Inside the silent struggle with hormonal disorder

But beneath the bright smile is a daily struggle she’s lived with for more than a decade. A struggle that most people cannot see.

“I was 17 when my period disappeared for two straight months,” she recalls. “I was used to short, regular cycles, three or four days at most. Suddenly, it was eight weeks and counting.”

A visit to a gynaecologist confirmed what she had never heard of before: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It was the beginning of a long, complex journey.

PCOS affects how the ovaries function. It is typically characterised by irregular periods, excess levels of male hormones known as androgens, and polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries become enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs.

Though common, PCOS is widely misunderstood and often dismissed until symptoms become unmanageable.

Dr Brenda Kiende, a seasoned gynaecologist, says PCOS presents in three distinct ways, and not every woman will exhibit the same signs.

“There are women who have polycystic ovaries detected through ultrasound. Others experience irregular menstrual cycles. And others show signs of hyperandrogenism, which relates to hormonal imbalances,” she says. 

HOW IT STARTED

Aginetta’s symptoms began gradually. First came the irregular periods. Then sudden facial hair growth.

“I remember looking in the mirror and noticing fine hair above my lip, then on my chin,” she says.

“People started staring. Some offered advice, others gave me creams or remedies. They meant well but it was demoralising.”

Unwanted hair, or hirsutism, is one of the more visible symptoms of PCOS, but for many women, it’s the emotional impact that lingers longer.

Aginetta often felt isolated.

“Every comment felt like a reminder that I was different,” she says. “It wasn’t something I could talk about openly. Even some of my close friends didn’t know.”

Weight gain soon followed, another hallmark of PCOS.

“Even now, I struggle. Friends who haven’t seen me in a while often comment on my body. They don’t mean to be cruel, but it’s hard,” she admits. 

According to the World Health Organisation, PCOS affects between 6 and 13 per cent of women of reproductive age.

Alarmingly, up to 70 per cent of cases remain undiagnosed. Family history, insulin resistance and metabolic disorders increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Dr Kiende warns against the tendency to dismiss symptoms like cramps, missed periods or acne as ‘normal’.

“Painful periods, lower abdominal cramps, erratic cycles — these are red flags,” she says.

“Unfortunately, many women brush them off or face stigma when they seek help.” 

MANAGING THE CONDITION

For Aginetta, early diagnosis helped her understand what was happening inside her body.

 “My first gynaecologist was amazing. He broke it down for me: what to eat, what to avoid and the importance of regular monitoring,” she says.

At the time, her parents’ insurance covered frequent checkups and tests. “That helped a lot, financially and mentally.”

But things changed when she turned 25. Aged out of the cover, she could no longer afford regular visits to a specialist.

“It became too expensive. I had to stop,” she says.

Dr Kiende agrees that cost is a significant barrier.

“Many women never complete the full diagnostic process because of the financial strain. Tests like hormone panels, ultrasounds and glucose tolerance checks can add up quickly,” she says.

And when treatment doesn’t yield quick results, discouragement sets in.

“Women lose patience. They want solutions, but managing PCOS requires time and consistency.”

The standard approach to treatment depends on the individual.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some may need hormonal therapy, others respond well to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise,” Dr Kiende says.

“In more severe cases, a procedure called ovarian drilling may be recommended, though we don’t usually advise this for young women, as it can trigger premature ovarian failure.”

Instead, she emphasises manageable steps.

“Start with lifestyle. Balanced meals, low in processed sugars and carbs, combined with regular physical activity can reduce insulin resistance and stabilise hormones. Avoiding stress is also key, as stress hormones can worsen symptoms.”

Aginetta embraced these changes.

“I cut out processed foods, limited sugar and started working out more. It helped. I feel stronger,” she says.

She also began laser hair removal, a choice that boosted her self-esteem.

“It made a big difference. I no longer have to worry about people staring at my chin.”

PENDING FEARS

Even with visible improvements, fears remain. The biggest? Motherhood.

“It’s always at the back of my mind,” she admits. “Will I be able to conceive? What if I can’t?”

Dr Kiende offers reassurance. “Infertility is a concern, but it’s not a certainty,” she says.

“With proper management, many women with PCOS go on to conceive naturally or with minimal medical intervention.”  

Fertility treatments like ovulation-inducing medication or assisted reproductive techniques are often successful. However, she advises seeking help early.

“If conception doesn’t happen after a year of trying, don’t wait. See a fertility expert.”

According to the California Fertility Partners, about 80 per cent of women with PCOS-related infertility can still conceive with the right care and support.

But fertility is just one part of the PCOS equation.

The condition also affects mental health. Studies have shown that women with PCOS are at higher risk of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem due to hormonal imbalances, physical changes and social stigma.

“PCOS isn’t just about physical symptoms. It’s deeply emotional,” Dr Kiende says. “The journey can feel lonely, especially when people don’t understand what you’re going through.”

That’s why she advocates for support systems, both formal and informal.

“We need awareness groups, online forums, community spaces. Women need to know they are not alone in this,” she says.

“Support can be life-changing. It offers hope, solidarity and shared solutions.”

Aginetta is grateful for her own support network.

“My family has been amazing,” she says. “They’ve walked this road with me, every step. That has made all the difference.”

Dr Kiende’s final message is simple but powerful: “Listen to your body. Periods shouldn’t be excessively painful or irregular,” she says.

“If something feels off, speak up. Early intervention can save you from complications later.”

As awareness of PCOS grows, so does the hope that more women will seek help, ask questions and receive the care they deserve.

Aginetta’s story, like many others, is a reminder that what we can’t see is often what matters most.

“PCOS doesn’t define me,” she says. “Yes, I fight it every day. But I’m also learning how to live — really live — with it.”