About the Disease
PCOS, or Polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a condition that mainly
affects women of reproductive age; in this condition, many small
cysts gather inside a woman's ovary and produce the male hormone,
androgens, which gives rise to symptoms such as irregular menstrual
cycles, obesity, polycystic ovaries.
It is one of the most common reproductive health problems that women
face; according to the WHO, today, there are 114 million women
globally who are affected by it, and according to a study, half of
the women with PCOS get diabetes mellitus before turning 40.
There have been studies that women with PCOS are six times more
likely to experience anxiety and depressive episodes compared to
women without PCOS.
In Pakistan, PCOS is at a soaring height of 52%, and even with those
numbers, there's a lack of awareness and familiarity with the
disease, which is usually inbound to shunning discussions around
reproductive health or negligence of healthcare workers towards
reproductive health concerns.
Struggles of Diagnosis
Manal, an extrovert, is a fighter and someone who comes out of an
emotional and physical strain with perseverance and determination.
Manal Azeem had a reputation for being all over the emotional
spectrum, and when she was 16 years old, in 10th grade, she was
diagnosed with PCOS; the news demystified her conduct.
As a student, her struggle with her weight and paying attention in
class burdened her with anxiety over her persona and studies.
The Staircase of Changes
The process towards betterment demanded immense change and devotion,
and Manal had the willpower to overcome her symptoms through daily
exercise, which helped her with her weight loss journey. A change in
diet, with increased proteins and fiber and cutting off dairy
products and carbohydrates, also played a huge role for her.
Additionally, she says that taking care of your mental well-being
and being involved in optimistic activities needs to be on
everyone's A list in the fight against PCOS.
She further says that having a good night's sleep of 8-10 hours has
done wonders with getting her hormones balanced.
Her family has also been a pillar of support for her: in every way,
they had her back.
Unfortunately, PCOS can not be cured entirely, and only its symptoms
are combatted to keep the condition at bay. Exercise, proper diet,
and a well-rested slumber are some recommended easy and effective
ways to get your health on track.
Present
Recently, Manal says that due to her studies and busy schedule, she
sometimes can't get the routine turn-about she wants. She sometimes
falls into a spiral, but her self-belief and ability to start over
have made her even stronger and reassure her that her efforts are
not in vain and that they have made her a whole new person.
She warns that women shouldn't take their health for granted,
whether they have PCOS or not.
"This isn't impossible, it just needs a little effort. Anyone can
fight against this disease if I can."