Empowering Black Women: Understanding How to Better Manage Your PCOS
Let's talk about it! What is "it" exactly? Well, “it”, is a health diagnosis among black women that has been looming over our community for a while Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 5 million women of reproductive age in the United States are affected by this syndrome. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or no periods, excessive hair on the face or body, skin conditions such as acne and skin tags, hair loss (alopecia), reduced fertility, stress, anxiety and depression. In addition to the havoc it reeks on the productive system, it can also cause, weight and sleep problems.
The statistics of this condition within the black community are even more daunting. Studies have shown that PCOS affects women of color more frequently and severely. Because there is a lack of consistency in symptoms and misunderstanding, the diagnosis can be delayed. PCOS also doesn't have a clear consistent pattern in genetic inheritance, so it's hard to predict whether your child will get it or not. Research also showed that Black women with PCOS have higher rates of hirsutism (excessive hair growth), insulin resistance, obesity, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome which includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol (D. Shah, 2022). In addition, Black women with PCOS also have a lower likelihood of getting pregnant (Basile, 2020).
The budding transparency and visibility of this condition has inspired some women in the public eye to voice their own struggles with the condition. This wave of honesty and realness has become pillar in forming solidarity among our community. The more we recognize that we aren't alone, the more prone we are to share our own stories. The latest celebrity to discuss her battle with PCOS is Grammy Award winner Victoria Monet. She recently poked fun at herself on Instagram, when a photo of her surfaced having seemingly gained weight. The singer reposted the photo in good spirits, saying,
"Welp...I gained a lot of weight and it went to a lot of places lol face, arms, tummy, and most effectively, dat a**. I usually am so critical and frustrated by it (PCOS) because it really messed me up, but optimistically, at least now there are two moons on stage".
This kind of light hearted discussion around the condition allows others to feel safer for others to come forward.
IG @Victoriamonet
Other celebs to note who have started advocating for research and cures include actress Keke Palmer and professional dancer/IG influencer Candice Craig. As awareness has increased, there are spaces and resources being created for Black women to learn more about their condition. So while there have been no concrete cures that result in remission there are still ways to better manage the symptoms that are caused by the condition. Here are a few sites and resources to visit for more information. Remember you are not alone!
Living with PCOS: The Road to Reversal
Cysterhood (an app Designed specifically for women with PCOS. The largest community of PCOS women learning to reverse their symptoms and lose weight, gluten & dairy free! )