Why No One Talks About the Daily Struggles of PCOS, PCOD & Thyroid?
- Sneha S
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
In India, discussions around women’s health are often limited to pregnancy, fertility, and weight loss. But what about the millions of women silently battling hormonal disorders like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease), and thyroid dysfunctions? These conditions don’t just impact reproductive health—they affect mental well-being, relationships, careers, and even life expectancy. Yet, they remain underrated, underdiagnosed, and under-discussed
The Hidden Epidemic: Why It’s More Than Just Hormones
PCOS and thyroid disorders are often dismissed as simple hormonal imbalances, but their effects go far beyond irregular periods or weight gain. In India, studies suggest that 1 in 5 women suffer from PCOS or PCOD, while thyroid disorders affect nearly 42 million Indians, with women being 10 times more likely to be affected. Yet, the conversation around these conditions is shockingly minimal.
1. Infertility & Societal Pressure
For many women, fertility becomes a defining factor in their personal and social identity. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, yet in India, the blame often falls on the woman rather than the disorder itself. Many women undergo unnecessary treatments, face emotional trauma in marriages, or even endure social stigma and rejection.
2. The Mental Toll: Anxiety, Depression & Postpartum Struggles
Hormonal imbalances do not just affect the body—they severely impact mental health. Studies show that women with PCOS are three times more likely to experience anxiety and depression, yet mental health support is rarely offered as part of treatment.
The struggles don’t end with pregnancy either. Postpartum depression (PPD) is often overlooked, especially in women with PCOS and thyroid issues, who are already at higher risk due to extreme hormonal fluctuations. Many women suffer in silence, their exhaustion mistaken for normal motherhood, while their mental health deteriorates.
3. Physical Health Risks: More Than Just Weight Gain
Weight gain is the most visible symptom, but PCOS and thyroid disorders also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke. Indian women, genetically predisposed to metabolic disorders, are at even higher risk. However, most women don’t get diagnosed until complications arise—by then, managing the condition becomes even harder.
4. The Lack of Proper Diagnosis & Treatment
Despite affecting millions, PCOS and thyroid disorders remain largely undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Women are either told to "lose weight" or are placed on lifelong medication without addressing the root cause. Lack of awareness, limited healthcare access in rural areas, and cultural taboos surrounding reproductive health further delay diagnosis and treatment
Innara—Breaking the Silence, Offering a Solution
At Innara, the goal is to change the way women experience wellness. PCOS, PCOD, and thyroid disorders are not just about symptoms—they require a holistic, personalized approach. Nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being must be integrated into the treatment, not treated as afterthoughts. It’s about more than just managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming control, confidence, and long-term well-being.
Because women deserve more than just survival—they deserve a life where their struggles are acknowledged, addressed, and overcome.
And it’s time we start talking about it.
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