Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Apr 20: The prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Kashmir is significantly higher than the national average. While the national prevalence of PCOS is below 20 per cent, Kashmir faces a far greater challenge, with nearly 30 per cent of the population affected.
According to a study conducted under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Task Force, represented by Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the prevalence of PCOS in India is 19.3 per cent.
Speaking at the 6th Annual International Conference of the M.P-PCOS Society at SKIMS, Dr Yoginder Gupta, said that Kashmir faces a disproportionately high regional burden, with nearly 30 per cent of the population affected by PCOS. Dr Gupta emphasised that such alarming figures call for collective, multi-sectoral action, stating that PCOS can no longer be addressed in isolation.
“The extensive data generated at SKIMS has been instrumental in shaping national and global understanding of the disorder, including its medical and social implications,” he said. “The research has enabled the ICMR to undertake multifactorial studies, addressing not only clinical aspects but also the stigma and broader societal consequences associated with PCOS.”
The two-day international conference, hosted at the SKIMS Auditorium, brought together leading national and international experts to deliberate on the growing burden of PCOS, endocrine disorders, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly being termed a global epidemic.
The Chief Guest, Dr Manilka Sumanatilleke, Chair Elect of the International Diabetes Federation (South East Asia Region), President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, and President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka, highlighted that PCOS remains a neglected health issue in several countries. He noted that exposure to the scientific sessions and clinical research at SKIMS has provided valuable insights, which he intends to take back to strengthen healthcare responses in his country.
In his address, Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS and President of the M.P-PCOS Society, outlined key dimensions including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the societal role in addressing PCOS, and SKIMS’ contributions through research and clinical excellence. He emphasised the need for evidence-based policymaking and highlighted the institute’s growing academic stature at national and international levels.
As per the study published in JAMA, the weighted national prevalence of PCOS in India is remarkably high, reaching 19.6% according to the Rotterdam criteria.
The Phenotype C (hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology) was found to be the most prevalent, accounting for 40.8% of cases.
As per the alarming burden of comorbidities revealed by the study, 91.9% of women with PCOS suffered from dyslipidemia, 43.2% were found to be obese, 32.9% had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and 24.9% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Experts said that a rapid shift to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, chronic stress, and environmental factors are contributing to high rates of insulin resistance and obesity, especially in young women
They added that cultural changes leading to delayed marriage (sometimes past 30s) are thought to exacerbate symptoms and lower fertility rates, further highlighting the prevalence.
