Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovary with small cysts on the outer edges of the ovary. Its cause is not known but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A lot of people including myself do not know about this condition. I heard about this for the first time earlier this year when a big sister of mine made a public announcement that she is a Cyster. A Cyster is the name given to all PCOS patients. Since then, I’ve been trying to learn more about the condition.

In Nigeria alone, studies show that there are usually more than 100,000 cases per year and it affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. The sad part of this is that in another study, it was revealed that up to 70% of women with PCOS haven’t been diagnosed yet. This obviously means that they don’t have a knowledge of its existence so they don’t even know if they have it or not. Seeing this, I decided I was going to talk about it and that is why we are here. I want to share with you things you need to know about the condition; PCOS.

It is a syndrome or group of symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation.

What really drew my attention to research about it was the severe pain my sister goes through during her menstrual periods as well as the acne on her face that has refused to leave. People with this condition have many small fluid-filled sacs growing inside their ovaries. Hence, the word ‘polycystic’ which means many cysts. Up until now, Doctors don’t exactly know the cause of the condition as it starts in the womb. The fact that a lot of women have it and do not know is heartbreaking and because of that, if you have any of the symptoms below, please, see a doctor.

1. If you’ve missed periods and you’re not pregnant.
2. If you have hair growth on your face and body.
3. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months but haven’t been successful.
4. If you have symptom of diabetes like excess thirst, hunger, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss.

Back to the story of this sister of mine, I remember she always talked about being careful about gaining weight and all but in my mind, I always wondered why she always said so. When I finally decided to research about it, I realized she wasn’t just saying that to keep shape but also to be safe health-wise. I found out that Cysters, up to 70%, have what’s known as insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar from foods for energy. When the sugar is not being used, it keeps building up in the body putting them at high risks of lots of fats and lots of sugar in their body. A combination of obesity and insulin resistance can increase their high chance of getting diabetes type 2. Other symptoms common to Cysters include irregular periods, headaches, acnes and even darkening of the skin.

I’ll like to debunk a myth that Cysters cannot give birth (who started it sef). Why people say this is because a major feature of PCOS is missed period and this is because they have a high level of male hormones that can prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and make eggs normally. As much as it is a major cause of infertility in woman, a Cyster can still have a healthy pregnancy and still give birth to a healthy baby. Losing weight and lowering blood sugar level increases your high chance of having a healthy pregnancy. Also, 30minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least three days a week can also help Cysters lose weight. If you’re a Cyster and you’re reading this, I sincerely admire your strength. If you know any Cyster, show them, love, appreciate them and do not body shame them as they have a higher chance of being depressed than any other person. This is because they have more mood irregularities than others.

If you confirmed any of the symptoms above and you’re not sure if you have PCOS or not, please visit a doctor preferably a gynaecologist to examine you and tell you what to do. Delay is very dangerous. I love you and I celebrate you.