Salome: I was diagnosed with PCOS after missing periods for 6 months

The pain, discomfort, heavy bleeding is considered normal until it becomes unbearable, causing health complications. 

There are different conditions affecting women’s menstrual health and the major ones are; endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome and we will have a closer look at Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complication associated with hormones, which may cause missed periods, periods that last longer than normal, or severe cramps. 

It is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6% to 12% of women.

Salome Mwalati, a 20 year old lady talks about her journey with PCOS; 

“I started my menses in 2015 December 25th .All through high school I had regular menses coming exactly after 28 days. Towards the end of form four I started skipping my menses, I thought it was normal because of exam stress or general school life I lightly threw a blind eye to it. 

So in 2019 after school I didn't have my period from November 2018 to May 2019, and for many when you skip your period you may think it’s because of the weather change or sometimes body reactions until it dawns on you it may be something different and maybe even more serious than you may think. 

In April 2019 I started having lower abdominal pains frequently during my menses. It got worse with time and I even got hospitalised. During investigations they discovered I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

I was given medication to induce my menses which came in May. I started going for gynaecology check-ups .At first used combined oral contraceptive pills to balance hormones after use for few months I couldn't bare the side effects so I stopped. I have been in and out of hospital since then because of the condition.” 

Dr Barasa, an obstetric gynaecologist says this syndrome can be diagnosed in the following ways;

• Anovulation which mainly is manifested by menstrual disorders 
• Hyper androgenism this is developing of masculine features
• Polycystic ovaries which can cause menstrual disorders or hyper androgenism

Signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome include;

• Menstrual dysfunction 
• Anovulation 
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Enlarged ovaries which may or may not be present
• Thinning hair and hair loss from the head
• Oily skin or acne.
• Infertility
• Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair) 

Treatment 

1. Lifestyle modification - This entails diet, exercise and weight lose 

2. Pharmaceutical therapy - Oral contraceptives e.g. ethinyl estradiol, medroxyprogesterone and Anti andogens e.g. spironolactone, leuprolide, finasteride can be used. 

3. Surgery aimed mostly at restoring ovulation using: Electrocautery, Laser drilling, Multiple biopsy.