Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age. While many associate it solely with irregular periods, PCOS presents a spectrum of symptoms that vary from person to person. If, for instance, you often ask yourself if you might have PCOS, since maybe all your friends have it and that makes you notice a similarity in the symptoms, then knowing its hallmark signs can help you navigate toward a clearer diagnosis.

PCOS is primarily a hormonal disorder characterized by an imbalance in androgen levels—hormones often associated with male characteristics but present in all individuals. This imbalance can lead to a range of physical and metabolic symptoms. While the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, researchers believe genetics, insulin resistance and lifestyle factors all play a role.

For a diagnosis, doctors look for at least two out of three key symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods due to disrupted ovulation.
• Elevated androgen levels, which may cause symptoms such as acne and excessive hair growth.
• Polycystic ovaries, where multiple small follicles accumulate on the ovaries.

3 Key Indicators of PCOS

If you suspect you might have PCOS, paying close attention to these three major symptoms can provide valuable insight before consulting a healthcare provider.

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Perhaps one of the most common symptoms is an infrequent menstrual cycle. These women rarely have their periods, or they might be infrequent and prolonged. This is in line with a failure to ovulate. This disruption arises because high levels of androgen interfere with the ovarian cycle, preventing the monthly release of an egg.

Indications that your menstrual cycle could also point to PCOS include:

• Your periods are occurring fewer than eight times in a year.
• Extended periods beyond 35 days.
• Frequent heavy, prolonged menstruation when present.

Irregular cycles alone are not definitive for PCOS diagnosis but can be a cause to seek additional medical investigation if accompanying other symptoms.

2. Unwanted Hair Growth, Acne and Hair Loss

Hirsutism (excessive hair growth): Unwanted hair may appear on the face, chest, abdomen, or back.

Acne and oily skin: Breakouts, particularly along the jawline and chin, can be persistent and resistant to typical skincare treatments.

Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness: Some individuals experience hair loss or thinning at the crown or temples.

Not everyone with PCOS has all of these symptoms, but if you notice persistent changes in hair growth or skin health it's worth discussing with your doctor.

3. Polycystic Ovaries

Despite its name, not all individuals with PCOS actually have cysts. Instead, what doctors observe during an ultrasound are multiple small follicles—fluid-filled sacs that contain eggs. These follicles do not mature properly, disrupting ovulation.

Polycystic ovaries alone do not confirm a PCOS diagnosis, but in combination with other symptoms, they can be a key indicator. It’s important to note that ovarian cysts in PCOS differ from pathological ovarian cysts that may cause pain or require surgical removal.

Other Symptoms of PCOS

While the three primary indicators are essential for diagnosis, PCOS can also cause additional symptoms that impact overall health and well-being, including:

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Fatigue and mood changes, including depression and anxiety
• Fertility struggles due to irregular ovulation

Why a Doctor’s Input is Essential for Diagnosis?

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, it’s crucial to seek medical advice rather than self-diagnose based on online information. PCOS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, blood tests (to measure hormone levels), and imaging tests (such as an ultrasound to check for polycystic ovaries).

A healthcare provider will also rule out other conditions that can mimic PCOS, such as thyroid disorders or adrenal gland issues. Since PCOS symptoms vary widely, an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment is essential.

How to Managing PCOS After Diagnosis?

There is no single cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and targeted therapies.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Diet: A well-balanced diet with whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats can help in the regulation of blood sugar levels and reduction in insulin resistance.

Exercise: Physical activity, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise may improve metabolic health and aid in weight management.

Weight Management: Even a small loss of 5-10% of body weight may be enough to reduce symptoms and potentially restore ovulation in some individuals.

2. Medical Treatments for PCOS

Hormonal birth control: Helps to regulate periods, decrease androgen levels, and improve acne.

Metformin: Helps with insulin resistance, reduces body weight also.

Spironolactone: A medicine with side effects that decrease too much hair growth and acne resulting from low levels of androgens.

Fertility treatments: Medications or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF to help those who are thinking of conceiving.

PCOS is a lifelong condition, but with the right management plan, its symptoms can be controlled effectively. If you suspect you have PCOS, don’t rely on self-diagnosis—consult a healthcare professional who can guide you through the proper evaluations and treatment options.

Pop star Ella Henderson’s voice has filled arenas across the UK and beyond, but her latest message isn’t a chart-topper—it’s a powerful, deeply personal disclosure that’s resonating with millions. In a recent Instagram video, the 29-year-old singer revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis earlier this year, after struggling for years with intense stomach bloating, pelvic pain, and emotional distress.

What Henderson didn’t expect was how long and difficult her journey to a diagnosis would be—and how sharing it would help shine a spotlight on one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions affecting people assigned female at birth.

“For the last few years, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, to say the least,” Henderson confessed in her video. While fans watched her perform and thrive in the spotlight, behind the scenes she was quietly battling unrelenting symptoms. She describes how she was plagued by stomach bloating, pelvic discomfort, and deep emotional turmoil—made worse by not being taken seriously.

