The NHS estimates that 1 in 5 women in the UK have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), so why aren’t we talking more about this? To highlight the statistic, imagine for every 10 women in your life, there are at least 2 women having PCOS. Firstly, what is PCOS and what are some of its symptoms?
PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects women’s menstrual health, appearance, reproductive abilities, hormonal balance, and other health related issues. Typically, the symptoms of PCOS can be broken down into these 3 symptoms, with only one of them immediately identifiable and the rest requiring more tests.
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Irregular Menstrual Cycles – your ovulation is affected as eggs are not regularly released
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Hormonal Imbalance – women with PCOS tend to have high levels of “male” hormones (i.e. testosterone) in their body, which may lead to excess facial and body hair
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Polycystic Ovaries – ovaries are enlarged and may contain follicles (which are sacs filled with fluid) wrapped around the eggs
Despite the prevalence of PCOS in women, there is no cure for PCOS and there is even less information out there for women who are looking for some form of relief. According to Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc., one of the largest PCOS support organizations, “PCOS is one of the most critical, underserved, under-diagnosed and under-funded conditions affecting women’s health.” When I was first diagnosed with PCOS 2 years after I first had irregular periods, I was told that my only options were to either go through an expensive and invasive surgery to remove the follicles surrounding my eggs (which the gynaecologist mentioned could be ineffectual as the follicles could regrow) or to do nothing but monitor the growth of the follicles and let it be. I was then given a pack of oral contraceptive pills to regulate my period cycle and sent on my merry way. I felt isolated and alone, not knowing that there were so many others with PCOS as well.
Although not an immediately “life-threatening” condition, there are increased health risks associated with it. What I was not told during my consultation is that according to the National Health Institute, more than half of women with PCOS will suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40. Or that the risk of a heart attack is multiplied 4-7 times in women with PCOS. Additionally, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among women, and whilst I’m not at the stage of life where I am thinking about conceiving children, the thought of having to maneuver fertility treatments and potential surgery is definitely a hinderance. While exercise and a healthier diet may decrease some of these risks associated with PCOS, the fact is it that it heavily affects women’s health. With less than 50% of women being properly diagnosed, it shows that there is a lack of awareness and proper information on this condition and how it may present itself in different women.
There is nothing shameful about having PCOS, and if you notice any of the symptoms, talk to your GP about it and get a diagnosis. While there is no cure for PCOS as of yet, getting the necessary help and learning more about your condition will help you to manage the symptoms. Talk about it with your girl friends as well, for there are so many out there who remain undiagnosed and untreated. Let them know they are not alone in this.