By: Hebah Basha
Sarah was a determined Biology major with a driven passion for making women feel beautiful. Within the last few years of her undergraduate career, her distinctive talent with cosmetics had gained the attention of thousands across social media platforms. But in addition to the great big juggling act of college, two jobs, and a rising cosmetic service business venture, Sarah continued to struggle with issues of her own; inconsistent weight fluctuations, fatigue, shooting pain in her pelvis, and hormonal acne. For years, she attributed her condition to hypothyroidism, but after the sudden recurrence of her symptoms, multiple visits to an endocrinologist, blood work, and an ultrasound, she was met with a diagnosis that would change the course of her personal experiences.
Sarah was diagnosed with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a hormonal disorder that currently affects five million women in the USA who are of reproductive age. During screenings one may find multiple fluid filled cysts on the ovaries that fluctuate in size during each cycle. This condition is also characterized by elevated production of the male reproductive hormone, testosterone, in women. For many women, this translates to irregular or absent menstrual cycles and substantial weight gain when they reach childbearing age.
Within the greater Arab-American community, a PCOS diagnosis is accompanied by an array of questions and stigmas that affect the personal lives of many women. As I communicated with Sarah about her condition, she emphasized how the struggle to make sense of her diagnosis was amplified by the ignorance within her own community. One in ten women are affected by PCOS, and Arab-Americans are no exception. So for those unfamiliar with this condition, Sarah and I compiled a list of things that are crucial for members of our communities to understand.
1. Taking birth control does not mean you’re sexually active.
For many women and young girls diagnosed with PCOS, birth control is commonly prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles.
2. Losing weight is not as easy as it seems.
Insulin, a hormone that promotes weight gain, is elevated in women with PCOS, making it more difficult for weight loss. More than 50% of women with PCOS are overweight or have experienced gradual or even rapid weight gain.
3. Women with PCOS do not have diabetes.
In addition to birth control, Metformin--a common diabetes medication--is prescribed for women with PCOS to reduce insulin levels. Taking metformin or other insulin-reducing medications does not mean that you have type II diabetes.
4. Bodily hair growth is to be expected.
Elevated testosterone levels associated with PCOS result in increased bodily hair growth. Women with PCOS may develop hair growth around their lips, chin, and jawline area, leading to expensive and frequent hair-removal treatments.
5. Pregnancy is difficult, but not impossible.
Irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances make PCOS one of the common causes of ovulatory infertility. Also, women with PCOS may experience more miscarriages than women without this condition. However, pregnancy is not impossible. For many, fertility counseling have allowed women to explore many successful options, including In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF). IVF is a medical procedure in which an egg is manually fertilized by a sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilized egg is then transferred to the uterus.
6. Most importantly, you are more than your symptoms.
“Know that having PCOS isn’t in your control. Don’t let anyone make you feel like it is or that there is something wrong with you. Take care of yourself, and make your health--mental and physical--a priority” says Sarah.
PCOS can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause is still unknown. If you or your loved one are experiencing symptoms similar to those described, please consult your primary care physician.
References:
PCOS: Signs, symptoms, and treatment details: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841
Information from the PCOS Awareness Association: http://www.pcosaa.org/pcos-symptoms/