“I thought at one point that this was just all in my head,” she said. “I wasn’t really believed.”

For many with endometriosis, that experience is painfully familiar.

After undergoing a laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat endometriosis—Henderson received confirmation that she wasn’t imagining anything. The procedure uncovered severe endometrial growths and scarring behind her uterus, affecting her bladder and bowel.

“Although the diagnosis was devastating, it was also validating,” she explained. “I could finally take control of my body.”

That moment of clarity often takes years for patients. According to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average of eight to nine years from symptom onset to diagnosis in the UK. Many people, like Henderson, suffer in silence, cycling through misdiagnoses while trying to manage what often becomes debilitating chronic pain.

What makes it harder is that some people have severe symptoms, while others may be asymptomatic. The severity of symptoms doesn't always align with the extent of the disease. Henderson spoke openly about how her physical struggles snowballed into mental health challenges. Living with constant pain, while being dismissed or misdiagnosed, took a toll.

“Not being believed led to periods of depression, isolation, and anxiety,” she said. “If health practitioners had recognised my symptoms sooner, all that might have been spared.”

This psychological burden is common among endometriosis patients. According to studies, mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, occur at higher rates in those living with chronic pain from endometriosis. And yet, mental health support is rarely part of routine treatment plans.

Though there’s no cure for endometriosis, Henderson’s surgery helped ease her symptoms significantly. She’s now committed to long-term management, including lifestyle adjustments, possible hormonal therapy, and regular medical monitoring.

She’s also using her platform to advocate for awareness. In partnership with Endometriosis UK, Henderson is promoting tools to help others recognize symptoms early. One tool allows users to check symptoms in under a minute and generate a personalized letter for their healthcare provider—a small step that could dramatically shorten the diagnostic timeline for many.

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, praised Henderson’s courage in going public:

“Ella’s willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey,” she said. “Highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone’s life.”

And she’s right, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth—that’s over 1.5 million in the UK alone. Yet, stigma, misinformation, and delays in care are still the norm.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. These renegade cells are able to adhere to organs such as the ovaries, bladder, bowel, or even below the pelvis, responding to hormonal shifts similarly to uterine tissue—thickening, deteriorating, and bleeding with every menstrual cycle but unlike during a normal period, this tissue has no place to go, leading to inflammation, scarring, organ damage, and extreme discomfort.

Symptoms are diverse but frequently include:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Pelvic pain that is chronic
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Bowel and urinary discomfort
• Inability to conceive
• Severe bloating, also referred to as "endo belly"
• Excessive fatigue

Types of Endometriosis

There are four primary forms of endometriosis:

Peritoneal (superficial): On the thin layer of the pelvis.

Ovarian (endometriomas): Ovarian cysts packed with old blood.

Deep endometriosis: Deep tissue like in the bowel or bladder.

Extra-pelvic endometriosis: Uncommon instances where lesions occur in the lungs or surgical incisions.

Associated conditions such as adenomyosis, in which endometrial tissue invades the uterine wall, tend to exist concurrently with endometriosis, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.

While treatment involves hormonal therapies, analgesics, physical therapy, and surgery in some cases, there is no silver bullet, and most patients have to try a series of methods before experiencing relief.

And though Ella's celebrity generates publicity, the struggle for recognition, treatment, and compassion is that of every woman, girl, and individual touched by this frequently hidden disease.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, don’t wait. Speak with a healthcare professional and explore resources like Endometriosis UK or the Endometriosis Foundation of America because the sooner we stop doubting women’s pain, the sooner we start healing.

For over eight years, a 37-year-old, Delhi-based woman silently battled a painful, discharging lesion on her lower back. The condition, located in the sacrococcygeal region near her tailbone, was repeatedly mistaken for a common infected sinus or abscess.

Despite undergoing multiple incision and drainage (I&D) procedures, the lesion persisted—causing chronic pain, swelling, and periodic discharge.

Strikingly, the patient exhibited no symptoms related to digestion or bowel movement, further complicating the clinical picture. The misdiagnoses and unsuccessful treatments continued for years, with little improvement in her quality of life. That was until a recent evaluation led to a breakthrough discovery.

How Did The Diagnosis Happen?

The patient’s condition took a dramatic turn when her case was referred to Redcliffe Labs, which is a pan-India diagnostic services provider. The consultant pathologist, Dr. Mayanka Seth, led the team that reviewed the case with a renewed perspective.

Initial clinical assumptions continued to point toward common conditions such as pilonidal sinus or subcutaneous abscess. However, upon detailed examination, the team noted that the lesion was unusually deep and showed no communication with the anal canal. This prompted surgical intervention for complete removal of the cystic structure.

Subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed a rare and unexpected diagnosis: subcutaneous tailgut cyst—a congenital lesion that arises from embryonic remnants of the hindgut.

While tailgut cysts are rare in themselves, their typical location is deep within the pelvis. In this case, the cyst had developed just under the skin near the tailbone, making it an extremely rare presentation and a diagnostic challenge.

