Srinagar: On a sunny morning in Kashmir, 23-year-old Saima sat calmly in a crowded bus traveling from Baramulla to Srinagar. At 8 a.m. sharp, her smartwatch vibrated and reminded her: her menstrual cycle was three days late. It was no longer unusual; This had been happening for several months, but each delayed notification unsettled her.
Staring at the glowing screen, Saima searched her phone for reasons for her missed period: stress, hormonal imbalance, diet, or something more serious. “For the last eight months I have struggled with anxiety, depression, weight gain and sudden seizures,” she said. “I didn’t have the courage to tell my family or see a doctor. My smartwatch became my only silent companion.”
Saima is not alone. Across Kashmir, a growing number of young women are grappling with this in silence Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Although they are among the most common endocrinological diseases in women of childbearing age, they are still poorly researched and poorly understood in India.
A growing and alarming trend
Reports from the National Institute of Health stated that from 2024 approximately 17.4% of women studying in the Indian NCR region aged between 18-25 suffer from PCOD or PCOS, higher than previously recorded numbers. In urban areas, the disease is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, consumption of junk food, stress and pollution. In rural areas, the lack of awareness and stigma surrounding menstruation makes the situation worse.
FII
Symptoms vary but often include irregular periods, painful cramps, facial hair growth, sudden weight gain, excessive bleeding, acne and infertility risks.
According to reports from Think about global health, Almost one in five Indian women is affected. Yet conversations about reproductive health remain muted, particularly in conservative societies like Kashmir, where menstruation itself is viewed as shameful.
PCOD, stigma and silence
For Mehak, a 22-year-old student from Srinagar, PCOD was a joy-thief. “It has taken away my peace, energy and confidence. I no longer feel comfortable in my favorite clothes. Some mornings I wake up exhausted and crying for no reason and no one understands what I’m going through.”
According to reports from Think about global health, Almost one in five Indian women is affected. Yet conversations about reproductive health remain muted, particularly in conservative societies like Kashmir, where menstruation itself is viewed as shameful.
Her mother, an illiterate housewife, was shocked when a doctor diagnosed Mehak. “She told me never to share it with anyone. She feared it would affect marriage proposals,” recalls Mehak.
This fear is widespread. In rural India, reproductive disorders are often linked to infertility, a taboo that can lead to rejection from potential partners, marriage breakdown or even divorce. “Society treats us as abnormal,” said another young woman. “A girl with PCOD is considered unfit, while a boy who smokes or drinks is still respected.”
Marriage as a “cure”
Nineteen-year-old Aira has lived with PCOD since her mid-teens. At first she was confused about irregular cycles, facial hair and severe pain. She was too shy to speak to her mother and suffered in silence for years. When she finally confided in her family, her mother rushed her to a doctor. The recipe shocked her: Marry her.
“The doctor told my mother that marriage was the only solution because PCOD had ruined my reproductive ability,” Aira said bitterly. Instead of receiving medical care or lifestyle advice, she was told that her worth depended on her ability to conceive.
Such advice reflects a worrying trend in India, where reproductive health is medicalized through the lens of marriage rather than viewed as a crucial aspect of women’s well-being.
Beyond PCOD, menstruation itself is a battleground for Kashmiri girls. Iqra, a 21-year-old student, described how buying sanitary pads feels like a sting operation. “We hide pads from male shop owners as if they were carrying an illegal weapon,” she said.
According to many reports, 50% of girls in the early stages of menstruation lack adequate knowledge about it. In rural Kashmir, limited access to hygiene products and lack of menstrual education leave girls depressed, embarrassed and uninformed. In such a climate, it is unrealistic to expect them to openly discuss PCOD or PCOS.
“The doctor told my mother that marriage was the only solution because PCOD had ruined my reproductive ability,” Aira said bitterly. Instead of receiving medical care or lifestyle advice, she was told that her worth depended on her ability to conceive.
While society remains reluctant to acknowledge this Women’s reproductive problemsTechnology is quietly filling the gap. Many Kashmiri girls now use smartwatches, period tracking apps and smartphones to monitor their cycles.
“Almost 70% of my friends use reminders on their phones or watches,” said Saima. “Technology keeps us informed. At least we know when something is wrong.”
Apps also provide educational resources that provide girls with information they may not receive at home or at school. Some use online consultations to circumvent social barriers that prevent men from seeing their doctor in person. For many, this digital support is the first step on the path to medical care.
But the technology has its limits. It cannot replace professional treatment or reduce social stigma. Without awareness and community support, gadgets remain more of a private coping mechanism than a societal solution.
Medical perspective on PCOD
Doctors emphasize that PCOD and PCOS are lifestyle-related disorders and not moral failings. “They are curable with proper attention, medication and lifestyle changes,” said a senior gynecologist in Srinagar. “But awareness is key. Girls need to be encouraged to speak openly and avoid self-medication.”
Doctors emphasize that PCOD and PCOS are lifestyle-related disorders and not moral failings. “They are curable with proper attention, medication and lifestyle changes,” said a senior gynecologist in Srinagar. “But awareness is key. Girls need to be encouraged to speak openly and avoid self-medication.”
Dr. Nusrat, a gynecologist at Bandipora District Hospital, said the problem was widespread but shrouded in silence. “It’s most common among teenagers in women in their early 30s. However, because women are taught to view reproductive issues as private, they are hesitant to talk about them, especially with male doctors. The fear of infertility silences them even more.”
Health experts suggest practical steps to treat the condition:
• Balanced diet: Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins.
• Exercise: At least 30-40 minutes daily to regulate weight and hormones.
• Stress relief: meditation, yoga and enough sleep.
• Hydration: Drink 2-3 liters of water daily.
• Limiting junk food and nighttime screen time.
She stressed the need for awareness campaigns. “We need to use schools, colleges and workplaces to spread knowledge. Social media can also play a big role. Girls need to understand that PCOD is manageable through diet, exercise, hydration and reduced stress. However, if symptoms occur, they must consult a specialist and not rely on myths or quick fixes.”
(Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment.)
