The menstrual cycle is a natural occurrence in a woman’s life, but it’s an experience that varies for each individual.
While some women have normal menstruation, others may experience what is described as irregular menstruation.
There are several disorders that may cause a woman to experience irregular menstrual periods. One of the most common is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels.
Over the years, researchers have not been able to identify what exactly causes PCOS. However, both researchers and health care providers agree that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disorder.
Breaking down PCOS
The ovaries produce hormones, which are chemicals that control functions in the body. One of the hormones that the ovaries make is estrogen—often referred to as the “female hormone” because women’s bodies make more of it than men’s bodies do.
The ovaries also make androgens—sometimes called “male hormones” because men’s bodies make more of them than women’s bodies do.
Men and women need certain levels of both hormones to maintain normal health.
In women with PCOS, the hormones are out of balance: these women have higher-than-normal levels of androgens and may have lower-than-normal levels of estrogen.
High levels of androgens can:
- Interfere with signals from the brain that normally result in ovulation, so that ovulation does not occur regularly
- Cause the follicles—small, fluid-filled cysts within the ovaries in which eggs grow and mature—to enlarge, forming cysts
- Produce other symptoms of PCOS, including excess hair growth and acne
Symptoms of PCOS
The signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain.
The signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least two of these signs:
- Irregular periods – Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
- Excess androgen – Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic ovaries – women with PCOS ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe in women who are obese.
Because the causes of PCOS are unknown it is essential that women are able to identify the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention.
Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
Our Today had the opportunity to speak to several women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. Here are their stories:
Vienessia Herman, St Lucia
“As a child I suffered from back acne and irregular period… as I got older, I started having prolonged periods, so I decided to visit another doctor, she did an ultrasound and diagnosed me with PCOS at age 27. At my age I still struggle with prolonged period which can be an inconvenience in my life.”
The 28-year-old said she had no support system in the initial stages and it wasn’t until she decided to be more open with her friends, some of whom have been diagnosed with similar conditions.
“It is very beneficial to have a support system when dealing with PCOS. My support system contributed to me accepting myself. I actually feel okay flawed, because body acne is normal with PCOS.”
She had this to say to say to people who judge.
“My advice to those who judge without knowing the whole story: you are hurting someone, you don’t know what the future holds. I was diagnosed late, you may be developing an issue that later will affect you. There is no need to shame someone based on their appearance.”
She encourages women to accept their flaws and encourage each other, especially in this generation.
Casandra, St Lucia
“Living with PCOS hasn’t been easy especially with the constant body changes. I am experiencing hair loss and having a tiny bit of facial hair going on. I cannot comb my hair in certain hairstyles. I am very self-conscious about my hair, so I let only my hairdresser or sister do my hair.”
With a sigh, the 33-year-old shared that she has tried the Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment but to no avail.
“There is the acne, the weight gain, tiredness, irregular cycles and constant doctor visit because of the excruciating pain, depression and anxiety. My doctor told me it would become hard to become pregnant and so I started pressuring my partner into having a baby. Now I am single because he wasn’t ready and I felt like I had no time.”
Casandra noted that she had no support system when it comes on to dealing with PCOS.
“I don’t think people really do care to be honest because it isn’t the leading cause of death when you share with someone that you have PCOS they only think about the infertility aspect of it and there is so much more,” she said.
“I don’t think enough light is being shed on PCOS like its being shone on breast cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. I still do not know much about PCOS, just my experience and what I have heard and researched.”
Her advice to those who have PCOS is to not let their condition define who they are because they are beautiful and wonderfully made.
Casandra, whose diagnosis came in 2013, says over the years there have been some common statements that she has been met with.
“’You really get fat!’ ‘When you making a child?’ ‘What’s wrong with you face?’ I get those a lot and people need to stop and be more sensitive of the questions they ask. My suggestion is that you don’t ask or comment on peoples appearance because what you say can be damaging to someone’s self-esteem.”
Anonymous, Jamaica
“It has been a very stressful, and not to mention painful, journey. Since recently I have been back and forth to the hospital to get medication that I can only get there.”
She says her support system has been OK with friends assisting her along the way.
“I have a friend who assists by picking me up from the hospital sometimes and is always there.”
“I was officially diagnosed at 23, but was experiencing PCOS from I was about 14 years old. There needs to be more education about PCOS, health nutrition and exercise, pain relieving techniques and pain management is a major part.”
Her advice to individuals is to be human, be more educated, be emotionally intelligent and be sympathetic towards each other.
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