17-Year-Old Student Launches PCOS Awareness Drive Reaching 20,000 Girls Across 20 States

Mumbai: Avni Khattar, a Class 12 student at Bombay Scottish School, has launched an awareness campaign on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), reaching more than 20,000 girls across 20 states. Her initiative urges young women to recognise symptoms early and seek medical help.

Khattar's interest in PCOS developed during an internship where she observed patient consultations at Wockhardt Hospital. She noticed that many young girls experienced menstrual and bodily issues linked to undetected PCOS. A survey among 180 girls in her social circle revealed limited awareness—only 18 respondents knew about PCOS, and just 8.3 per cent felt their schools adequately taught hormonal health.

Khattar observed that common symptoms like weight gain, acne, and facial hair were often dismissed as normal adolescent changes rather than potential medical concerns requiring attention.