Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens (male hormones), and many small cysts form on the ovaries. Women with PCOS often struggle with irregular periods, weight gain, and fertility issues.

Root Causes:

Insulin Resistance: Research from the University of Cambridge has found that many women with PCOS have trouble using insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it produces more of it. This can lead to increased androgen production, which interferes with ovulation and causes cysts to form.

Hormonal Imbalance: As with fibroids, high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone can create an environment where the ovaries produce more male hormones.Studies from University of Michigan show that this hormonal imbalance plays a big role in PCOS.

Genetics: PCOS can run in families. If your mother or sister has it, you may be at a higher risk too. Research from University of Southern California has uncovered several genes that may be involved.

Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is also linked to PCOS. When your body is constantly in an inflamed state, it can lead to an increase in androgens, which worsens PCOS symptoms. University of Pittsburgh researchers have found this connection through blood studies.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are chemical messengers that control many important functions in the body, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. A hormonal imbalance occurs when you have too much or too little of a certain hormone, causing disruptions in your body's normal functions.

Root Causes:

Stress: Chronic stress can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can throw off other hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. Researchers at University of California, Berkeley have found that stress can lead to disruptions in menstrual cycles and even fertility issues.

Thyroid Issues: The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that controls your metabolism and other vital processes. When it doesn’t function properly, it can affect your hormone levels, leading to imbalances. Studies from Johns Hopkins University have shown that conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause irregular periods, fatigue, and weight gain.

Diet: A poor diet, especially one high in sugar and processed foods, can spike insulin levels and disrupt hormone production. Researchers from Harvard University found that women who eat a balanced, whole-food diet have fewer issues with hormonal imbalances.

Birth Control Pills: While they’re often used to regulate hormones, long-term use of birth control pills can sometimes disrupt the body’s natural hormone levels. Studies from University of Toronto have explored the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the body's balance of estrogen and progesterone.

When conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances are left untreated, they can lead to a range of physical and mental challenges that deeply affect your overall health and well-being. The symptoms and complications you experience not only impact your body but also touch on your emotional health and personal relationships, especially in the context of a marriage and family life.

Physically, the effects of these conditions can be draining. You might notice chronic pain, particularly in your lower abdomen or pelvis, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities. The discomfort often intensifies during your menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming so severe that it interrupts your ability to work, exercise, or engage in social activities. Heavy menstrual bleeding is another common symptom, especially if you have fibroids. This can result in anemia, making you feel constantly tired, weak, or dizzy. The ongoing blood loss not only reduces your energy but could also leave you more vulnerable to infections.

For women with untreated PCOS, conceiving can become a challenge due to irregular or absent ovulation. Similarly, fibroids can interfere with your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, as they may block your fallopian tubes or distort the shape of your uterus. Unfortunately, these obstacles to fertility are not just medical but deeply emotional, especially if you’re trying to start or expand your family.

Weight gain can also become an issue, particularly with PCOS, as it often leads to insulin resistance, a condition that makes it difficult to manage your weight and puts you at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Over time, untreated hormonal imbalances can contribute to other serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even an increased risk of heart disease. The physical changes don’t stop there—PCOS may cause changes in your skin and hair as well, leading to acne, excessive hair growth on your face or body, or thinning hair on your scalp. These physical symptoms can erode your self-esteem, making you feel disconnected from your body and your sense of self.

The mental health toll is just as significant. Living with persistent pain, infertility, or unexpected physical changes can leave you feeling overwhelmed and depressed. It’s not uncommon for women in your situation to struggle with anxiety, constantly worrying about when the next bout of pain will strike or whether your body will ever function the way it once did. You might also experience mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations, which can make it difficult to maintain emotional balance, both in your personal life and within your family. All of this can lead to stress and burnout, especially when you’re trying to juggle the demands of your health with everyday responsibilities like work, caregiving, or household chores.

As these conditions progress, the impact on your marriage and family life becomes more pronounced, particularly within a Nigerian family context, where societal expectations around marriage and fertility are often heightened. If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse, this could affect your intimacy with your spouse, leading to feelings of frustration or emotional distance. Fertility struggles are particularly sensitive, as the pressure to have children can create tension within your marriage. Family members, especially in-laws, may unintentionally add to this pressure by expressing concerns or offering unsolicited advice, further complicating an already stressful situation.

Financial strain can also play a role, as the cost of treating fibroids, ovarian cysts, or managing PCOS may become burdensome for your family. While healthcare options in Nigeria might not always be affordable, the ongoing expenses for medication, doctor’s visits, or potential surgeries can cause additional stress on your household finances.

The emotional distance that might grow between you and your loved ones is another important factor to consider. Chronic pain and fatigue can make it difficult to engage fully with your family, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or withdrawal. You may feel as though you’re not able to be as present or active in your relationships as you would like, and this can strain your bond with your spouse or children. If you’re already a parent, you may find that caring for your children while dealing with your symptoms becomes overwhelming, affecting your ability to keep up with their needs or activities.

In some cases, your spouse may also struggle emotionally, feeling helpless as they watch you cope with the physical and emotional effects of your condition. This can lead to additional stress within the marriage, as both partners try to navigate the challenges together. In a Nigerian family, where extended family often plays a significant role, there may be added pressure from in-laws or other relatives who don’t fully understand the complexities of fibroids, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances. The societal stigma surrounding women’s reproductive health can make it difficult to have open conversations about your struggles, leaving you feeling unsupported or judged.

Untreated, these conditions not only put your physical health at risk but can also undermine the harmony in your home. The pressure to conceive, care for your family, and meet societal expectations, all while managing your symptoms, can be overwhelming. But understanding the root causes and seeking treatment can help you regain control of your body, protect your relationships, and restore balance to your life. Taking care of your health isn’t just about alleviating pain or addressing symptoms—it’s about nurturing yourself so that you can thrive both physically and emotionally, for yourself and for those who depend on you.