Understanding PCOS: What Every Woman Should Know

Understanding PCOS: What Every Woman Should Know

19 April, 2025

Are You Experiencing Hormonal Acne, Mood Swings or Irregular Periods?

It Might Be More Than Just Stress

Many women experience symptoms such as persistent acne, sudden mood fluctuations, or irregular menstrual cycles without realising these could be signs of an underlying hormonal disorder like PCOS. Often, these symptoms are brushed off as consequences of a busy lifestyle, dietary habits, or stress. However, if they persist or worsen over time, it is essential to dig deeper.

Hormonal acne, for instance, typically appears on the lower half of the face—jawline, chin, and cheeks—and can be resistant to over-the-counter treatments. Unlike teenage acne, this type often appears in cycles, worsening during menstruation, and is triggered by imbalances in androgen levels commonly seen in PCOS.

Mood swings and emotional instability, often thought to be part and parcel of the menstrual cycle, can also be more frequent and intense in women with PCOS. The hormonal dysregulation affects serotonin and dopamine levels—neurotransmitters that influence mood—making some women feel anxious, irritable, or even depressed.

Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and difficulty losing weight despite exercise and diet, is another red flag. This is usually due to insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of PCOS. Many women struggle silently with body image issues and low self-esteem, unaware that a medical condition might be contributing to their struggle.

Other subtle symptoms include:

1. Thinning hair on the scalp or male-pattern baldness
2. Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans), often on the neck or underarms
3. Fatigue and low energy levels
4. Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
5. Frequent headaches

By shedding light on these lesser-known but highly common symptoms, we aim to help women make the connection between their daily discomforts and the potential of PCOS. Searching online for “hormonal acne treatment” or “why am I gaining weight despite dieting” might not immediately lead someone to a PCOS diagnosis—but it should encourage them to speak to a specialist.

At Sunrise Hospital, our team encourages women to come forward even with seemingly minor concerns. Our gynaecological experts understand that PCOS can manifest in countless different ways. By listening closely and conducting comprehensive assessments, we aim to identify and manage the condition before it escalates.

At Sunrise Hospital, widely recognised as the Best Gynaecologist Hospital in Kochi, we understand the nuances of PCOS and are dedicated to offering accurate diagnosis, compassionate care, and tailored treatments.

The Miracle Doctor Behind the Vision

Guiding the legacy of excellence at Sunrise is Dr. Hafeez Rahman, a globally respected gynaecological surgeon who began his medical journey in 1992. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Hafeez has performed over 200,000 keyhole surgeries, including more than 35,000 Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomies (TLH). His name is synonymous with precision and innovation in managing high-risk and complex gynaecological cases.

Internationally sought after, Dr. Hafeez regularly offers his expertise to medical institutions and governments in the UAE, Bangladesh, Malaysia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. A true mentor, he has trained over 10,000 doctors, shaping the next generation of surgeons. His leadership and relentless commitment to minimally invasive techniques have earned him admiration from patients across the Asian subcontinent.

Here we’ll walk you through everything every woman should know about PCOS—from its causes and symptoms to the importance of specialised gynaecological care.

What Is PCOS and Why Is It So Important to Understand It?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of the ovaries—the reproductive organs that produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS might not ovulate each month, leading to irregular or skipped periods. PCOS also lays the groundwork for excessive levels of androgens (male hormones), which can result in symptoms of unwanted hair growth, acne or even male-pattern baldness. Often PCOS is associated with cysts on the ovaries, yet not all women with PCOS will have cysts. The true complexity of PCOS lies in the multitude of presentations, such as obesity, insulin resistance, infertility and mood disturbances. Learning about PCOS is important, because it does not only affect reproductive health; it is associated with lifelong health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Why Should You Seek Care from the Best Gynaecologist Hospital in Kochi?

