Bengaluru Doctor Reveals Facts Behind Stress, Hormones And Women’s Health Misconceptions

Hormonal health concerns are becoming increasingly common, with many people struggling to understand whether symptoms such as fatigue, irregular periods, acne, weight changes and mood fluctuations are caused by stress or underlying hormonal issues. Addressing common misconceptions around hormones, Bengaluru-based gynaecologist Dr Soumya Lakshmi T V has explained several myths related to hormonal health, including confusion around PCOS, thyroid disorders, metabolism and birth control pills. Health series, Dr Soumya Lakshmi T V, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of recognising hormonal symptoms instead of dismissing them as routine stress or lifestyle-related problems.

She explained that while stress can influence the body, persistent changes in menstrual cycles, unexplained fatigue, skin problems and weight fluctuations may require medical evaluation. One of the key issues discussed by Dr Soumya was the widespread confusion between PCOS and other similar terms circulating online. She clarified that the correct medical term is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), while “PMOS” is not a recognised medical condition. According to her, PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation, metabolism and overall hormone balance. Despite its name, not every person with PCOS has ovarian cysts, making it important to understand the condition beyond its terminology.

Dr Soumya explained that PCOS is a complex condition that can affect multiple aspects of health, including insulin sensitivity, weight management and reproductive function. She noted that medical understanding of PCOS has evolved over time, with experts recognising that it is not limited to the ovaries but involves broader metabolic and hormonal changes within the body. The gynaecologist also addressed concerns about symptoms that are often ignored or incorrectly attributed to stress. She said that irregular periods, persistent acne, excessive hair growth, sudden weight changes or ongoing tiredness should not always be dismissed as normal experiences. While lifestyle factors and stress can contribute to hormonal fluctuations, identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment.

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Discussing hormonal health management, Dr Soumya emphasised that treatment approaches should be personalised depending on an individual’s symptoms, medical history and health goals. She highlighted that conditions such as PCOS and thyroid-related disorders require proper diagnosis rather than relying on information from social media or self-treatment methods. The doctor also touched upon misconceptions surrounding birth control pills, explaining that they are medical treatments used for several purposes beyond contraception. Depending on the situation, they may be prescribed to manage symptoms associated with hormonal disorders, regulate menstrual cycles or address certain reproductive health concerns. However, she stressed that they should only be taken under medical guidance.

Dr Soumya’s discussion comes amid growing awareness about women’s hormonal health and the need to separate scientific information from online myths. With increasing access to health content on digital platforms, experts have repeatedly advised people to seek professional medical advice when experiencing persistent or unusual symptoms. She encouraged individuals to pay attention to their body’s signals and avoid normalising symptoms that may indicate an underlying condition. Understanding hormonal health, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and seeking timely medical consultation can help improve long-term well-being and ensure appropriate management of hormone-related concerns.

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