Whenever Mehvish Manzoor (name withheld), 24, experiences back pain, she suspects her monthly period may be starting. However, her periods are currently irregular. Mehvish is like thousands of Kashmiri women who experience delayed periods. She initially assumed the cause might be stress from her studies. After consulting a gynecologist in Srinagar, however, Mehvish learned she was suffering from PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). I had never thought about PCOD. After doing a Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS), the doctor prescribed the necessary medicine. My family members are planning my marriage, but I have to battle PCOD first,” she told THIP Media.
Thousands of Kashmiri women are now learning about PCOD, a health issue that was rarely discussed until recently. PCOD is becoming increasingly prevalent in the Valley due to changes in lifestyle, stress, and lack of awareness. For women like Mehvish, the struggle is not only physical but also emotional, cultural, and intensely personal.
Understanding PCOD vs. PCOS
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal condition in women of reproductive age, characterized by the ovaries producing an abundance of immature eggs that can develop into cysts. This condition causes hormonal imbalances and symptoms such as weight gain, acne, irregular periods, and excessive hair growth. The main causes include hormonal problems and hereditary factors, with lifestyle variables like poor diet also contributing.
PCOD is often confused with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). While PCOD is an ovarian condition marked by the development of multiple small cysts and irregular egg release, PCOS is a more severe condition. PCOD is primarily about irregular menstruation and cyst development, whereas PCOS often involves elevated testosterone levels, metabolic problems, and long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Global and Local Statistics
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCOS is one of the most prevalent hormonal disorders, affecting 6 to 13% of women of reproductive age. Up to 70% of cases go undetected.
PCOD is characterized by enlarged ovaries that produce excessive levels of androgens, which can interfere with menstrual cycles, impair fertility, and cause undesirable symptoms like weight gain, acne, and facial hair. PCOD can be effectively managed with diet, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
Dr Rukhsana Akhter, a Senior Gynecologist based in Kashmir, stated that PCOD is linked to long-term health risks. “If PCOD is not identified and treated early, women are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and even endometrial cancer,” she added. She emphasized that a balanced diet low in sugar and processed foods but high in whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables, along with regular exercise, can help control hormones and improve insulin sensitivity. Dr Rukhsana also stressed the importance of stress management and timely monitoring to prevent complications, noting that medical options like insulin-sensitizing drugs and hormonal therapy can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce other symptoms.
PCOS in Young Kashmiri Women
A study conducted by Majid Jahangir, MD of the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, reported that nearly 61.18% of young Kashmiri women with hirsutism (excessive hair growth) also had PCOS. The study also found that 35.11% of hirsute women with regular periods and normal ultrasonography were diagnosed with PCOS.
The research further revealed that 70.15% of the patients had biochemical hyperandrogenism, and 81.73% had an elevated LH/FSH ratio. These findings highlight that PCOS is not always linked to menstrual irregularities and demonstrate the high frequency of PCOS in young Kashmiri women presenting with hirsutism. The study suggests that PCOS should be assessed in all hirsute women, even those with regular periods.
Alarming Prevalence Rates
Some studies indicate that the prevalence of PCOS among women in Kashmir is much greater than the national average. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that more than 30% of Kashmiri women fit the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis, which they claim marks it as the highest in the world.
Factors contributing to this high prevalence include sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and hormonal imbalances leading to long-term stress and psychological issues. Studies show a close connection between PCOS and mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, in addition to metabolic problems. Appropriate counseling, awareness, and a healthy lifestyle are necessary to combat this issue.
The Role of Lifestyle and Diet
Dr Shahida Aga, 80, Kashmir’s most senior gynecologist and former Deputy Director of Health Services Kashmir, attributed the rise of PCOD to adulterated food and lifestyle changes adopted by young women. “Women in Kashmir mostly consume broiler chickens; this primarily creates hormonal imbalances among reproductive-age women,” she said. She advocated for healthy diets and regular exercise to counter this rise.
“Kashmir never witnessed such ailments. We were taught about PCOD in colleges, but never thought it would affect young women in Kashmir,” said Dr Aga. “Girls as young as eleven or twelve are being diagnosed with PCOD nowadays. There are serious long-term hazards associated with this early onset, including heart disease, endometrial cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and infertility.
Hormonal changes are a normal part of puberty, but the issue is worsened by junk food, inactivity, and extended use of electronics. Many young females with PCOD also experience self-isolation due to bullying at school because of facial hair or acne. Dr. Shahida Aga noted that half of her teenage patients now present with acne and irregular periods, with many being diagnosed with PCOD after further testing. She observed that while many of these girls come from well-educated homes, they are not well-informed about reproductive health.
Note: The writer spoke with dozens of top health officials of Government hospitals to acquire the latest data on PCOD, but was informed that no data has been compiled over the last four years.
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