In recent years, people have started talking about PCOS more openly. But the realities are not the same everywhere. Life in a city comes with a certain pace, access, and awareness, while life in a village carries its own challenges. Since India is so diverse, PCOS seems to impact women differently in urban and rural areas.
In this article:
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder where women may have irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or multiple cysts in their ovaries.It’s usually diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria. According to this, a doctor checks for at least two signs: irregular periods, signs of high male hormones (like excess hair), or polycystic ovaries seen on an ultrasound.
Why Does PCOS Differ Between Urban and Rural Areas?
PCOS seems to be more common in cities than in rural areas. The differences in prevalence often come down to lifestyle, environment, and access to healthcare:- Urban lifestyle factors: Urban women are more likely to have PCOS due to diets high in processed foods and lower physical activity. For example, a Delhi NCR study linked unhealthy eating habits to a higher risk. On top of that, the stress of busy city life can make PCOS symptoms worse.
- Rural lifestyle factors: A Vellore study noted that women in rural areas are often more active because of work like farming and other physical tasks. Their meals are also more traditional and less processed, which may help lower the risk of PCOS.
Key Risk Factors for PCOS
There are many reasons why women may develop PCOS:- Family history: Women with a family history of PCOS are more likely to develop it, regardless of where they live.
- Age and puberty: Early puberty can be a risk factor. The Vellore study found that girls who matured early (ages 9 to 12) were at higher risk compared to those who hit puberty later (13 to 18). This pattern was seen in both urban and rural groups.
- Socioeconomic status: The Delhi NCR study revealed that women from higher education backgrounds, nuclear families, or those with East Indian or immigrant ancestry had a higher PCOS risk. Interestingly, belonging to the other backward classes (OBC) or lower-middle-class groups was linked to a lower risk.
- Stress: Women in cities often deal with busy jobs or studies. This can cause more stress, which may add to the higher number of PCOS cases in urban areas.
- Obesity and insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is more common in urban Indian populations, mainly because of food choices and lower levels of physical activity.
PCOS: Urban vs Rural Challenges
Women living in cities often experience more severe PCOS symptoms than rural women.On the other hand, rural women often have less awareness about PCOS. A South India study highlighted that rural participants were less likely to get diagnosed because of limited awareness and poor access to healthcare. This means many cases might go undetected.
At the same time, women in urban areas usually have better access to healthcare facilities and more information about their condition. This makes it easier for them to recognise symptoms early and get diagnosed.
Psychosocial Impact of PCOS
PCOS can also take a toll on your mental well-being. This is especially true in urban areas where societal pressures are higher in terms of beauty.- Body image concerns: The interviews done during the Delhi NCR study revealed that women with PCOS often felt self-conscious about symptoms like excess hair or weight gain.
- Psychological well-being: The same Delhi study looked at psychological health and found that PCOS can lead to stress or lower self-esteem.
- Cultural pressures: Urban women often feel extra pressure because the media promotes slim, flawless bodies as the ideal type. Rural women aren’t exposed to this kind of media pressure as much, but they still face challenges due to a lack of awareness.
How to Tackle PCOS Across Urban and Rural India
PCOS differences between urban and rural India point to the need for proper solutions to tackle this condition:- Raise awareness: Especially in rural areas, more education about PCOS symptoms and risks is important.
- Lifestyle changes: Urban women can benefit from cutting down on processed foods and adding more physical activity to reduce PCOS risk, like walking or yoga. Rural women, despite already having active lifestyles, could benefit from guidance on eating balanced, healthy meals.
- Better healthcare access: Improving rural healthcare facilities can help diagnose PCOS sooner.
- Support systems: Counselling or support groups in urban areas can help women cope with the emotional and social challenges of PCOS, like body image or fertility concerns.
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FAQs on Understanding PCOS in Indian women: Urban vs Rural Perspectives
- Can air pollution in cities worsen PCOS?
Yes. Pollution can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, which may worsen hormonal imbalance and PCOS symptoms in women living in cities. - Can PCOS be reversed?
PCOS cannot be completely cured, but symptoms can be managed and reduced with lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and medical treatment.
