Srinagar, Nov 3: India is witnessing what health experts are calling a “silent tsunami” of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cases, with Kashmir emerging as one of the worst-affected regions due to changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, and limited public awareness.
Recent studies suggest that one in every five women in India now suffers from PCOS — a hormonal disorder that affects the reproductive system, leading to irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. In Kashmir, doctors say the numbers are particularly alarming among women in the 15–35 age group.
“Nearly 30–35% of young women visiting gynecology OPDs in Kashmir show symptoms of hormonal imbalance.”
— Dr. Shazia Nazir, Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar
“We are seeing a steep rise in PCOS cases in both rural and urban Kashmir. Nearly 30–35% of young women coming to gynecology OPDs are showing symptoms of hormonal imbalance,” said Dr. Shazia Nazir, a gynecologist at Lal Ded Hospital Srinagar. “Sedentary lifestyles, late eating habits, and rising mental stress are the key triggers.”
India’s Growing PCOS Burden
According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the prevalence of PCOS in India ranges between 10% and 25%, with urban centers and northern states showing the highest incidence.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) recently termed PCOS a major “non-communicable epidemic,” noting its association with infertility, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and depression.
Experts warn that lack of early diagnosis and lifestyle modification could turn PCOS into a long-term public health crisis.
Kashmir’s Unique Risk Factors
Local health experts in Kashmir attribute the high burden to climate-linked vitamin D deficiency, winter inactivity, poor diet quality, and psychological stress due to social and political instability.
“The lifestyle transition in Kashmir — from traditional diets and outdoor work to packaged foods and screen-based living — has disrupted metabolic health among young women,” said Dr. Iqra Mushtaq, an endocrinologist at SKIMS.
Despite the growing prevalence, public awareness and screening remain low. Most cases, doctors say, are detected only when women seek help for fertility problems or cosmetic issues like hair loss or acne.
Government and Health Initiatives
The Union Health Ministry and National Health Mission (NHM) have begun integrating PCOS awareness and screening programs into reproductive health services. However, Kashmir’s implementation remains limited to tertiary hospitals.
Medical experts are urging the Jammu & Kashmir Health Department to include PCOS education in school health programs and community outreach initiatives.
Path to Prevention
Doctors emphasize that early diagnosis, regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management can significantly control the condition.
“PCOS is reversible with consistent lifestyle correction,” said Dr. Mushtaq. “The key is awareness — both among women and healthcare workers.”
As India confronts this hidden epidemic, Kashmir’s rising numbers serve as a warning that the ‘silent tsunami’ of PCOS can no longer be ignored.
