PCOS in India: What the ICMR Study Means If You Want to Get Pregnant

By Motherly Team | Reviewed by Motherly's Clinical Team | Last reviewed: 4 November 2026

How common is PCOS in India?

The ICMR-PCOS study, published in JAMA Network Open in 2025, covered 18 institutions and reported 7.2% (NIH 1990), 19.6% (Rotterdam 2003) and 13.6% (AE-PCOS). Earlier Indian studies ranged widely because they used different criteria. Researchers also reported higher metabolic risks among affected women, which is why PCOS care is about more than periods.

PCOS or PCOD: is there a difference?

In everyday Indian usage the two terms are used interchangeably. Medically, PCOS (a syndrome) is the recognised diagnosis. Having polycystic-looking ovaries on a scan is common and does not by itself mean PCOS. Under the Rotterdam international consensus criteria you need two of these three, after excluding thyroid disease, high prolactin and other causes:

Which symptoms should send me to a doctor?

See a gynaecologist for very irregular or missing periods, persistent acne or hair growth, thinning scalp hair, dark velvety patches on the neck or armpits, or fast weight gain around the waist. PCOS also occurs in lean women, so normal weight does not rule it out. Anxiety and low mood are more common in PCOS; if you feel overwhelmed, free 24x7 support is available on Tele-MANAS (14416). Book a gynaecologist consultation to get an accurate clinical picture.

How do I try to conceive with PCOS?

1. Confirm the diagnosis: Your doctor may check thyroid (TSH), prolactin and blood sugar.
2. Track ovulation carefully: Period-tracking apps assume regular cycles. Over-the-counter LH strips can read positive repeatedly in PCOS because baseline LH may run high, so a doctor-arranged follicle scan or blood test is more reliable.
3. Move and eat for insulin sensitivity: Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. If you are overweight, losing 5 to 10% of body weight can help ovulation return; avoid crash diets. Use the low-glycaemic swaps in our gestational diabetes plate. Gentle movement such as yoga classes also improves hormonal balance.
4. Ask about medication: Letrozole is now commonly the first-line medicine to trigger ovulation, and metformin may help if insulin resistance is present. These are prescription-only.
5. Start folic acid before conception: See our detailed breakdown on is folic acid enough in the first trimester?
6. Check your partner too: A semen analysis is quick and avoids lost months.

Don't wait a year if your cycles are irregular. Ask for evaluation after about 3 to 6 months of trying, or straight away if periods are absent.

PCOS myths versus evidence

What are the pregnancy risks with PCOS?

PCOS is linked to a higher chance of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure in pregnancy and preterm birth, so early screening matters. Read our gestational diabetes guide and keep your antenatal visits regular. Stress does not cause PCOS, but worry weighs heavily; see can stress cause miscarriage in the first trimester? to ease anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reads

• Gestational Diabetes in India.
• Garbh Sanskar vs Science: What Really Helps.
• Pregnancy Diet Plan.
• Gynaecology Consultation Services.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. PCOS diagnosis and treatment, including medicines such as letrozole and metformin, must be decided by a qualified doctor. Never start or stop a medicine on your own. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Motherly's services complement, and do not replace, care from your treating doctor.