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Appearing on Soha Ali Khan’s All About Her podcast, Kusha Kapila discussed how she was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 18 and its impact on her appearance and self-esteem.
Kusha Kapila discussed her struggles with PCOS on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast.
Kusha Kapila, popular content creator and actress, has been vocal about her experience with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), shedding light on the physical and emotional challenges it brings. On Soha Ali Khan’s podcast All About Her, Kusha discussed her journey with candour, emphasising the impact of PCOS on appearance and self-esteem.
“I first noticed something was wrong when I spotted extra hair growth as a teenager,” Kusha Kapila revealed.
She added, “I was around 18 or 19 when I was diagnosed with PCOD. I could never understand why weight gain was so consistent in my life. I got my first period at 10 or 11, and by ninth grade, I had gained weight that just never went away. The doctor said my PCOD was linked to weight, and there was pressure to lose it. But I wanted to take control on my own terms. There’s so much shame attached to it.”
Kusha also shared that she experienced adult acne at 28, highlighting the condition’s ongoing impact.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women globally, often interfering with reproductive health, metabolism, and physical appearance. Dr Ranjana Dhanu, who participated in the podcast, explained the science behind it: “The basic problem in PCOD is that there is difficulty in egg release.”
Why PCOS Causes These Symptoms
Dr Dhanu elaborated, “The trapped eggs produce excess male hormones, leading to symptoms like acne, chin hair, hair around the belly button, and back acne. In PCOD, there is also an excess of prolactin – the milk hormone – which can cause cravings for sweets, mood swings, irritability, and binge eating. This, in turn, leads to water retention and weight gain.”
These hormonal imbalances make managing weight, skin issues, and mood particularly challenging, often creating a cycle of frustration and self-consciousness for those affected.
Breaking the Stigma Around PCOS
Kusha’s story reflects a common experience shared by many women living with PCOS, emphasising the importance of understanding and awareness. By speaking openly, she encourages women to seek medical guidance, practice self-compassion, and challenge societal shame around weight and appearance.
Her journey is a reminder that PCOS is not just about physical symptoms. It affects mental well-being too, and awareness is the first step toward informed care and self-empowerment.
Delhi, India, India
September 20, 2025, 12:40 IST
