Background

As per a study conducted and published in 2024, the incidence of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) (formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS) among women of reproductive age in India was reported to be 7.2% to 19.6% across the country. 

Socio-cultural factors surrounding women in India, especially from rural and underserved regions of the country often produce, reproduce and solidify myths, taboos and stigma surrounding menstrual health and hygiene. With the recent global medical developments in the understanding of menstrual health, specifically PMOS, India requires a social and cultural overhaul in ensuring access to healthcare, knowledge and community transformation, in order for the recent developments to positively impact women and girls from rural and underserved backgrounds. 

With rampant stigmatization, cultural boycott and ingrained taboo surrounding menstrual health, these conditions often are sidelined even by women and girls due to the deep-seated taboos they harbour as well. Thus, it is crucial that such medical developments in menstrual health and understanding are also accessible, reachable and impactful to girls and women from specific backgrounds. The same needs to be addressed through access to healthcare, integration of training and information sharing with girls and women in rural areas, and creating a climate of support to alleviate conditions of insecurity (both medically and socially).