LIVING WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) AS A NIGERIAN WOMAN

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a medical condition affecting 8-13% of reproductive aged women globally. It is further estimated by the World Health Organisation that up to 70% of women with the condition would never be diagnosed.

There has been rising incidence of PCOS among young women in Nigeria, and with so little information available regarding the medical condition, it may be hard to navigate managing the syndrome. Infertility has been reported as a known complication of PCOS, therefore women with PCOS may be faced with social stigma because they may have difficulty becoming pregnant. 

Here are three things to know as a Nigerian woman living with PCOS:

1. You may not be ovulating

PCOS is a hormonal condition affecting the ovaries, which fail to release healthy mature eggs monthly during your ovarian cycle. Instead of mature eggs, there may be multiple cysts on the ovaries causing failure of ovulation. There is also a larger amount of circulating androgens which are normally found in large quantities in men. These androgens cause women to have deeper voices, hair on the chin and chest and more acne. The hormonal imbalance therefore leads to a secondary absence of menstruation. A woman may have months where she doesn't have a menstrual period because of the multiple factors that result in PCOS.

1. You need to see your doctor

A gynecologist is in the best position to evaluate you and confirm whether or not you have PCOS. Getting an appointment with a gynecologist in Nigeria may be difficult, however you may not need many appointments throughout the year. If you notice you have irregular periods, or you are beginning to gain a lot of weight with changes on your face, you may need urgent care. It is important because some cancers of the reproductive system have been linked to long-term PCOS left untreated. 

There are drugs given to control hormonal imbalances and régularise your menstrual periods, but you would need a proper doctor's prescription for that. Also, for women actively trying to get pregnant, there are also medications that have been used to induce ovulation in many women living with PCOS successfully. All you need is a proper evaluation by a gynecologist and follow-up care.

1.  Lifestyle changes help 

Eating a balanced diet is a good way to start your journey into healthy lifestyle. PCOS has been reported to be associated with increased blood sugar levels, so you need to cut down on your intake of sugar and carbohydrates. Eat more fruits and cut it up into smoothies. Try to include a portion of vegetables in your meals as often as possible. Another great option to take care of yourself is to exercise. You don't need to register at a huge gym- you can take walks, participate in yoga or join a fitness group close to you. Exercise is also known to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. During exercise, endorphins are released which improves mental health by relieving stress and anxiety, this can give you a mood lift and a good feeling. 

 You may feel overwhelmed and tempted to give up the fight after a diagnosis of PCOS, but right after you wallow in sadness, get yourself up and make good health decisions for your body. There are thousands of women living with PCOS in Nigeria, and finding the right community helps. Talk to trusted friends and do not ostracise yourself. You would do great.