When I first sat down with Prableen, I could sense both strength and vulnerability in her words. As she began to share her journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), I was reminded why PCOS Awareness Month in September is so vital. Too many women silently battle with this condition, unaware that millions share their struggles.
For Prableen, the story began in her college years. She was fighting stubborn acne that no treatment seemed to cure. Medication after medication failed, until her dermatologist suggested a blood test. That’s when the truth emerged—she had PCOS.
She told me how helpless she felt in that moment. Back then, there was little information or community support. All she knew was what her doctor had explained: PCOS has no cure, only management through lifestyle changes. “I cried a lot,” she admitted, “because it felt like I had been given something I’d carry forever.”
The Weight of Acne and Self-Esteem
As she continued, I could see how deeply PCOS had shaped not just her health, but also her self-image. Hormonal acne covered her face, neck, chest, even her arms. The pain was physical and emotional. “Sleeping was difficult. Looking in the mirror was harder,” she said softly.
I couldn’t help but think of the countless women I’ve met through Women Fitness India who’ve shared the same story: how PCOS attacks more than your body—it chips away at your confidence.
The Day She Went #NoFilter
But Prableen’s story isn’t just one of struggle. It’s also one of resilience.
She recalled attending her first creator event, dressed up and brimming with courage, only to be greeted by comments about her skin before anything else. “It crushed me,” she confessed. That night, though, she turned her pain into purpose. She posted her first #NoFilterWithPKB photo, showing her skin exactly as it was.
As she spoke, her eyes lit up. “I decided I’d never let anyone make me feel less than enough again. If I show up, it will be in my real skin. No filters, no hiding.”
It struck me in that moment—her choice wasn’t just about skin. It was about reclaiming her identity, her voice, and her confidence.
Why Skin Positivity Matters in PCOS
From my perspective as an editor listening to her, the connection was crystal clear. Skin positivity and PCOS awareness cannot be separated.
Prableen described how she used to hide behind her hair, makeup, or clothing to cover acne. And yet, the real healing came not from covering, but from accepting. “Pores, acne, melasma—these are normal,” she insisted. “We’ve just been taught to see them as flaws.”
I realized how many women suffer in silence, ashamed of symptoms they cannot control. By speaking out, Prableen is shifting that narrative—for herself, and for others.
A Message for PCOS Awareness Month
As we mark PCOS Awareness Month this September, I asked her what message she would give to women navigating this journey. Her answer was powerful:
“Look in the mirror and feel worthy. Don’t let the world’s comments shape your reality—write your own. PCOS isn’t something to fear. Manage it, take care of yourself, and above all, be kind to yourself. Outfits are made to fit you, not the other way around. Flaunt your skin, flaunt yourself. You are already enough.”
Her words reminded me that awareness is not only about facts and figures—it’s about lived experiences, about telling stories that inspire resilience.
Her Practical Advice
Before we ended our conversation, Prableen shared advice for anyone newly diagnosed:
- Always consult a doctor first—don’t rely only on the internet.
- If one doctor’s advice feels harsh, seek a second opinion.
- Be patient—PCOS is a journey, not a quick fix.
- Manage stress, take medicines on time, and add physical activity gradually.
- Control sugar cravings—they make a huge difference.
As she said with a smile, “I’m still on this journey too. You’ll be fine. Just take it one day at a time.”
As I walked away from this conversation, I felt a renewed sense of why platforms like ours exist. Women Fitness India is here to amplify voices like Prableen’s—voices that remind us that behind every diagnosis is a woman reclaiming her power.
✨ This September, let’s stand together, break the silence around PCOS, and remind every woman that her story matters.
Follow her Journey here