PMOS raises heart attack, stroke risk in young women: Lancet study

A new study published in The Lancet has linked Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS) to a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes in young women. The research adds to growing concerns about the long-term cardiovascular effects of the hormonal disorder.

The study, which examined health outcomes in young women, found that those diagnosed with PMOS face a markedly elevated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to their peers without the condition.

One in five Indian women affected

Data cited in the study indicates that one in five Indian women now lives with PMOS. This prevalence rate has alarmed public health experts, who point to lifestyle changes and environmental factors as possible drivers of the rise.

The disorder, which affects hormone levels and metabolism, has been increasingly diagnosed in women of reproductive age across India. Clinicians report that cases are being identified at younger ages than in previous decades.

PMOS vs. PCOS: A distinct condition

The study underscores that PMOS is a distinct condition from PCOS, though the two are often confused. While both involve hormonal imbalances, PMOS carries a different set of metabolic risks.

Experts from UCLA Health have clarified the differences between the two syndromes. PCOS is primarily characterised by cysts on the ovaries, irregular periods, and elevated androgen levels. PMOS, on the other hand, involves a broader metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, which directly contribute to cardiovascular damage.

Cardiovascular risk across age groups

The Lancet study specifically looked at young women, an age group not typically associated with heart attacks or strokes. The findings suggest that PMOS accelerates cardiovascular ageing, putting patients at risk decades earlier than the general population.

Other international research has echoed these concerns. A separate report from Australia noted that an incurable condition, widely understood to be PMOS, puts half a million women in that country at a quadruple risk of heart disease.

Why the rise in India?

Health experts and media reports, including coverage from The Indian Express and India Today, have highlighted the growing prevalence of PMOS in India. The rise is attributed to a combination of genetic predisposition and modern lifestyle factors.

Sedentary habits, high-stress environments, and diets rich in processed foods are believed to be major contributors. Urbanisation has shifted traditional eating patterns and reduced physical activity, creating a perfect storm for metabolic disorders like PMOS to flourish.

Doctors note that many young women remain undiagnosed for years, dismissing symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and irregular cycles as normal. By the time they seek help, the condition may have already begun damaging their cardiovascular system.

The Lancet study is expected to push for earlier screening and more aggressive management of PMOS in young women. Public health campaigns may need to focus on raising awareness about the distinct risks of PMOS, separate from those of PCOS.

Treatment guidelines are likely to evolve, with a greater emphasis on lifestyle interventions and medications that target both hormonal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors. The medical community is now watching to see whether regulatory bodies will update screening protocols to include routine cardiovascular assessment for all PMOS patients, regardless of age.