PCOS in Kashmir

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or simply known as PCOS,  is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones in women. Between 5 and 10 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have PCOS. It is also one of the most common causes of infertility.

The National Family Health Survey of 2015 states that 61 percent of married women in Kashmir report one or more reproductive health problems – 22 percent higher than India’s national average. Studies have also shown that there are higher chances of psychiatric disorders in patients with PCOS. And this in place with a prolonged conflict is even worse, compounding the risk of women developing psychiatric disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

Dr. Sanjeet Kour Senior resident in the department of psychiatry, the institute of mental health and neurosciences, Dr Syed Naseer, consultant gynecologist, Sher-i-Kashmir institute of medical sciences and Khair-un-Nisa, a PCOS patient, speak to The Kashmir Walla's Sarwat Javaid about the rising cases of PCOS and infertility among Kashmir women, and if the conflict has had a role to play on women’s reproductive health.