Urbanisation, stress, and lack of awareness fuel increasing cases of Polycystic Ovarian Disease, demanding urgent action to protect women’s reproductive health and future generations
By Adil Jahangir
Kashmir is now grappling with an unseen health challenge among its young population. Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and disrupts menstrual cycles, has quietly emerged as one of the most concerning health issues among young girls in Jammu and Kashmir. What makes this rise even more alarming is not only the growing number of cases but also the silence that surrounds women’s reproductive health in our society.
In recent years, gynaecologists and health professionals across J&K have reported a noticeable increase in young girls, some even in their late teens, seeking medical attention for irregular periods, excessive weight gain, acne, and unwanted hair growth. These are not merely cosmetic or short-term issues; they are clinical signs of PCOD, a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to infertility, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications later in life. While PCOD has been on the rise across India, its spread among Kashmiri youth is particularly concerning.
Traditionally, the valley’s lifestyle revolved around fresh food, physical activity, and relatively low-stress environments. But over the past two decades, rapid urbanisation, changes in diet, sedentary routines, and rising psychological stress have altered this balance. Girls who once spent their childhoods engaged in outdoor activities are now confined to screens and books, while junk food replaces home-cooked meals rich in nutrients. The rise of PCOD among Kashmiri girls cannot be separated from the broader socioeconomic and psychological factors of the region.
Stress is one of the most significant triggers of hormonal imbalance, and the valley has seen its share of prolonged uncertainty and instability. Young girls, especially students, are under constant academic and emotional pressure. This chronic stress disturbs the delicate endocrine system, fueling the onset of PCOD. Dietary patterns have also undergone a major transformation. Traditional Kashmiri food, though rich, was once balanced by physical activity and active lifestyles. Today, however, processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast-food culture dominate youth diets. The combination of high calories, lack of exercise, and irregular eating schedules has contributed to obesity – another major risk factor for PCOD.
Furthermore, the lack of awareness and openness in discussing reproductive health has worsened the problem. Many girls remain silent about their irregular cycles or delay seeking medical attention due to stigma. By the time they approach a doctor, the condition has often worsened. Behind every statistic is a painful personal story. Consider the case of a college-going girl from Srinagar who hesitated to share her struggles with irregular periods and sudden weight gain with her family. When she finally sought medical help, she was diagnosed with advanced PCOD and advised long-term medication. Such cases are becoming far too common, highlighting the urgent need to break the taboo surrounding women’s health.
Another young girl, Shayista from Budgam, shared anonymously: “I thought it was normal to have irregular periods. I was embarrassed to talk about it. But when I started facing severe hair loss and facial hair, I felt devastated. Only then did I realise something was seriously wrong.” In smaller towns and rural pockets of J&K, the problem is even more hidden. With fewer healthcare facilities and limited awareness, many young girls silently endure symptoms, mistaking them for “normal” irregularities. The burden of shame and ignorance becomes heavier than the disease itself.
The rising prevalence of PCOD among young girls in J&K is not just a private medical issue; it is a looming public health challenge. Left unchecked, this disorder threatens fertility rates, maternal health, and the psychological well-being of an entire generation of women. With infertility cases already rising in the region, the unchecked spread of PCOD could worsen the problem further. Moreover, untreated PCOD increases the risk of diabetes and heart diseases, putting additional strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure of the Union Territory.
Addressing this alarming rise in PCOD requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. Awareness and education must come first. Schools, colleges, and community centres should organise regular programmes on menstrual and reproductive health. Girls deserve safe spaces where they can discuss their bodies without fear of judgment, and parents and teachers need to be sensitised to provide proper guidance and support. Promoting healthy lifestyles is equally essential. Encouraging physical activity, balanced diets, and stress-relief practices such as yoga and meditation can play a preventive role. Public campaigns must highlight the dangers of junk food and sedentary habits, making them a core part of health initiatives.
Accessible healthcare is vital. Gynaecological services should be strengthened both in urban and rural areas, with a focus on training and deploying more female health professionals. This is especially crucial in rural districts, where cultural barriers often discourage girls from seeking help from male doctors. Policy-level interventions are also urgently needed. Just as the government launched nationwide awareness campaigns for polio and tuberculosis, a dedicated initiative focusing on reproductive health disorders like PCOD is critical for Jammu and Kashmir.
Finally, the most powerful step is breaking the stigma. Society must move beyond its hesitation to speak openly about reproductive health. Silence only deepens the crisis, whereas open conversations can save lives. The paradise that Kashmir is known for should not become a place where young girls silently suffer in the shadows of a preventable disorder. PCOD may not be life-threatening in its early stages, but its long-term implications are serious and demand immediate attention.
The rise of PCOD among young girls in J&K is a wake-up call for parents, educators, policymakers, and healthcare providers. Addressing it requires collective will and compassion. By creating awareness, improving healthcare access, and encouraging healthy lifestyles, we can prevent this silent epidemic from robbing Kashmiri girls of their well-being and future dreams. The beauty of Kashmir lies not only in its snow-capped peaks and lush valleys but also in the health and happiness of its people—especially its young women. To safeguard that beauty, we must act now.
The writer is a Library Professional, posted at the Government Sheikh-Ul-Alam Memorial Degree College, Budgam