A gynecologist is still the best qualified person to manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a whole, although some primary care doctors may be positioned to address some areas of the condition. Our specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, and infertility at Sunrise Hospital are capable of assisting women with every step of their healthcare goals.PCOS is multifaceted and therefore needs an individualized approach. There is no way any two women are affected in exactly the same way - there will be differences in severity, frequency, and amount of impact the symptoms have. Our Gynaecologists will utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and years of experience to diagnosis patients with PCOS at the earliest possible time thus allowing for prompt and efficacious treatment and intervention. Your search for the Best Gynaecologist Hospital in Kochi takes you to Sunrise Hospital, a beacon of medical excellence.

Who are the specialists treating PCOS at Sunrise Hospital?

Sunrise Hospital has the top reproductive endocrinologists and gynecologists, who are skilled and compassionate in their patient care. Their dedication is reflected by our high success and patient satisfaction rates.

Our doctors have impressive qualifications and years of hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complex reproductive conditions like PCOS. With advanced training from renowned institutions and decades of clinical practice, our team of doctores are the first choice of women across Kerala and beyond.

Part of our team of experts is Dr. Sonia Hafeez Padiyath, an experienced Consultant in Obstetrics, Infertility, and Gynaecology.

With over 2.2 years of experience as a Specialist in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery, Dr. Sonia is a highly acclaimed personality when it comes to promoting the cause of women's health through minimal access procedures. A Gold Medalist and Rank Holder with many awards such as Best House Surgeon Award, Amrita School of Medicine and many research work awards to her credit.

Dr. Sonia is fluent in English, Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil and practices at Sunrise Hospital, Kochi.

She specialises in a wide range of laparoscopic procedures, including:

1. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
2. Laparoscopic Myomectomy
3. Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
4. Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery
5. Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation
6. Laparoscopic Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery
7. Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor Repair

Dr. Sonia's academic credentials are evident through her MBBS and MS (OG) degrees and her active membership in renowned bodies like the Indian Medical Association, FOGSI, Cochin Gynec Society, KFOG, and IAGE. Her ongoing research in clinical practices and her presence at international forums speak volumes about her dedication towards the improvement of women's healthcare.

She is joined in the department by Dr. Ayesha Hafeez Padiyath, Registrar in Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Infertility. With experience of over 2 years, She is a candidate for her MRCOG in London and has a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). She is interested in holistic and sensitive care for women, especially while they are pregnant and giving birth.

Dr. Ayesha's credentials include an MBBS from AIMS Kochi. She is a Life Member of the Indian Medical Association, and an active member of FOGSI, the Cochin Gynec Society, KFOG, and IAGE. Her dedication to excellence in women's health is evident through her constant research and studies.

Sunrise Hospital remains Kerala's top PCOS diagnosis and treatment center due to their highly experienced team of practitioners who balance clinical expertise with direct patient care.

Why is Sunrise Hospital your Best Choice for PCOS Treatment?

We at Sunrise Hospital are your healthcare partner and medical center. As one of Kerala's top medical centers, we use advanced technology while continuing to have a human touch in the treatments.

PCOS must be treated holistically and on a regular basis. Patients are best served by end-to-end treatment because of our multidisciplinary treatment method that includes:

1. Detailed diagnostic assessment
2. Individualized treatment plans
3. Counseling in nutrition
4. Hormone treatment
5. Fertility treatments
6. Weight and lifestyle management counseling

We are the number one gynecologist hospital in Kochi and an increasingly popular choice for PCOS treatment because of this focus.

There is a need to refer to a gynaecologist when dealing with PCOS because of the nature of the condition. Self-diagnosis or relying on general advice may be ineffective and, in some cases, lead to delays in seeking appropriate treatment. Gynaecologists can identify the underlying hormonal imbalances, assess reproductive health, and advise on the most appropriate interventions.

With the right gynaecological support, many women with PCOS go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives—including successful pregnancies, if desired. At Sunrise Hospital, our gynaecologists are trained to support you through every aspect of PCOS—be it irregular periods, infertility, skin concerns, or weight gain.

If you wish to avail of our services, please do not hesitate to call us at 914842660000 or email us at enquiry@sunrisehospital.in

Your journey to better health begins with a single step. Let that step be Sunrise Hospital—the Best Gynaecologist Hospital in Kochi.