The case also been documented and published in the Indian Journal of Case Reports. This has contributed to medical literature on rare congenital anomalies.

Treatment and Complete Recovery

Following the complete surgical excision of the cyst, the patient experienced relief from her chronic symptoms. With no further discharge, pain, or swelling, her quality of life also improved.

“This case throws light on the importance of considering rare congenital lesions when conventional treatments fail to provide results,” said Dr. Mayanka Seth. “Subcutaneous tailgut cysts are easily misdiagnosed due to their resemblance to more common infections in the sacrococcygeal area. Accurate diagnosis often hinges on thorough clinical evaluation and timely histopathological examination.”

What Are Tailgut Cysts?

As per Radippaedia, a peer-reviewed, open-edit radiology resource, Taligut cysts, also referred to as retrorectal cystic hamartomas are rare congenital growths believed to develop from remnants of the embryonic hindgut. These lesions are typically found in the retrorectal or presacral space, although extremely rare cases have been reported in unusual locations such as the perirenal region or subcutaneous tissues.

Who Is Affected?

Tailgut cysts show a strong female predominance and are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. However, they can occur at any age.

Symptoms

On gross examination, these cysts usually appear as multiloculated (multi-chambered), thin-walled masses with a shiny internal lining. They are typically filled with mucoid (gel-like) material. A distinguishing feature of tailgut cysts is their varied epithelial lining, which may include ciliated columnar cells, mucin-secreting columnar epithelium, transitional epithelium, and squamous cells.

These lesions generally measure a few centimeters in size. Occasionally, they may be associated with defects in the sacral bone or exhibit internal calcifications.

We often associate stress with dramatic breakdowns, overwhelming work, or emotional turmoil. But what if the real danger lies in the tiny, everyday pressures we don’t even notice building up?

What Is Microstress and Why It Matters

“Stress is the most notorious yet underplayed disease,” says Alma Chopra, motivational speaker, disability rights activist and life coach. “It’s often thought of as an emotional onslaught that makes it difficult to function. But stress isn't just limited to our emotions; we can also become physically stressed from a chronic illness or an injury.”

Alma explains that microstresses are small, fleeting moments of stress that sneak into our daily routines. “Sometimes it creeps up through daily pressures until we hit our melting point. These are called microstresses,” she shares. These could include running late for a meeting or scrolling social media right after waking up. They may feel harmless in the moment but layer up to become chronic stress over time.

How Microstresses Mess With You

“These reactions feel minor and temporary, so they're quickly replaced by the next task or eased by a smiling face or a piece of cake,” says Alma. But the danger lies in how these minor stressors build up over time. “We tend to ignore these micro-stresses, but over time, they build low-level tension that will affect your sleep, focus, mood and health.”

Alma lists common microstressors and their effects:

• Alarm: “Jerks the body into a sudden state of alertness, disrupting natural rest.”
• Checking work email: “Doing this first thing in the morning puts us into a state of panic and anxiety.”
• Scrolling social media: “Overstimulates the brain and drains mental focus.”
• Confrontations: “Force us to deal with discomfort we’re not emotionally prepared for.”
• Unfinished tasks: “Juggling a long list without breaks builds pressure and leads to burnout.”
• Bruising your knee: “Even minor damage to the bone or soft tissue creates physical stress in the body.”

Alma advises recognising patterns and creating little routines to manage stress before it spirals. “Begin by recognising patterns, checking what drains you and creating little routines to relieve stress,” she says. “Start taking short breaks, creating boundaries and incorporating rejuvenating practices into your day.”

When Lifestyle Fuels Microstress

Sukirti Midha, spiritual wellness coach and founder of Sukh Yog, points out that microstress is a lifestyle issue. “Micro stress, as the name suggests, is small things we face as a working person or a householder. No gender age or designation we are discussing here; it’s the same for all,” she says.

According to Sukirti, “It’s in our lifestyle now; still, we are not aware of it.” She adds that people often don’t even feel it building up. “Do you think it happens overnight? No, nothing happens overnight except the sun comes out,” she jokes, adding a serious note that many people today don’t even see the sunrise, contributing to deficiencies like vitamin D.

Sukirti points out how society’s pressure to look good and maintain appearances feeds microstress. “When one gets conscious about looks, which include not only clothes but also touch-ups, make-up and hair. It’s not social pressure but created by us only.” She questions why people rely on external validation to feel good. “Why is it always important to look good to feel good?”

She also flags social media’s impact. “Many social media applications have filters to make you feel more beautiful and younger, which gives you plenty of stress when we look back in a basic mirror.” Comparing ourselves to others’ curated lives triggers a subtle but ongoing sense of inadequacy.

“Maintaining a status is a pressure these days,” she says. “Always remember as we shift from past to present or future to present, we learn happiness is about you & not the things or society status.”

The Simple Way Out

Both experts agree that while microstress can’t always be avoided, we can manage it better by slowing down, drawing boundaries and valuing simplicity. As Sukirti says, “Staying away from microstress isn’t easy, but preferring solace is an easy way out.”