Srinagar, Oct 10: Nearly one in three female college students surveyed in Kashmir showed symptoms suggestive of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), raising concerns over an under-recognised women’s health challenge among young people, a new study has found.
The cross-sectional study, conducted among 1,217 students from colleges in Kashmir between July and December 2024, found that 33.6% showed symptoms suggestive of PCOS, while 1.28% had strong indicators of the condition.
The research, titled “Assessing the Prevalence of PCOS in College Students of Kashmir, J&K, India: A Cross-Sectional Study,” was conducted by Mohd Anis Ganaie of the Department of Zoology, Sri Pratap College, Cluster University Srinagar, along with Amrit Sudershan and Ruheena Javid Raina of the Department of Human Genetics, Sri Pratap College.
“The average age of participants was around 22 years, placing the study population largely within a critical period when menstrual, hormonal and metabolic health can have long-term implications,” the study reads. “PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation and fertility. But its impact can extend well beyond reproductive health, with links to metabolic complications such as insulin resistance and diabetes and potentially increased cardiovascular risk.”
It found a significant gap in awareness of these wider consequences. While students were relatively familiar with the more visible gynaecological symptoms associated with PCOS, knowledge of its long-term health risks was considerably weaker. “Only 44.5% knew about the association between PCOS and insulin resistance, while around 45% were aware of its link with diabetes. Awareness of the potential connection with heart disease was even lower, at 33%,” the research reads.
The findings suggest that many young women may recognise menstrual or reproductive symptoms without fully understanding what they could signify or the importance of seeking timely medical advice.
“Nearly 30% of the participants reported having a previous diagnosis of PCOS, highlighting both the presence of the condition among the surveyed population and the importance of early recognition and appropriate clinical management,” the study states.
Researchers caution that the 33.6% figure represents students with symptoms suggestive of PCOS and should not be interpreted as a clinically confirmed prevalence rate. Nevertheless, the scale of symptoms identified in the survey points to a need for greater awareness and screening among young women.
The study used a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, PCOS awareness and symptoms. The researchers also applied statistical methods, including Kuder-Richardson reliability testing and Item Response Theory, to assess the reliability and performance of the questionnaire.
The findings have implications for colleges and healthcare institutions, where targeted awareness programmes could help young women better understand menstrual irregularities, hormonal symptoms and the possible long-term consequences associated with PCOS.
Researchers argue that awareness should go beyond reproductive health. Students need to understand that PCOS can also have metabolic implications, making early recognition and sustained health monitoring important.
The study concludes that PCOS is potentially underdiagnosed among young women in Kashmir, while significant gaps remain in awareness of its broader health consequences. It calls for stronger health education initiatives aimed at improving symptom recognition, encouraging timely medical consultation and promoting better understanding of the long-term risks associated with the condition.
For Kashmir’s young women, the study offers a clear public-health message–a menstrual or hormonal problem should not simply be dismissed as a routine inconvenience when it could be an early sign of a condition with implications extending far beyond reproductive health.
