ISLAMABAD: Undiagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the root cause of infertility, miscarriages, hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders.
This was stated by Prof. Dr Rizwana Chaudhry, a leading gynecologist, while speaking at a conference.
The conference brought together leading gynecologists, endocrinologists and global maternal health experts.
The conference was jointly organised by the PCOS, Adolescent and Reproductive Health Society of Pakistan and the Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Society.
Dr Rizwana said the PCOS burden in Pakistan was unlike anything seen in other parts of the world, and most women do not even realise they have it until it severely impacts their reproductive health.
Of the 52 percent Pakistani women of reproductive age suffering from PCOS, over 80 percent remain undiagnosed, making them ineligible to conceive after marriage and worsening the country’s infertility crisis, experts warned.
Speakers expressed deep concern over the alarmingly high prevalence of PCOS in Pakistan — far above the global average of 4 to 18 percent.
The reasons, they said, include a combination of genetic predisposition due to cousin marriages, growing obesity among women, lack of physical activity, and widespread ignorance about menstrual and reproductive health.
Dr. Ghazala Mahmood emphasised that the disease often remained hidden due to cultural stigma and lack of awareness. “Girls are never educated about irregular periods or facial hair being red flags. These symptoms are ignored until the damage becomes irreversible,” she said, calling for early screening programs in schools and colleges to prevent long-term complications.
Dr. Hani W. Fawzi, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at South Tyneside NHS, UK, called PCOS a “wicked problem” — one so complex that no single specialty could tackle it alone.
“This is not just a gynecological disorder. It demands a multidisciplinary approach involving gynecologists, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, and public health experts,” he said. “We must reach the undiagnosed population through awareness and community-based outreach. Without diagnosis, there can be no care.”
He also called for focused research into why PCOS was so rampant in Pakistan, saying cultural, genetic, and environmental factors need to be systematically studied to formulate a national response.
Experts including Dr. Saima Zubair, Dr. Shamsa Rizwan, Brigadier Dr. Mamoona Mushtaq, Dr. Nabia Tariq, Dr. Nosheel and Dr. Shumaila Tanveer were also part of the expert panel, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise PCOS on the national health agenda.
Brigadier Dr. Mamoona Mushtaq urged that “greater importance must be given to PCOS, as it is silently destroying women’s reproductive and overall health.” She said that myths and stigma around periods and fertility were major barriers to care.
Dr. Nabia Tariq echoed the call for massive awareness campaigns. “Women need to be empowered with the right knowledge about PCOS from a young age. Only then can we hope to reduce the burden of infertility,” she added.
Dr. Saima Zubair said technology would play a key role in early detection and patient support in the future. “Artificial intelligence will soon be used to screen for PCOS, and a dedicated chatbot will be launched by September to help women self-assess and connect with specialists,” she said.
Nabeel Akhtar, Business Unit Head at PharmEvo, said that PCOS has silently evolved into one of the most neglected yet common health conditions affecting Pakistani women. “We must break the silence around PCOS by creating nationwide awareness and helping women recognise early signs before it’s too late,” he said.
Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2025
