A real talk about hormones, health, and healing.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not just a “women’s issue”—it’s a complex hormonal, metabolic condition that affects many Indian girls and women today. With the rising stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle, it’s no wonder PCOS is becoming more and more common. But that doesn’t mean we should be silent or ashamed. Let’s break it down, desi style.
How to Diagnose It: Early Symptoms & Tests
PCOS isn’t just about irregular periods—your body drops signs that are easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for.
Here are some common early symptoms:
- Acanthosis Nigricans (darkened skin around neck and armpits)
- Weight gain around the tummy
- Increased appetite & sugar cravings
- Irregular or missed periods
- Hirsutism (excess facial/body hair)
- Hair thinning on the scalp or hair loss
- Dark armpits, groin, or under the breasts
- Acne & oily skin
- Fatigue and low sex drive
Tests Every Indian Woman with PCOS Should Get:
To get an accurate diagnosis, you should get the following tests done:
- Pelvic Sonography (to check for ovarian cysts)
- Cortisol levels
- Total and Free Testosterone
- Insulin (fasting)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Fasting Glucose & HbA1c
- Liver & Kidney Profile
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)
- Vitamin B12, D3, D4
- Cholesterol Panel
- Androstenedione
How PCOS Affects Your Body:
Physiological Effects
Indian girls with PCOS might experience a whole range of body changes beyond just weight gain. Some common effects include:
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Facial & body hair (Hirsutism)
- Hair thinning or bald patches on scalp
- Flaky, oily scalp
- Acne & breakouts
- Body odour and bad breath
- Digestive issues like acidity and bloating
- Sleep disturbances
- Frequent yeast infections
- “Moon face” (swelling around the face)
Emotional & Mental Effects
The emotional toll is often worse than the physical symptoms, especially for Indian women due to intense beauty standards and cultural pressures.
- Feeling self-conscious or ashamed of body hair or weight
- Mood swings due to hormone imbalance
- Anxiety and depression
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue and mental fog
- Feeling isolated and misunderstood
PCOS Care: Holistic Management Tips
Dear fellow PCOS warriors, managing PCOS is not about punishing your body with fad diets, birth control pills, or extreme workouts. It’s about nurturing and nourishing it.
Simple but Effective Lifestyle Changes
- Eat more plant-based meals
- 15-minute walks after meals
- Daily meditation and yoga/weight training/pilates, strength training, HIT workouts, swimming
- Eat in order: Veggies → Protein → Fats → Carbs
- Limit or avoid gluten and dairy
- Cut out processed/junk foods
- Focus on getting 7-8 hours of sleep (go to bed and wake up at the same time)
- Stay hydrated
Supplements & Natural Supports (only after consulting a professional)
- Berberine and L-carnitine (for insulin sensitivity)
- Ashwagandha and Shilajit (stress & hormonal support)
- Spearmint tea (helps reduce androgens)
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone
Living with PCOS can be tough—but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, informed testing, and consistent self-care, you can thrive despite PCOS. Be patient with your journey and kinder to your body. You are not your symptoms—you are so much more.
