <span>Menstrual irregularity</span> and ovarian changes can be normal during adolescence, making accurate diagnosis important.

<h2>Irregular Periods: When Is It Abnormal?</h2>

Irregular periods are common in the first year after menstruation begins. Dr. Rajni Sharma, Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, said: “It is normal and physiological.”

However, persistent irregularity should be evaluated.

“But if they are irregular even after one year, like their duration is coming in between, duration more than 45 days up to 3 years, or after menarche, after 3 years up to 35 days cycle, or less than 21 days cycle, or less than 8 times per year cycles, or their gap is more than 3 months, then we should think that they are irregular and they should be investigated,” she said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-rebranding-pcos-as-pmos-could-mark-a-new-era-in-womens-health-article-154317747" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Rebranding PCOS As PMOS Could Mark A New Era In Women’s Health</a> 

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/pcos">PCOS</a> Diagnosis</span>: Ultrasound May Mislead</h2>

Ultrasound is not routinely used to diagnose PCOS in adolescents because polycystic-looking ovaries can be normal during this stage, Dr. Rajni said.

Dr. Renu Sharma, Child Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, said such findings can also cause unnecessary anxiety.

“Many times, many families come out of fear because there is a polycystic appearance in an ultrasound.”

Some girls may have PCOS-like features without meeting the diagnostic criteria and may instead be considered at risk.

“We call it at risk of PCOS. At this stage, it is best to focus on diet and lifestyle.”

Family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes and lifestyle factors can increase PCOS risk, Dr. Rajni said.

“Especially if there is type 2 diabetes, obesity, all these things are there, or mother, or her aunt had PCOS, then the risk increases.”

Poor diet and physical inactivity can also contribute.

“They are not eating fiber, fruits, vegetables. And they are consuming more junk food. And, one is, sedentary activity,” she said.

However, PCOS can also occur in girls with normal weight. “Many normal girls can also have it. Normal weight girls.”

<h2>Facial Hair Can Affect Mental Health</h2>

Lifestyle Doctor Reveals the Biggest Health Mistakes Indians Make | Full Podcast

Facial and body hair can affect self-image and self-esteem in adolescent girls with PCOS, Dr. Renu said.

“These young adolescent girls suffering from PCOS have very significant psychosocial issues," said the expert, adding that anxiety and depression are very common.

They also develop some eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, she said, noting that the adolescent's "self-perception, or self-concept, starts becoming negative.”

Lifestyle management is an important part of managing PCOS risk and symptoms. Dr. Vandana recommended healthier food choices and regular physical activity.

“You can make a lot of things at home, with good healthy ingredients.”

“Second, in general, you should eat more salads. You should eat more colorful fruits and vegetables, so we talk about this.”

She also stressed the importance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, and stressed the need for "one hour of physical activity of moderate to vigorous level daily".

“This means that, while doing that activity, you are not able to talk normally. If you can talk normally, then it means that the activity is not of moderate to vigorous level.”

Health Conditions A-Z

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PMOS

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Obesity

Menstrual irregularity

PCOS Diagnosis

PCOS Treatment

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), now renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), can begin during adolescence and affect metabolic health, fertility and mental health, AIIMS experts said.Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, the experts discussed PCOS risk factors, diagnosis in teenagers and the role of lifestyle management.Obesity and sedentary habits can increase risk, but irregular periods or polycystic-looking ovaries on ultrasound do not automatically mean PCOS. Menstrual irregularity and ovarian changes can be normal during adolescence, making accurate diagnosis important.Irregular Periods: When Is It Abnormal?Irregular periods are common in the first year after menstruation begins. Dr. Rajni Sharma, Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, said: “It is normal and physiological.”However, persistent irregularity should be evaluated.“But if they are irregular even after one year, like their duration is coming in between, duration more than 45 days up to 3 years, or after menarche, after 3 years up to 35 days cycle, or less than 21 days cycle, or less than 8 times per year cycles, or their gap is more than 3 months, then we should think that they are irregular and they should be investigated,” she said.Also read: Why Rebranding PCOS As PMOS Could Mark A New Era In Women’s Health PCOS Diagnosis: Ultrasound May MisleadUltrasound is not routinely used to diagnose PCOS in adolescents because polycystic-looking ovaries can be normal during this stage, Dr. Rajni said.Dr. Renu Sharma, Child Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, said such findings can also cause unnecessary anxiety.“Many times, many families come out of fear because there is a polycystic appearance in an ultrasound.”Some girls may have PCOS-like features without meeting the diagnostic criteria and may instead be considered at risk.“We call it at risk of PCOS. At this stage, it is best to focus on diet and lifestyle.”What Raises PCOS Risk?Family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes and lifestyle factors can increase PCOS risk, Dr. Rajni said.“Especially if there is type 2 diabetes, obesity, all these things are there, or mother, or her aunt had PCOS, then the risk increases.”Poor diet and physical inactivity can also contribute.“They are not eating fiber, fruits, vegetables. And they are consuming more junk food. And, one is, sedentary activity,” she said.However, PCOS can also occur in girls with normal weight. “Many normal girls can also have it. Normal weight girls.”Facial Hair Can Affect Mental Health      Facial and body hair can affect self-image and self-esteem in adolescent girls with PCOS, Dr. Renu said.“These young adolescent girls suffering from PCOS have very significant psychosocial issues," said the expert, adding that anxiety and depression are very common.They also develop some eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, she said, noting that the adolescent's "self-perception, or self-concept, starts becoming negative.”What Can Parents Do?Lifestyle management is an important part of managing PCOS risk and symptoms. Dr. Vandana recommended healthier food choices and regular physical activity.“You can make a lot of things at home, with good healthy ingredients.”“Second, in general, you should eat more salads. You should eat more colorful fruits and vegetables, so we talk about this.”She also stressed the importance of avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, and stressed the need for "one hour of physical activity of moderate to vigorous level daily". “This means that, while doing that activity, you are not able to talk normally. If you can talk normally, then it means that the activity is not of moderate to vigorous level.”

pcos in teen girls: facial hair and irregular periods—when to see a doctor

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PCOS in Teen Girls: Facial Hair and Irregular Periods—When to See a Doctor

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